Hello Everyone,
So I’ve decided to spend the months of August and September helping Common Ground Relief down in New Orleans (www.commongroundrelief.org). It is estimated that over 275,000 housing units were destroyed, and many of these haven’t had any work done to them. Many of the people who owned these homes do not have any money to stay in hotel while they rebuild their homes. Red Cross has stopped providing adequate shelter for any new people who are trying to return home. 3 quarters of a million people were displaced by the hurricane and still cannot return home. The only hope for these people is to have their homes rebuilt by others.
A carpenter by trade, I feel that I have a lot to offer Common Ground. I’m not the only one going either; Nicole Bricker is going to be going with three of her students from her 8th grade class as well. Together, along with my mother, Mariah, we have organized a benefit dinner and concert to raise money for the five of us to go. The Newman Catholic Community Center is hosting a Louisiana Blues & BBQ benefit dinner and concert on Saturday, June 3rd from 5:00pm to 8:00 pm to raise funds to send volunteers to work for Common Ground Relief in New Orleans. The center, located at the corners of Third and Cherry streets in Chico, has generously donated the use of the community hall and pool. Volunteers will be serving up a gourmet Creole spread: Louisiana style BBQ, Cajun black beans, garden fresh vegetables and delectable desserts. New Orleans’ Blues artist, Smoky Brown, and his band Switchback will be playing, so bring your dancing shoes. A certified lifeguard will be at the poolside to supervise guests who want to go for a swim, so be sure and bring a towel. Ticket stubs will be entered into a raffle for the grand prize weekend getaway to a private cabin at Buck’s Lake. Advance tickets are on sale for $20 at Zucchini & Vine and Music Connection. Adult tickets are $22 at the door. Kids under twelve are $10, and kids under five are free. Volunteers are guaranteed a free ticket, a chance at the grand prize and a good time! Those interested in volunteering before, during, and after the event are encouraged to contact the event coordinator, Mariah Cochrane, at 343-1128. For tickets call Mariah, or you can call me, Lance at 230 7423, or email me at lance_ak47@peacemail.com
PLEASE COME AND BRING ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS TO SUPPORT THIS CAUSE!!!
I’ve included the poster for the event, the PSA and the press release. Please spread them around! If you’d like to help sell tickets or get supplies donated give me a call, 230-7423
Thank you all so much for your support,
¬Lance Cochrane