New Orleans dinner aids Jamaica hurricane relief efforts

All proceeds will go towards Hurricane Melissa relief in Jamaica.

The venue’s owner, Joel Hitchcock says he knows it’s a drop in the bucket, but he’s happy to help however he can.

“Each drop for an individual person goes a long way, and since this money is going to a direct contact on the ground for flooding in the community, Jamaica, those drops will make a big difference for the people that get the funds and their immediate community,” Hitchcock said.

Co-owner of Johnny’s Jamaican grill, Adam Haughton, cooked at the event. He has family in Jamaica and says he has been nervous for them ever since he first heard of Hurricane Melissa.

“I was up for thinking a lot because first time category 5, you know, that is something different because when I see the eye, it’s almost bigger in Jamaica. I keep in touch with them every 15, 20 minutes,” Haughton said.

Chef Wayne Williams with 14 Parishes also has family in Jamaica who have been dealing with power outages since Melissa made landfall.

His biggest concern is that many are still recovering from previous storms.

“A lot of those same people who are being affected by this have not recovered from Beryl,” Williams said.

Both chefs are hopeful for the recovery and thankful that New Orleans is willing to help its Jamaican friends.

“I feel very excited. I’m excited to be a part of it,” Haughton said.

“Applaud the people, man. Blessings. I appreciate this,” Williams said.

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