News of a devastating earthquake in Haiti was shocking and frightening when it happened on January 12. Now, nearly two months later, the initial shock has worn off but the horror continues. Reports on March 1 placed the expected death toll beyond 200,000. Millions still live in tents and fear the rain while untold numbers are injured, sick, hungry or thirsty.

"Reach Out and Touch Haiti" is set for Sunday, March 14, from 3 to 6 pm, in the new Riverview Performing Arts Center.  Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for college students, and $6 for those of high-school age and under.

The lineup so far includes eleven performances, six speakers, several exhibits and a piece of art for a silent auction.  Performers (in alphabetical order) include:
Asolo Repertory Theater
Golden Apple Dinner Theater (featuring Kyle Turoff from the current show Li’l Abner)
Haitian Jazz Band featuring Caleb Joseph
Katt Hefner Group
Kenny Drew Jr.
Lillette Jenkins
Riverview High School Jazz Big Band
Sarasota Ballet of Florida
Todd Heffner
Twinkle
West Coast Black Theater Troupe (with excerpts from their sold-out show "Soul").

Proceeds from the "Reach Out and Touch Haiti" benefit will be divided among three charitable organizations that are working to help the Haitians in their earthquake-stricken communities. The groups are Hearts Afire, a Sarasota-based mission that provides medical relief through its Haiti Relief Project 2010; ShelterBox, the only international disaster relief organization that provides shelter and lifesaving equipment after natural and manmade disasters; and CRUDEM (Center for the Rural Development of Milot), the Haitian-based Foundation that has operated Hôpital Sacré Coeur in Haiti since 1968.

Guest speakers/presenters include Carolyn Mason, Sarasota County Commissioner; Henry Lawrence, former Oakland Raiders #70; Tom Harmening, CRUDEM/Hôpital Sacré Coeur; Jim McCloud, President/CEO, Genesis Health Services, Inc.; Vilma Vega, M.D., Infectious Diseases, co-founder of Hearts Afire; and Pastor Jim Minor of Harvest Tabernac

The event begins with a "Show-and-Tell" reception from 3 to 3:45 pm where audience members can meet participants, view exhibits including a tent and survival items from ShelterBox and photos from Haiti by Hearts Afire and the sculpture “Mending Hearts.” The silent auction for this piece of art begins at 3:15 and continues through the afternoon. Performances run from 4 to 6 pm.

Tickets will be available at the door and can also be purchased in advance beginning Saturday, March 6, through www.boxofficesrq.com. For further information, contact Katt Hefner at 941-306-8574 or katthef2@hotmail.com.

Driving directions to "Reach Out and Touch Haiti" Benefit

1 Ram Way Sarasota, FL 34231