NORTH MIAMI, Fla., Oct. 12 (UPI) -- The city of North Miami, Fla., raised more than $100,000 for Haitian earthquake relief but so far has failed to send the money, city officials acknowledge.
When they began soliciting donations, residents and business owners were told the money would be given to the American Red Cross, The Miami Herald reported Monday. Donors are angry their contributions, a total of $116,300, is in a city bank account more than two months after the Haitian-born mayor, Andre Pierre, gave Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive a ceremonial check for $200,000 -- more than the city had collected but uncashable.
"I would say we were misled," said Julia Essman, owner of an auto supply shop who gave $200. "I was told the money would be going to the Red Cross. I don't understand why my money didn't get forwarded to the people they said they would forward it to."
Sam Tidwell, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross, said the organization was not notified North Miami was collecting money in its name.
Pierre says he has delayed giving the money because of concerns about how it would be used. He said he and other officials want it to go to those who need it and not to overhead.
The city council was expected to discuss the money Tuesday evening.
