Fundraisers to Help Haiti

Events on Friday and Saturday will be raising funds for Haitian earthquake victims. Tulane Latin American studies groups are holding a party and raffle, while the New Orleans Opera and symphony are giving free concert tickets to students donating to relief efforts.

Three Tulane organizations are joining together to host a Pachanga en el Patio (a pachanga is a party or celebration) at 4:30 p.m. today (Jan. 22) at the Jones Hall Patio on the uptown campus. The event offers refreshments and live music, and it doubles as a fundraiser for Haitian relief efforts.

The party includes a raffle with prizes such as a certificate for a brunch at Commander's Palace, a free haircut at the Paris-Parker Salon in the Lavin-Bernick Center and a $30 gift certificate to Zara's Little Giant Supermarket on Prytania Street.

Money raised will go to Partners in Health. Sponsors of the event are the Tulane Undergraduate Latin American Studies Organization, the Latin American Studies Graduate Organization and the Stone Center for Latin American Studies.

In addition, students who make a donation to Haiti relief can get a free ticket to a performance of Verdi's Requiem on Friday or Saturday (Jan. 23) by a 200-voice chorus organized by the New Orleans Opera, accompanied by the New Orleans Symphony Orchestra.

The performances will be at the Mahalia Jackson Theater for Performing Arts, 801 N. Rampart St.

Students who make a donation at the theater prior to either performance will receive a free ticket to that evening's concert. To take part in the offer, students should plan to arrive no later than 7:30 p.m. Concerts begin at 8 p.m. and tickets may be limited.

"All you need to do is bring your student ID and your generosity," said Tulane student Phillip C. Larroque, who is working with the opera on this project. All donations collected will go to the Haitian Association for Human Development and other Haiti relief organizations.