Honoring 25 Years of Impact and Planting for What’s Next

On March 21, 2026, guests gathered at Englewood Hershey,, for a sold-out Celebration of Hope – an evening rooted in connection, reflection, and a shared commitment to the future of Haiti. The night was filled with meaningful moments from shared meals and conversations to dancing and celebration.

This year’s event also commemorated a major milestone: the 25th Anniversary of Les Bons Samaritains (LBS) School in St. Marc – a moment to celebrate not only how far the mission has come, but the lives that have grown from seeds planted decades ago.

 

From Seed to Harvest

In her remarks, Mortel High Hopes for Haiti Foundation President, Denise Mortel Mitchell, reflected on the vision her father, Dr. Rodrigue Mortel, set in motion over 25 years ago: to break the cycle of poverty through education by nurturing the whole child – body, mind, and heart.

What began as “nothing but dirt, a drawing, and a dream” has grown into a thriving educational system that has served more than 11,000 students and provided over 1.5 million meals.

But the true measure of that impact was at the heart of this year’s celebration: the harvest.

 

The Harvest: Stories of Lives Transformed

Guests heard powerful stories from LBS alumni whose lives embody the mission of the school and Foundation:

• Josué, one of the school’s first kindergarten students, is now a physician serving his community in St. Marc — choosing to stay and give back despite immense challenges.
• Jasmine, an entrepreneur and community builder, supports her family while creating spaces for others in Haiti to find strength and connection.
• Francelin, now a father of two, credits LBS with giving him the foundation to work, provide, and carry forward the values instilled in him as a child.

Each story was a reminder that LBS is more than a school – it is a foundation for dignity, resilience, and purpose.

“Our alumni are not promises – they are proof.” -Denise

 

Hope in the Midst of Hardship

While the evening celebrated growth, it also acknowledged the reality facing Haiti today. Ongoing political instability, economic hardship, and escalating violence have made daily life increasingly fragile – especially for children.

In this context, schools like LBS are more than places of learning – they are safe havens, providing stability, nourishment, and hope.

“This is the soil we are planting in now. Harder and more fragile than 25 years ago. So what do we do? We plant again.” -Denise

 

Planting for the Next 25 Years

Inspired by the stories and the need, guests responded with incredible generosity throughout the evening – participating in the silent auction, raffles, and direct giving.

Together, the community raised over $50,000 in event support and contributions, helping to advance critical investments in student and teacher well-being, including:

• Expanded academic support for students
• Training and resources for teachers
• Increased access to emotional and mental health support

In addition, 10 individuals committed to sponsoring students, providing consistent, life-changing support for children in the Mortel HHH school system.

As we celebrate this 25-year milestone, we are not just honoring what has been accomplished – we are recommitting to what comes next.

The first harvest has shown what is possible. Now, together, we plant again – for the students in classrooms today, and for the generations still to come.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, supported the event, and continues to believe in this mission. Your generosity is what makes this work possible – and what keeps hope growing in Haiti!