Purchase Students Raise Funds for Haiti February 6, Student Center

Struck by the earthquake devastation in Haiti, Purchase College students have rallied together to hold “Haiti Needs Us,” a thirteen- hour fund raising marathon on February 6 beginning at 12:30 PM in the Student Center.

Band performances by campus groups, a rock concert with name bands, a DJ dance party, sales of artwork, a talent auction and food sale are among the many events planned to raise funds for Haiti.

More than 125 students participated in the initial planning session.  They offered their organizational skills, talent as performers, and skills as artists, to pull this event together.  Their aim is to raise as much money in as many different ways as possible.  Proceeds will be donated to the American Red Cross.

The event coordinators are senior Kazeen Famuyide, junior Alexis Betancourt, and junior Laura Montes.  

Student run bands will play hourly throughout the afternoon. A concert in the evening will feature guest artists Pharone Monch and Jean Grae.

A dance party with DJ Ted Smooth of radio station Hot 97.FM will conclude the evening from 10:30 to 1:30 AM.

Donated student art will be sold during the day and a talent auction will have singers, musicians, artists, dancers, and bands, offering their services to raise funds.  There will be raffles of items from local merchants, a Henna tattoo artist, a food sale and a bottled water drive.

The event is free for Purchase students and $15 for off-campus guests.

The food will be $5 per plate.  Questions call 646-709-3836.

Purchase Bands that will play throughout the afternoon include: Amira, Wool Over Eyes, Cammy D, Marcus, Miz Metro, Jason Waters, Under the Rasta Influence, Jhrama & the Sweet Nothings, Olken, Leila, PC Blues,

Maggie & the Hat, Urban Fetch, Menya, Pandha Piranha, Chazz, Great Dane, The buffalo Theory, RJ, and Rap.  In addition a number of solo artists will  perform.

 The event also signals the launch of “Project Haiti” an ongoing educational, and cultural student collaborative headed by Francisco Donoso.  This group will mobilize students to organize educational workshops that celebrate the resilient and unique culture of Haiti. They will hold discussions about Haiti’s history, politics, economy, social climate and its future.

They will also support the organizations doing relief work in Haiti and will hold a series of events to raise funds.  Upcoming plans include a Carnival week with guest performers, a 10K walk, an evening gala featuring participation by students from all the Purchase College School of the Arts Conservatories, art auctions, and benefit concerts.  The group will sell T shirts at the “Haiti Needs Us”event.

Project Haiti coordinators include, Paul Echeverria, Shannon Muir, Kevin Collymore, Gloria Bennett, Rosa Jaffe, Roger Drew, and Tarissa Whitley.

For information on Project Haiti events call 786-395-3212.

More than 50 Purchase students have volunteered to man the various concessions and events during the fund raiser.