Angelenos from every corner packed an unassuming Haitian restaurant in Echo Park in support of Haitian relief efforts Thursday night.

George Laguerre is the owner of TiGeorge's Chicken in Echo Park. The restaurant has become a neighborhood favorite for Echo Park residents, downtown business people and those in search of an authentic Caribbean meal.

In the wake of the devastating earthquake in Haiti this week, Laguerre held a benefit dinner, of which all the proceeds will be donated to support relief efforts. Laguerre, with the help of friends, also accepted donations to be channeled to the island by Yéle Haiti, a relief fund founded by Haitian-American musician, Wyclef Jean.

Supporters arrived throughout the evening to enjoy the Caribbean cuisine and make donations. Others arrived with bags of canned goods, bottled water and clothing, which continually filled the restaurant's conference room as the night wore on.

Around 8 p.m. the chicken ran out and Laguerre determined that donation totals had reached $14,000. He said, regardless of numbers, he was pleased by the community support.

"This cannot solve the problem that exists in Haiti. But, it symbolizes something. It is a gesture to show that TiGeorge in Los Angeles made a difference."

The restaurant was filled with people, many of them Haitian-Americans, who have created homes and communities in the U.S.

Clelie Voltaire received news this week, that multiple family members were killed in their home in Haiti. She said, despite the tragedy, she was heartened by the amount of support in her Los Angeles home.

"I lost all my family in Haiti but I still have sisters and brothers here," Voltaire said.

Carmel Pradel was encouraged by the support but said she wished more people were aware of her home country, its people and the issues they face. "Haiti would be a different place if more people knew about the country," she said.

Laguerre agreed that there should be more global awareness of Haiti. He said the country is too often cast in a negative light but he said he believes this week's tragedy has opened the eyes of many.

"This is a country that really needs help. Let's really, truly give Haiti the help that it deserves."

Laugerre has family in Haiti whom he has been unable to contact. He is planning to travel to the island next week in search of his loved ones.