Jamaican-Floridian Raises funds for Hurricane Relief

After Hurricane Melissa, Lorna Owens is working to help. She’s raising money for groups that provide food, water, adn medicine to those in need. It’s a personal mission for the Jamaican living in Florida.

Owens wants to support her home country after the hurricane struck on October 28. she didn’t just want to pray, though.She felt called to do something.

“When I heard the hurricane was heading for Jamaica, I prayed a lot,” Owens told Vatican News. “But we knew it’d be bad. My heart told me I had to get involved, too.”

She partnered with chef Hari Prapaka to find a way to help through food. That’s how “One Love Supper” for Jamaica began.

Chef Prapaka is a James Beard Foundation finalist. Together, they’re organizing a fundraising dinner on November 30. Restaurants in DeLand and Orlando, florida, will serve island-inspired food, play reggae music, and display Jamaican tourism posters.

the restaurants aren’t Jamaican-owned,but the menus will be. All the money raised-100%-will go to World Central Kitchen and Global Empowerment Movement. Owens is currently in jamaica, reporting on the situation firsthand.

She’s seen the damage and the resilience of the people. It’s strengthened her resolve to help.”I’m just trying to do my part,” she says.

You can find more information about World Central Kitchen here and Global Empowerment Movement here.