On March 4, 2010, I traveled to Santiago, Chile, to participate in Chile Ayuda a Chile (Chile Helps Chile), a 24-hour television fundraiser that aimed to raise the equivalent of $30 million for earthquake relief. Amazingly, it raised $59 million in an incredible effort that united the whole country.

The beneficiaries of the telethon included Un Techo para Chile, Hogar de Cristo, and Fundación para la Superacion de la Pobreza. These organizations provide housing for the homeless and other humanitarian aid in a compassionate, accountable, and efficient manner.

My first impressions of this trip to Chile are posted here.

For the next six months my foundation accepted charitable contributions dedicated to Chilean earthquake relief. We raised an additional $11,365 and have distributed these funds to Un Techo para Chile; they in turn have provided shelter and other humanitarian services to those in need.

When I arrived in Chile I was heartbroken, but now I am hopeful. Chileans are at their best in times of need. We will recover from the material loss and I hope that we will remain as generous and united as we were after the earthquake.

– Isabel