HIGHWOOD, IL – Gabe’s Backstage Lounge was the place to go Saturday night (February 6)  for good works and great fun as the band Not for Profit  (http://www.nfp-rocks.com) partnered with Highland Park’s Emergency Relief Task Force to raise money for Haitian Earthquake Relief.  Lake County Board Member Anne Flanigan Bassi and Highland Park City Council Member Nancy Rotering spoke to the packed house about Highland Park’s Haitian relief efforts and thanked the band and Gabe’s for their partnership in the effort.  The generosity of the audience was overwhelming with $2,700 raised for the relief effort, including a $1,000 matching contribution by band members.
 
The fun and fund-raising continues this Saturday, February 13, with a rockin’ concert by Dr. Mark and the Sutures at the Highland Park Community House, 1991 Sheridan Road, Highland Park from 6 - 10 p.m.   Highland Park residents are encouraged to bring their dancing shoes, appetites and hearts!  Celebrate Valentine's Day and, by contributing to the relief effort, make a difference to the victims in Haiti who continue to suffer.   The concert, dessert and flowers for ladies are free.  Donations to Highland Park's Haitian Earthquake Relief effort will be greatly appreciated.

The Highland Park Emergency Relief Task Force, which was originally created for Hurricane Katrina relief, consists of City, Township, County and State elected officials, School Board members, Park District Commissioners, representatives of the Chamber of Commerce, civic organizations and concerned citizens.  The Task Force mobilizes to provide a means for individual and corporate citizens to channel their relief efforts. 

The magnitude of the Haitian tragedy is heartbreaking.  Contributions of any size are appreciated.  Checks payable to:  The Highland Park Community Foundation should be mailed to: 
 
The Highland Park Community Foundation
P.O. Box 398
Highland Park, IL 60035
 
Donations marked “Haitian Earthquake Relief” will be used solely for this effort.
NOTE: Haitian Earthquake Relief contributions are deductible on 2009 federal income tax returns
 
The Highland Park Community Foundation http://www.hpcommunityfoundation.com, a charter Task Force member, will find the most effective way to deliver ongoing help to Haiti and provide a tax-deductible 501(c)(3) vehicle for donors to be assured that 100% of their contributions will go directly toward Haitian earthquake relief. 
 
As the long-term needs of the humanitarian effort in Haiti evolve, ongoing needs will be re-assessed by the Task Force and Foundation through a variety of resources, including communication with the Haitian Consulate.  Please join the effort!

For more information, visit  http://www.cityhpil.com, or contact Anne Flanigan Bassi at (847) 432-6291.

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