This is what we union THUGGS do when something needs to be done

Actress Maria Bello at Teamsters Local 728

When actress Maria Bello told her driver that her charity organization was running low on funds, she probably didn’t expect her driver’s union to help organize a hugely successful fundraiser in less than a month, raising over $30,000 for Haitian women and children. But that’s exactly what happened thanks to Renee Call, a member of Teamsters Local 728.

Renee has been a Teamster for 15 years and she’s been a movie industry driver for five years. She drove Bello for three months while the actress worked on the film Prisoners. Renee, who also sits on the Teamsters Human Rights Commission, says Bello’s charity empowering women and children in Haiti inspired her to act:

I have a Teamster heart and, with that, I saw a need and knew we had to do something. That’s what Teamsters do. We help people. We just do what needs to be done. One of the closest people to an actor is their driver. I heard Maria talk about the charity so much and I knew we could help out. Everyone really came together to make the benefit event a success – Local 728 along with locals 25 in Boston, 480 in Nashville, 667 in Memphis, 745 in Dallas, and the IBT Human Rights Commission.

The event was held at Local 728’s union hall and drew a very impressive turnout of about 300 participants from dozens of other organizations and businesses in the industry. Live Haitian music and dancing followed Bello’s opening remarks, which included a big thanks to the Teamsters.

Bello’s organization, We Advance, works in some of the poorest areas of Haiti outside the reach of many other NGOs. She cofounded the group with Haitian artist and activist Barbara Guillaume to advance the health, safety, and well-being of women in the country. As a grassroots community-based group, We Advance helps train community leaders advocating for better health and education for Haitian women.

An inspiring video featuring We Advance’s work was shown at the benefit in Atlanta and, as Renee says, “there weren’t many dry eyes in the house.” Renee added:

Through the night, we were happy to announce that over $30,000 had been raised. This money will feed and provide medicine and education for thousands of children in Haiti. Thank you, Atlanta, and everyone who came out and those that showed love and support!

Renee, a second generation Teamster, was especially grateful to Local 728 President Randy Brown for helping to make the event happen.

This was really a joint effort and we reached beyond national boundaries to show international solidarity with the poor in Haiti. We banded together and made it happen with only weeks to plan!  That’s something to be proud of!

And remember, THUGGS stands for Those Helpful Teamster Guys and Gals!