Fund raiser planned for Puerto Rico earthquake relief on Feb. 9

Portions of Puerto Rico have been devastated by more than 950 earthquakes since the beginning of 2020 – nearly six weeks of constant earth-shattering tremors.

As a Warwick resident of Puerto Rican descent, Frances Bachmann found that she could not simply sit idly by as her ancestral home falls apart. Instead, she is hosting a Puerto Rico earthquake relief fundraiser at Coquito, 31 Forester Ave., Warwick, on Sunday, Feb. 9, from noon-5 p.m.

"This is not the first time Puerto Rico has needed our help," Bachmann said in an email exchange with The Warwick Advertiser. "In 2017, I hosted a Puerto Rico Hurricane Maria relief fund raiser at Coquito. With the help and generosity of the Warwick community, we were able to raise almost $9,000. Those funds were donated to Hispanic Federation, Inc."

Proceeds from this fund raiser will go to World Central Kitchen-PR, which was created by Chef José Andrés. World Central Kitchen is a not-for-profit non-governmental organization devoted to providing meals in the wake of natural disasters. Founded in 2010 by celebrity chef José Andrés, the organization prepares food to those affected by natural disasters around the world.

WCK was present in Puerto Rico in less than 24 hours after the 6.2 magnitude earthquake hit last month. They served food to both those affected and the volunteers.

Admission to the Coquito fund raiser is $20, which includes 10 tricky tray raffle tickets. Entertainment includes master of ceremonies Rhina Valentin from OPEN on Bronxnet, DJ Famoso, Hausoframos Drag Diva's, Bmagic, hip-hip artist Miranda Writes, Spoken Word poetry by Daniel Villegas and tarot card reader Liz.

Tickets can be purchased at Coquito, Sun Indulgence Tanning Salon at 125 Route 94, Warwick, and Lotus Yoga Loft, 692 County Route 1, Pine Island.