MoCA New Orleans FundraiserBy Susan Bush
12:00AM / Friday, September 02, 2005
North Adams – A Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Arts “New Orleans Dance Party†planned since February will serve as a fundraiser for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
MASS MoCA Executive Director Joseph C. Thompson announced on Sept. 2 that all ticket profits from the Sept. 4 event will be donated to the American Red Cross. The donation will be made in conjunction with the City of North Adams Relief Fund for New Orleans.
The event begins at 7:30 p.m. at MoCA’s Courtyard C and will feature Walter “Wolfman†Washington and his band the Roadmasters.
Washington “was once one of the best kept secrets of New Orleans’ night life,†according to information provided by Thompson. Washington and the Roadmasters are recognized for “classic R & B with a funky Creole touch,†according to the information.
The Dance
“We’ve got a great band from New Orleans coming to town for the dance party and given the recent tragedy, it seemed obvious that we should turn the event into a fundraiser for a region of the country in desperate need,†Thompson said in a prepared statement. “We’ve been in contact with the Red Cross and determined that what’s most needed right now is cash, so we’re focusing our efforts on raising as much cash as we can at the event. In addition, the Berkshire Bank Foundation [the Great Berkshire Foundation] has generously offered to match, on a dollar for dollar basis, all funds raised through this effort and through other efforts in the City of North Adams, up to $50,000.â€
Berkshire Bank officials announced on Sept. 1 that that the foundation would match up to $50,000 in donations that were dropped off at any one of bank’s 24 branch offices. The foundation has pledged the money to the American Red Cross. Checks should be made payable to “American Red Cross Hurricane 2005 Relief.â€
During the MoCA event, donation boxes for additional contributions will be set up and all monies collected will be directed to the New Orleans relief effort, according to MoCA information.
“We appreciate that the band is making the trip to New England during what is a very difficult time for them and their families, and hope that people will give as generously as they can throughout the night,†Thompson said. “The generous match from the Berkshire Bank Foundation means your contribution will go twice as far. Come with your dancing shoes on and plenty of cash to give away."
According to Thompson, cash and check donations will be accepted.
Thompson said that ticket sales for the event have been “brisk†and encouraged anyone wishing to attend to reserve tickets. Advance tickets are $14 and tickets purchased the day of the event are $17. MASS MoCA members receive a 10 percent discount. Tickets are available at the MoCA box office off of Marshall Street from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., or may be purchased by calling 413-662-2111 during box office hours or at a www.massmoca.org Internet web site.
Thompson said that those wishing to donate but who will not be attending the dance party may bring their donations to MASS MoCA anytime prior to Sunday evening. Donations may also be delivered to North Adams City Hall, Thompson said.
Brianna's Big Heart
On Sept. 3, 10-year-old Brianna Jones will hold a bake sale at her 1263 North Hoosac Road home. The bake sale is scheduled to run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and all proceeds are slated to be donated to the American Red Cross.
Brianna is a fifth-grade student at the Williamstown Elementary School. She has received support for the bake sale through local businesses including Tupelo Honey, TJ’s convenience store, the Chef’s Hat restaurant, Michael’s Restaurant, and the Stop & Shop and Price Chopper supermarkets, according to information published in the Berkshire Eagle.
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