OGDENSBURG, NY - North Country churches and schools are joining hands and talent to help survivors of the disastrous Haiti earthquake, to present a locally produced "We Are the World" benefit concert in Ogdensburg this Saturday (March 13).

""With all the talent in our region, we anticipate an amazing concert," said one of the event's organizers Rev. Cathy Stevenson, pastor of Hammond Presbyterian Church, Hammond.

People from several churches and schools in the North Country have gotten together to organize this event," she said. "It is hard for us to imagine the turmoil, chaos, devastation, and despair being experienced in Haiti at this time. Perhaps this is one way we can join together to help alleviate their suffering and share a message of hope and peace."

WHAT:

We Are the World: Haiti Benefit Concert

WHO:

Under the musical direction of Bridget Sherman, some 18 talented musicians and performers from across the North Country will perform during the concert and will participate in a grand finale choir singing "We Are the World." Performers include:

• Barb Heller, Music Host, North Country Public Radio
• Chris Remick, Potsdam music instructor
• River Rhythms, Hammond Central School
• Ted Tate, hammered dulcimer player, Star Lake
• Christian Parker and Michael Welch, duet
• The Hammond Presbyterian Church Choir

All proceeds from the concert will go to:
International Humanitarian Agency Church World Service

For their ongoing relief, recovery and reconstruction work in Haiti. Church World Service works with local partners in countries worldwide to eradicate hunger and poverty and to promote peace and justice. The agency began working in Haiti in 1954.

WHEN/WHERE:

Saturday, March 13
7:00 - 9:15 PM
Ogdensburg Free Academy Auditorium
Ogdensburg, NY

Church World Service Regional Director Doug Anderson, who will address the concert gathering, said, "Haiti's earthquake has riveted the world's attention on the most impoverished nation in the Western hemisphere next door to the world's wealthiest nation. I am proud of my nearby northern New York communities who are coming together with their musical gifts of joy to raise funds that others might also know joy, health and hope.

"For 64 years, Church World Service and its CROP Hunger Walks (http://www.churchworldservice.org) have represented hope to others across the world, and we're grateful to be the recipient of these concert funds as we work in Haiti."

Anderson expressed thanks in advance to the concert's performers and attendees, and to Rev. Stevenson and her committee, noting that "Northern New York has known its share of hunger, of lost jobs and hard times, but its people are expressing with this concert their deep concerns for Haitians who have lost everything they know."

The Haiti concert's organizers reached out to individuals, community groups
and businesses in the Ogdensburg area for participation and support. Planners have scheduled a Basket Raffle and Bake Sale during the concert's intermission.

"Any financial contributions directed to Church World Service and its Haiti fund will gladly be accepted," said Stevenson.

Church World Service and its local partners in Haiti began responding to survivors' needs within 24 hours of the quake and are now focusing on shelter provisions for survivors and special assistance for vulnerable children and people with disabilities.

Stevenson said their benefit organizing group also held a Zumba fundraiser at Hammond Presbyterian Church on Friday (March 5), with proceeds to be added to those from the "We Are the World Concert."

"The new dancercize craze Zumba is sweeping the country and has taken Hammond by storm," said Stevenson. "We wanted to jump on that wagon in a hurry" to benefit those suffering in Haiti.

For more information about the concert, contact Rev. Cathy Stevenson, (315) 324-5662.