The Latin American and Hispanic Student Organization (LAHSO) hosted a fundraiser to help Puerto Rico recover from Hurricane Fiona on the Quad Oct. 3. Proceeds earned from LAHSO’s fundraiser will be donated to the Hispanic Federation’s Hurricane Relief Fund, which has been providing support for any affected by hurricanes in Puerto Rico since 2015.

LAHSO members sold tamales, churros and lemonade for $8 each.

Hurricane Fiona started in Puerto Rico Sept. 13 and lasted until Sept. 24. Many Puerto Ricans are still waiting for power to be restored, according to NPR.

LAHSO leader Nathalie Paniagua ’23 said after hearing of the effects of Hurricane Fiona, the club decided to help the people who are still feeling the effects of the hurricane.

“Just listening to the news and hearing what’s been happening in Puerto Rico especially, we thought that this would be a great time to have [the fundraiser],” Paniagua said. “ It’s been a very big topic in the news right now, but I think that by us having this fundraiser it helps add more emphasis on the importance of helping other people that are suffering through this really tough time of their lives.”

LAHSO Faculty Advisor and Upper School Dean Celso Cárdenas said he is happy with the event’s outcome.

“It was great to see the incredible energy in the Quad on Monday,” Cárdenas said. “So many students came to the tent to purchase these items and contribute to the Hurricane Relief fund. It’s really devastating to see what happens to [Puerto Rico] time and time again. I’m glad LAHSO stepped up to bring awareness and raise funds for this initiative.”

Alexa Benitez ’25 said she thinks the fundraiser did a good job of spreading awareness about the hurricane.

“I’m aware of the damages that Hurricane Fiona brought upon Puerto Rico but I don’t think it’s being talked about enough,” Benitez said. “I asked some people I know if they were informed about the situation but most of them weren’t. But I think that LAHSO brought attention to what’s going on in Puerto Rico. At the booth and on their Instagram they explained what the fundraiser was for. I think that was really helpful for the people who didn’t know what was going on.”