On Sept.11, while many families across the nation were mourning the loss of their loved ones three years ago, hundreds of Ventura County residents came to sites across the county to help with another national tragedy, Hurricane Katrina.
At Rancho Simi Park in Simi Valley, the Rotary Club of Simi Sunrise hosted an all-day event that included live music by “Porterhouse Bob” and “Down to the Bone,” who played authentic New Orleans jazz and blues. For the many hungry souls, Mavericks BBQ supplied their usual delicious steak sandwiches and tri-tip slices; Also for sale were memorial mardi-gras bead necklaces. Even the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 622, participated by volunteering to keep the park clean.
“A fantastic event, a beautiful day, and nice people, I’m amazed at how well it turned out,” said Kerry Voth of Simi Valley, who took part in the picnic-style fundraising.
One-hundred percent of every purchase within this event, as well as the $15 fee to get in, has gone to the Rotary Club of New Orleans.
It is simply impossible to mention every non-profit organization that is currently accepting donations, with a total of 150,000 in California, not to mention the hundreds of restaurants, clubs, car washes, and specialty shops in Ventura County alone, that are offering either all or a percentage of their sales to help the victims in this crisis.
But if you missed out on Sunday’s event, and still looking for a way to donate, Alpha Gamma Sigma of Ventura College will be collecting cash or check donations, as well as clothing donations on campus today, from 11 p.m. to 1 p.m.. There will be music provided by Q104.7 radio station, and mardi-gras beads for sale too!
This Friday, on the Moorpark College campus, a benefit concert will take place, featuring performances by Marie Hoffman, Dancers, Beacon Street Dance Company, Moorpark Dance Department, a local band from Simi Valley, and the musician Jon Taylor. One hundred percent of the profit made will go directly to relief efforts.
Cal State University Channel Islands is taking part as well, with a walk-a-thon Sept. 24, and a campus carnival Oct. 8.
So if you find yourself with the righteous urge to do more than watch the disaster footage on television, participate in any of the above mentioned fundraising events, or even offer your time to become a volunteer relief worker. Whichever way you decide to contribute, the Gulf Coast will thank you for the charity and generosity you have exhibited.
