WPCNR MAIN STREET JOURNAL. January 24, 2008: The Hispanic Business & Professional Association of Westchester County honored Gregorio Malena, Vice Consul of the Dominican Republic Mission to the United Nations last night at the Prophecy Club, and Vice Consul Melena thanked the White Plains Business community and Common Councilman Glen Hockley for continuing the drive to support the victims of the Dominican floods last fall.

United for Dominican Republic Relief Effort, far left, Reverend Miguel Amadis of Washington Heights; third from left, Leonardo Espinol, Dominican business man, resident of White Plains; Councilman Glen Hockley, third from right. Vice Consul Gregorio Malena, center, next to Mr. Hockley. Hosting the party were Dan Couglin, owner of Prophesy, with his wife, far right.

Five truckloads of nonperishable food and supplies have been collected through the facilities of Aries Wine & Spirits and delivered and distributed through the auspices of the First Lady of the Dominican Republic, Vice Consul Melena told WPCNR. The food drive is continuing. It was also announced that the  Dominican Independence Day would be celebrated in White Plains February 23 to continue to focus attention on the Domincan Republic need. So far the Vice Consul said some 200 homes have been rebuilt (thanks to  Mayor Michael Bloomberg-spearheaded relief effort) for the 70,000 residents displaced by the floods. He said the Republic has pulled together behind its President. He thanked Mr. Hockley and the White Plains community for their support of the effort, but the country is still in need of food supplies and relief and construction help.

To inquire how you can help and what can be donated contact Mr. Hockley or Aries Wine Spirits at 914-946-0191.