TiGeorges LaGuerre has been unable to contact anyone in his homeland since it was struck Tuesday by a magnitude-7 earthquake.
As he waited for information, he conducted a fundraiser Thursday for quake relief. The event at TiGeorges' Chicken restaurant in Echo Park raised about $14,000.
"Haiti is at a point where they really need great help," LaGuerre said. "I don't think Haiti is prepared to deal with disaster of this magnitude. They are really crying out for help."
About 300 people visited TiGeorges' Chicken on Thursday night to donate money.
"We raised somewhere in the neighborhood of $14,300," LaGuerre said. "We are going to have another fundraiser on Saturday."
The 56-year-old LaGuerre moved to the United States 39 years ago. He is from Port-de-Paix, about six hours from the densely populated capital of Port- au-Prince. The quake's epicenter was 10 to 15 miles southwest of the capital city, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
LaGuerre said a two-story building in which his cousin lived collapsed. As for his brother, he has not heard from him.
LaGuerre said the money raised at TiGeorges' Chicken will go to Yele Haiti, a foundation founded by musician and rap artist Wyclef Jean in 2005.
TiGeorges' Chicken is at 309 Glendale Blvd., south of Echo Lake.
NBCLA and Telemundo Los Angeles are sponsoring "Hope For Haiti," three drive-through fundraising events that will raise money for the Haitian relief efforts of the American Red Cross and Operation USA. Here's the schedule:
- Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.: Auto Club Speedway, 9300 Cherry Avenue, Fontana
- Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.: The Rose Bowl, 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena
- Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Location to be determined
