By Ata Nchomba
The Cameroon community in Houston, under the umbrella of Cameroon American Community of Houston (CAMCOH) was celebrating its 3rd annual thanksgiving and cultural festival at Royal Palace Hall on Bissonnet Street when a Mitsubishi Eclipse caught fire. The car belonged to Ms Evodie E.C, a student at Prairie View A & M University.
Ms Evodie was enjoying the festival with other fellow Cameroonians while her car was burning at the parking lot. “There is smoke in the parking lot. It looks like someone’s car is burning,” cried one of the event attendees. The festive crowd rushed to the parking lot to see the burning car despite a warning from Mr. Henri Consty, the co-MC, that those who were not concerned stay in the hall.
Ms Evodie's Mitsubishi Eclipse caught fire from a shorted battery
A young Cameroonian had rushed out with a fire extinguisher to put out the fire. A few minutes later a fire truck arrived and firemen flushed out the burning vehicle. Hot vapor spewed in the air as Cameroonians watch in awe. Ms Evodie was distraught as she helplessly witness firemen douse her burning car. When asked, what caused the fire, Ms Evodie responded that the car battery sparked and caused fire. The firemen, according to Mr. Chi Nche, reported that the battery was not properly strapped; hence it shorted and sparked fire.
The cultural event had to continue, so everyone went back the hall – including Ms Evodie. A few minutes later, Bendrix Tabu, another MC for the ceremony, announced that a young Cameroonian student who drove from Prairie View to attend the cultural event has lost her car to a fire, and that Ms Evodie only had liability insurance.
Mr Tabu pleaded to all attendees in the hall to help the young woman get a new a vehicle. Mr Benard Tanyi, who pledged $100, and other senior members of CAMCOH took to the microphone and pleaded that everyone chip-in. Minutes later, people started putting money in a paper tray.
In less than 30 minutes, Mr. Nche, member of the organizing committee of the cultural event, announced that Cameroonians have so far contributed $2,607.00 and that some members have pledged $250.
According to Mr. Nche, CAMCOH will continue to accept contributions to help purchase a car for Ms Evodie. Many in the hall were really touched by the mishap that occurred to a young student. As the organizers counted the contributed money, one Cameroonian boasted: “We should help this young woman with a new car.”
CAMCOH is still accepting donations. To help Ms Evodie get a new car, send your contributions to Mr Nche. He can be reached at 619-807-4660 or nchec@aol.com. For more about CAMCOH, go to http://www.camcoh.org
