With the world's attention on the earthquake-ravaged island of Haiti, the Albanian-American community came together in support of friends and countrymen who are facing their own catastrophe: a devastating flood that has forced more than 5,400 people from their homes.

Several hundred turned out for a fundraiser at Maestro's Catering Hall on Bronxdale Avenue, on January 17, and according to organizers, the event raised $110,000. The event was attended by local officials like Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) and Assemblyman Michael Benadetto (D-Bronx). Ferit Hoxha, the Permanent Representative of Albania to the United Nations, was also in attendance.

According to Morris Park businessman Mark Gjonaj, the vice president of the Church Council for The Shkodra Church in Hartsdale, New York, "The event was planned prior to the tragedy in Haiti. It's been almost three weeks that the flooding has been steadily occurring."

According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, 2,500 homes were at least partially flooded and 25,000 acres of land have been affected. Gjonaj explained, "It was a steady rain, it was warm weather that melted the snow in the mountains and it was a high tide.

"We were fortunate," Gjonaj says, "that we had no deaths in this tragedy," as the Albanian government forced evacuations of the affected area.

Both Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., and Councilman Jimmy Vacca (D-District 13) were unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts but called offering support. Ferit Hoxha said of the disaster, "This has been a very extraordinary situation. There has been flooding in those areas before in Albania, but never like this."

Hoxha continued, "We're very glad that the Albanian community in New York City, particularly in the Bronx … they show this feeling of sympathy not only in words but in deeds, which brings encouragement to these people; that will help them get out from under this difficult situation."

Those wishing to donate money to the victims of the Albanian flood can do so by calling Our Lady of Shkodra Church at (914) 761-3523.