Director’s Blog, February 2010
Dear LREI Community,
I write with a quick update on this coming weekend’s Benefit Coffeehouse. On Saturday, February 6th, at 6:30 PM, LREI’s high school students will host a benefit open mike night to raise money to support relief work in Haiti. Tickets prices are $20 for adults and $10 for students. We have a full lineup of performers and the makings of a delectable bake sale.
From MicahDove Gottlieb, HS Assistant Principal, “This Coffee House will be an entertaining event in support of a worthy cause. We already have a great line-up of high school, middle school, faculty, and community members set to perform. If you are interested in performing or helping out in any way, please contact Micah a MDGottlieb@LREI.org. Mark your calendar now!”
The Coffeehouses are always fun events. In addition to having a good time, this month’s Coffeehouse will support relief efforts in Haiti. All money raised during the Coffeehouse will support the work of two organizations. One, Partners in Health, has been involved in healthcare efforts in Haiti for many years. Learn more about them at www.pih.org. The second, The Harris Rosen Foundation, was founded by LREI alum, Harris Rosen, ’57. The Rosen Foundation is working with Haitian communities in Florida to send money and supplies to Haiti. The Foundation is also beginning to plan for rebuilding efforts including funding the development of earthquake and hurricane resistant housing. Coffeehouse proceeds will be added to the over $3,000 dollars raised at last month’s Karamu! celebration. Thank you to all who created and participated in that terrific event.
Some community members have asked about sending additional contributions to these two organizations. A great idea. You can do so on your own or leave checks made out to one, or both, of these groups in an envelope, marked “Haiti Relief Fund” with the receptionist. We will send these contributions to either Partners in Health or the Harris Rosen Foundation as a community gift. Many of you already contributed to the relief efforts, in cash or in kind, through these organizations. Thank you for your generosity.
I hope to see you at the Coffeehouse on Saturday night.
Best,
Phil
PS Please don’t forget to send in your photographs for our upcoming Visibility photo exhibit. There is additional information about Visibility farther down in the blog. Visibility is an essential event for our community and one that helps define LREI as a leader in educating for social justice. Please join our efforts to have all families be seen for their accomplishments and for the love they bring to the world rather than being seen through the lens of the intolerance of others.
Updates and Announcements:
1. From the Athletics Department:
Don’t miss the LREI basketball teams as they continue their quest to reach the playoffs. Each team only has one home game left that could determine the post-season hopes for our Knights. Come and cheer loudly for our basketball teams as the athletes have been working hard and would love to see you at the games!
THURS – FEB 4, 4:15 Boys JV vs York Prep
MON – FEB 8, 3:30, Boys Varsity vs Churchill
All games are played at 145 Thompson St.
SPRING Sports are right around the corner. LREI is offering Track, Tennis, Softball, Baseball, and Golf (club) as Spring Sports. Seasons begin on March 8th. If anyone has questions about schedules or the teams, please contact:
Peter Fisher, Athletics Director
pfisher@lrei.org, 1-212-477-5316 x 233
2. VISIBILITY: Lesbian and Gay People We Love, An LREI Community Photo Exhibit
Exhibit: Charlton Street, Monday February 22nd – Friday March 5th, 2010, Sixth Avenue, Monday March 8th – Friday March 19th, 2010
Reception: Sixth Avenue, Monday March 8th, 6:00 – 8:00pm
Please join LREI in celebrating diversity at the Visibility Photo Exhibit! Submit a photo of your family with a loved one who is lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered. Visit the exhibit and show support for family, friends and community. Come to the opening ceremony to share stories and experiences about visibility.
For more information see the attached flier or contact Carrie Borows or Merril Stern at Visibility@lrei.org.
3. We want your recipes! Plans for the LREI community cookbook are under way, and we are now seeking recipies from all members of the community. Recipes can be for any dish that you would bring to a potluck. Please send recipies or questions to cookbook@lrei.org. The deadline for recipes is March 19 (right before spring break). Help us create a cookbook that represents all the diverse facets of our community!
4. Click here for the latest offering from the PA Community Service Committee
5. From the Red is Green and Community Services Committees…
Donate Old Cell Phones: Cell phones will be donated to Phones for Haiti, a partnership with the American Red Cross and ReCellular, Inc. For more info, see phonesforhaiti.com. By donating your old cell phone, you can provide critical aid to people in Haiti, protect the environment and bring new technology to developing areas. 100% of the proceeds from Phones for Haiti will go to aid victims of the earthquake in Haiti.
Recycle Used Batteries: We will accept all rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries. Electronic waste is the fastest growing was concern in the world! Batteries contain toxic substances like mercury that are harmful to our landfills. Don’t throw them out in your regular trash – let us help you recycle them.
Batteries and cell phones can be dropped off in the Red is Green recycle bins at the Sixth Ave. and Charlton St. lobbies throughout February and March.
6. LREI 2010 Art Auction, March 3 & 4, 2010, Cocktail Reception & Final Bidding: March 4th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Don’t miss the chance to see artwork by some of the world’s finest artists and community members. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend! It’s our main fundraiser this year. The event provides essential support for our Tuition Assistance Program and it is going to be a wonderful evening with refreshments and fun. Admission is free!
This year we will also be holding a series of art-related events called “LREI Loves Art.” These events will kick off with a private tour given by Gabriel Orozco, an LREI parent and artist, of his current show at MoMA. The tour takes place on Thursday, February 11th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $200 and space is limited to 25 people. Tickets will be sold on a first come, first served basis so please contact Maude Kebbon in the Office of Advancement at mkebbon@lrei.org if you are interested in attending
Additional information for other “LREI Loves Art” fundraising events will soon follow.