U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tn., a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, will be the keynote speaker at an annual benefit sponsored by the Children’s Nutrition Program of Haiti in Chattanooga on Friday evening.
The benefit entitled “Haiti: Lives in the Balance” will offer a look at the organization’s community-based programs that are saving and transforming the lives of children and families under third world conditions.
The event takes place at the Chattanooga African American Museum from 6-8:30 p.m.
Sen. Corker credits a church mission trip to Haiti 25 years ago with leading him to public service. In October 2007, Mr. Corker returned to Haiti, this time with a congressional delegation to explore various humanitarian, economic and environmental preservation initiatives.
Despite having a beneficial trade relationship with the U.S., Haiti remains the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.
“There are many, many needs in Haiti and the difficulties are complex and deeply rooted, but I think where we have to focus is on stimulating economic growth,” said Sen. Corker. “That’s what can most immediately impact their standard of living and ensure that Haiti continues to have a democratically elected, stable government.”