Highland Park concert benefits Haiti earthquake survivors
01/27/2010
Proceeds to go to three charities
Jan. 27, 2009 – Highland Park’s Human Relations Commission is sponsoring a concert to benefit the survivors of the Jan. 12 earthquake that devastated Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
Sing for the Children of Haiti is at 7 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 30 at Highland Park High School, 102 N. Fifth Ave. Admission is $15 for adults and $5 for children. The proceeds will be divided between Yele Haiti, Beyond Borders and Partners in Health.
These charities were selected because officials are expected to send 90 percent of their donations to Haiti, said Jenni Chapman, co-coordinator of the event with Sheila Shukla.
“We wanted to make sure the money goes to Haiti and the funds will be funneled very quickly,” Chapman said.
The following groups are expected to perform: the John Bianculli Jazz Group, Amandala, an all-girl student choir, A cappella Anonymous, a co-ed student choir, Jess Nolan and a bluegrass band.
There will also be a bake sale and auction that night, when items such as piano lessons, one-of-a-kind art and kitchen and bath fixtures will be up for bid.
Highland Park Council President Elise Foster-Dublin, who serves as the council liaison for the Human Relations Commission, said the concert, bake sale and auction are the least the community can do.
“It’s a humanitarian cause. It’s giving back to people who are less fortunate that we are,” she said. “This event will provide money for fresh water, food and medicine for the people of Haiti.”
Foster-Dublin said Highland Park residents have approached her about helping the Haitian survivors, so she knew something needed to happen in the borough.
Chapman said she’s learned so much about Haiti in planning the benefit concert.
“It’s horrible that we have to do this, but it’s been a great community experience. I’m learning more about Haiti than I ever would have,” she said.