On-the-scene reports of earthquake relief efforts in Haiti are increasingly moving off the evening news, but a Boulder benefit this Friday night plans to raise money with all proceeds going to the Haiti Relief and Development Fund of the American Red Cross.
The fund-raiser, organized by Boulder residents Mike and Caron Ellis with a group of volunteers, is calling itself the ABCDEFG Haiti — short for the Amazing Boulder Carnival Dance and Earthquake Fund Gathering for Haiti.
That might be a mouthful, but for a $25 donation, you get in the door to a night full of music, a silent and live auction and gourmet food prepared by Tom McNeill, owner and executive chef of The Gourmet Cowboy in Vail.
Rockin’ Robin Abb, who organizes Niwot’s Rhythm on the Rails, is the event’s special host.
Dr. Clayton Harper, a dental surgeon who recently returned from Haiti, will be a guest speaker at the event with a photo slide show provided by Dr. Jim Sears of “The Doctors” TV show about his recent mission to the country.
The fun gathering runs from 7 to midnight at the Boulder Elks Lodge, 3975 25th St., and tickets are available online at www.ABCDEFGHaiti.com. If you can’t attend the event, you can also make donations directly on the site.
Caron Ellis said she and her husband, with the help of several volunteers, have pulled the event together in less than a month, forming a nonprofit so they could move the proceeds easily to the Red Cross.
All of the performers, who include Chris Daniels, Ayo Awoskia, Jaden, Megan Burtt, Rob Drabki, Kyle James Hauser and others, are donating their time. There will also be face painting by Eydie Cady, palm readings by Mryna Lou Goldbaum and caricatures by Ken Crouse. Auctioneer Glenn Locke will lead the live auction, which will include a year of Comcast Triple Play service, courside Nuggets tickets, an electric bike and more.
The Carnival is a major holiday for Haiti, and now you can enjoy the costume contest, dancing and cash bar at the Mardi Gras-themed fund-raiser for just $25 on Friday night, Feb. 19.