Wednesday, January 27, 2010

A Massive Outpouring of Help for Haiti

Photos courtesy of The Global Syndicate.


IN the new testament, the Apostle Paul admonishes the Thessalonians (and anyone reading his words these many years later) not to grow weary of well-doing. At the moment the world seems to be heeding his words, especially as it relates to Haiti.

There is an abundance of fundraisers to help the long-beleaguered Caribbean nation recover from the devastation caused by that earthquake earlier this month. And aware of how often in such circumstances aid meant for the needy can be gobbled up by “administrative costs,” donors are pointedly indicating that all proceeds will go to relief.

In the United States alone, many efforts: traditional (telethons, bake sales) and inspired (Students at Dartmouth for Haiti Relief [SDHR]) and heartbreakingly touching (the boy who sent his allowance to President Barack Obama) and gimmicky (Sunday’s 40 in 4 Haiti Relief Fundraiser in Long Beach California).

During Sunday’s 52nd Annual Grammy Awards on CBS, a segment dedicated to Haiti relief will feature Mary J. Blige and Andrea Bocelli performing Simon and Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water." The duet will be available for download at iTunes.com/Target following the show. Proceeds will go to the American Red Cross relief program.

With the second largest Haitian population in the States (Miami is first), New York is doing its part, of course. One of the latest efforts is tomorrow’s (28 January, 6 p.m. cocktails/ 7 p.m. program) ANSWERING THE CALL: A Fundraising Initiative Benefiting Earthquake Victims in Haiti, presented by The Global Syndicate & partners at the nightspot, M2 Ultra Lounge. Tickets start at $25.

Answering the Call won’t attract the galaxy of stars that the $60 million and counting “Hope for Haiti” telethon did last week, but it has marquee names in the form of Matt Dillon, Gloria Reuben and Eddie George. New York Gov. David Patterson and newly elected City Comptroller John Liu are listed as “honorary elected hosts.”

Details are sketchy, but organizers have indicated that there will be performances. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, Project Medishare, Haiti Support Project and Wyclef Jean’s Yele Haiti.

Learn more about The Global Syndicate and "Answering the Call" at www.theglobalsyndicate.org, including ticket prices/purchases and how to donate to Haiti relief. M2 Ultra Lounge is located at 530 W. 28th St.

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