Upper West Siders Raise Money for Typhoon Survivors

Manhattan elected officials, political clubs and neighborhood and community groups came together last Tuesday night to raise more than $11,000 for the survivors of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. The event, West Siders Coming Together: A Benefit for Typhoon Haiyan, started as a small Upper West Side event spearheaded by Community Free Democrats, Congressman Jerry Nadler, Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer and Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal, but grew into a Manhattan-wide event, with elected officials and groups from across the city jumping on board to help drive turnout.

"In the days leading up to Thanksgiving it's no surprise that West Siders and other Manhattanites felt compelled by their generosity and the tragedy in the Philippines to contribute," said Upper West Side Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal. "But I am surprised that we managed to raise so much money in such a short time. It's a true testament to the spirit of New York, and is a reflection on our ability to work together to get important things done when the cause is so much bigger than ourselves."

More than 100 people attended the benefit; the price of entry was a monetary donation to one of three charities of an individual's choosing: Doctors without Borders, Catholic Relief Services and International Rescue Committee. The benefit was held at The Parlour located on the Upper West Side at 250 West 86th Street, which generously donated the use of its downstairs space for the evening and one free drink to each person who made a contribution. Guests were treated to musical performances by two local bands: The Breakup Artists and The Jump Kings, which each donated their musical styling for the evening. Dozens of local merchants and businesses donated goods and services that were auctioned off during a silent auction. One hundred percent of all funds raised during the evening went directly to the selected charities.