May Day Art Party for Haiti
May 1st 2010 7-11pm
The international response to the January earthquake in Haiti and its aftermath has been inspiring and unprecedented. There are countless examples of heroism and sacrifice as the country begins to rise from the rubble. Though the disaster struck months ago, in many ways the nation’s recovery from this crisis is still in its early stages. In a historically disadvantaged and largely deforested country, there are tens of thousands of people still displaced and living in makeshift camps, with the rainy season upon them and the hurricane season not far behind. The threat of disease is imminent and additional hardship is almost a foregone conclusion.
From 7 to 11pm on May 1st 2010, Composition Gallery will host "May Day Art Party for Haiti", featuring a silent art auction, food and drink, and music. All proceeds will benefit the Jenkins/Penn Haitian Relief Organization.
The Jenkins/Penn Haitian Relief Organization was born out of Sean Penn's efforts to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina and philanthopist Diana Jenkins' struggles in her native Bosnia. J/P HRO is based on the ground in Haiti. They have a large network of doctors and emergency management volunteers at their disposal, as well as a deep roster of influential contacts across government, non-governmental and international agencies, which has proved extremely beneficial in cutting through the bureaucracy that naturally comes with a relief effort. Their mission is to save lives and bring relief to the Haitian people quickly and effectively. J/P HRO harnesses the power of 21st century technology, a vast network of contacts and volunteers, fundamental emergency response techniques, and community organizing skills to bring about positive change in Haiti.