PHOTOS: 'Silence Of The Lambs' Director Helps Raise Money For Haitian Students

Supporters were in Mahwah Sunday for a fundraiser to help two Haitian students continue to study at .

, an event held on the campus Sunday, asked residents to donate to the school’s Haiti Scholarship fund, and enjoy a day of Haitian culture through film, art, food and a silent auction.

In addition to the guests of honor, Clifford Denis and Roselaure Charles, who are the recipients of the Haiti Scholarship, the event attracted well-known supporters of Haitian charities.

Academy Award winning director Jonathan Demme, who is best known for directing films like The Silence of the Lambs, Philadelphia and Rachel Getting Married, was on hand Sunday to introduce a documentary he made about the students’ home country. A screening of Demme’s 2003 film The Agronomist, which tells the story of Haitian radio pioneer Jean Dominique, was a part of Sunday’s event.

Demme, who school officials say has been a “great supporter” of the Haitian Scholarship Fund, introduced his film, and mingled with guests and the two Haitian students.

The school is working to raise about $28,000 to cover the room and board costs for both students to continue to live on campus next year. Find out more about Denis and Charles .