Yesterday, the Chilbo community played host to a benefit concert and block party in an effort to raise funds for the victims of the January 13 earthquake in Haiti. The benefit raised over L$130,000 in funds with some 500 individual contributions made to the cause.

Ictus Belford plays to a crowd during the live music portion of the fund raiser.
The four-hour event was held at the Madhupak sandbox next to the Chilbo Museum, and was organized by MS Hawker, Chilbo Events Co-chair and Germelshausen Coffeehouse owner, with logistics by Chilbo Residential & Commercial Chair, Kristine Kristan. Kristine also owns Mad Wax Records and K2 Gallery in Madhupak. The Chilbo Road Press provided signage, and will oversee the transferring of funds to the organizations.
The first half featured music acts Kellee Blaylock, Ictus Belford, Avatar Quinzet, Untolerable “Bo” Bohemian and Johnny99 Gumshoe who performed 30 minute sets. DJ Chingy Chun of the Blackhearts Cafe played popular 80’s rock tunes for the second half. In addition to donating their time, all of the performers added their own contributions to the fund. Artist Tegan Jenvieve created a one-of-a-kind auction art piece that garnered additional money.

Artist Tegan Jenvieve creates auction art piece while Untolerable “Bo” Bohemian performs his set.
Several extremely generous contributions were made that ranged up to L$6,000, with event-goers continuously donating throughout the event. The set goal of L$100,000 was reached during the DJed portion of the event, and with 30 minutes left, supporters dug deep and came through with an additional L$29K, easily surpassing the $L100,000 mark. Additional amounts were also donated after the event.

The L$100,000 goal was surpassed by the end of the show.
The donation heart will be left at the sandbox for the remainder of the long weekend and will be available for donations until Tuesday, January 19, when it will be moved to the Chilbo Road Press office for ongoing contributions. Those who would like to make donations can contact the organizations directly, or visit one of the many benefits that are being held this and next weekend around the grid.
All proceeds collected for the benefit will be split between the Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders organizations. For the sake of transparency, documentation of fund transfers will be made available at the Chilbo Road Press office.