Celebrity photographer Nigel Barker (best known for his seat at the "America's Next Top Model" judging table) recently hosted the Rebuild Haiti benefit for Concern Worldwide and the Edeyo Foundation at 1Oak, arguably one of the toughest doors in NYC.
"The turnout is great," Barker boasted. "People are here, they're asking questions, they're conscientious about the subject matter. ... It's unlike most events where people come to be seen and have a drink, and thank God because the money we raise tonight will help the people [in Haiti] tomorrow."
Barker, a spokesperson for Edeyo, was in the disaster-struck island shooting "Haiti: Hunger and Hope" in 2008 and has been personally affected by the unfortunate events in the poverty stricken country.
"People make an average of $1 a day in Haiti," he continued, "so the money really goes far."
Before the event even began Nigel, and the foundation he represents, had already raised $30,000 and would be closing the night with a guaranteed $10,000 more just by having people walk through the door. Not to mention big-ticket items offered as part of a silent auction donated by the likes of SoHo House, Vera Wang and the new Andaz Wall Street.
Barker went on to address the crowd, giving a heartfelt speech defending the people of Haiti.
"I'm a father of two children and happily married, and if anything happened to them -- if I lost everything -- I might also behave in a way that isn't that attractive," he said. "These people are very desperate and, quite frankly, I think they've behaved extraordinarily well considering the circumstances."
