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The Harvard for Haiti benefit concert, Sanders Theatre. The Caribbean Club Dance Team performs “Simplement Danse,” choreographed by Akilah Crichlow ’10.News Office
Jon Chase/Harvard Staff Photographer
Campus & Community
Nearly $37K raised for Haiti
Student benefit concert results in sold-out show
The vibrant, dynamic performances at the Harvard for Haiti concert on Feb. 12 made for a stark contrast with the reality of the Jan. 12 earthquake disaster in Haiti. But Harvard College students raised almost $37,000 at their sold-out benefit show at Sanders Theatre.
The production was wholly underwritten by Harvard University, meaning all of the money raised will go to Partners In Health, a Harvard-affiliated nongovernmental organization that has been working in Haiti for more than 20 years.
The concert, produced and performed by the students, featured performances that were varied in style but uniformly moving. Violinist Ryu Goto ’10 played with such passion that he frayed his bow.
The Pan-African Dance and Music Ensemble got the audience moving and clapping along in their seats during a performance of “Drum Call.” Following a reflection by Harvard College Dean Evelynn Hammonds, the Kuumba Singers ended the evening with modern and traditional gospel songs about community and resilience.
Sanders was filled to the rafters, as President Drew Faust noted in her welcoming remarks. But the audience extended far beyond the theater, as almost 3,500 watched live via Webcast. The online audience donated to the cause via the Harvard for Haiti Web site.
After the concert, the Student Alliance for Global Health hosted a reception at the Queen’s Head Pub in Harvard Yard to help concertgoers learn more about the health implications of the disaster and what else they can do get involved.
The University has established a relief fund for Harvard faculty and staff directly affected by the earthquake in Haiti. Donations can be made online, in person, or by mail through the Harvard Credit Union.
Harvard for Haiti Benefit Concert Photos by Jon Chase/Harvard Staff Photographer
Classic moment
The Harvard for Haiti Benefit Concert at Sanders Theatre included student performers from across campus. Ryu Goto ’11 performs Paganiniana Variations for Solo Violin.
Magic in motion
The Caribbean Club Dance Team performs “Simplement Danse,” choreographed by Akilah Crichlow ’10.
HHI, iPhone connection
Michael VanRooyen, director of the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, addressed the audience … also mentioning a special iPhone app that was used in the rescue effort.
Moore’s dance
Merritt Moore ’10 performs a dance titled “A Day Without Rain” to the capacity crowd at Sanders Theatre.
Kuumba contribution
The Harvard for Haiti Benefit Concert at Sanders Theatre included the Kuumba Singers of Harvard College.
Piano man
Charlie Albright ’11 performs two pieces during the benefit concert.
