Caught Caring: Jayneoni Moore and Playdate for Haiti
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With well over 100,000 confirmed dead, millions injured or displaced and untold others missing, the Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti is unquestionably one of the largest natural disasters in modern history.
Some of the hardest hit by the tragedy are those least equipped to handle its dangerous aftermath; An estimated 380,000 children were orphans beforehand according to UNICEF, and scores more have been rendered just that as a result of the 7.0 quake.
With their needs in mind, Jayneoni Moore hosted the Playdate for Haiti last week at The Playroom in Sherman Oaks, Calif. Co-sponsored by the Jayneoni Moore Children’s Fund, Project Nursery, Mustela and Nourish, celebrity moms were on hand to pack 25 boxes bound for Haitian orphanages filled with diapers, clothing, formula and water. The supplies were donated by fellow moms from across the country.
 Marissa Jaret Winokur, Zev Miller, Constance Marie, Michaela Zee, Ming-Na — Gina Lee Photography |
Click below to hear Ming-Na and Nicole Sullivan explain why they chose to help.
Stargate Universe star Ming-Na said she hoped their efforts would have a lasting effect not only on the children of Haiti, but also on her own daughter Michaela, 9. “I wanted [her] to understand that we all can help out those in need,” Ming-Na explained to Celebrity Baby Blog. “It doesn’t matter how young you are, or how far away the problem is.” She added,
“Every little bit helps when you give of yourself. It’s not always about just donating money, but also donating your time and effort and heart.”
Rita Rocks star Nicole Sullivan said that since welcoming sons Dashel Pierce, 2 ½, and Beckett Edward, 5 months, her emotional response to international tragedies like the Haiti earthquake is heightened. “Being a mom has opened up all the nerve endings in my body when it comes to watching families suffer,” she reveals. “It physically hurts to hear stories of parents losing their children, or stories of kids losing limbs or suffering head injuries.”
 Renee Baio, Nicole Sullivan, Beckett Packham — Gina Lee Photography |
The packages are about more than their contents, however, according to Nicole. “I hope with each box of diapers or blankets they receive, they realize that American moms are invested in making their lives just a little more comfortable,” she explains. “We are sending everything we can to help.” She adds,
“If I could send a box of hugs, I would do that too. But then again, hugs don’t keep their butts dry. Playdate for Haiti was a positive experience for all of us involved. And I hope it makes even a small bit of difference.”
Joining Ming-Na and Nicole were fellow celebrity moms Constance Marie, Renee Baio and Marissa Jaret Winokur.
 Marissa Jaret Winokur — Gina Lee Photography |
For a list of charities working to help the people of Haiti, click here.
