Rocking out for a Good Cause: College Students Raise Money for Haiti Relief

On January 12, 2010 the small country of Haiti was struck with disaster. This disaster was heard and seen everywhere around the world. Including right here in Reading, PA.

After the 7.0 earthquake rattled Haiti, people all over the wold have been generously lending a hand and helping to rebuild this country. Not only have celebrities and major icons used their power to raise money for those in need, but so have others with big hearts and determined attitudes.

A handful of those generous people are found right here, at Albright College. Ifodige Productions, a student entertainment production company, founded by senior Andre Forbes, has been at the forefront of taking action for Haiti relief. Forbes can be see to the left wearing a Haiti shirt that was given as a free gift at the event.

To learn more about Ifodige Productions please click on this link:http://www.ifodige.com/home

Ifodige is run by five proactive Albright students; Andre Forbes, Andre Murphy, Alice Santana, Lawrence Claiborne, and Mitch Nathan, all who are extremely enthusiastic about making a difference. "This event shows others that we are more than a production company," says Santana. Ifodige Production's first movement towards helping those in Haiti occured on February 26, 2010.

This event, entitled "Albright Haiti Relief Night" took place at Club 1402. The doors opened at 9pm and closed at 2am. The event was 18 to enter and 21 to drink. Promotions including drink specials and musical performances were offered in order to entice students to come out and support a good cause. Transportation was also provided by Albright College's Student Government Association van. It was five dollars for all students to enter.

CEO Forbes shares how the event emerged. "Ifodige was going to throw a party to promote our company, but a week after our idea, the earthquake hit Haiti." After this disaster took place Forbes said that the event simply fell into place, it "just happened."

Ifodige hoped to raise a minimum of $1,000 to donate to the Samuel Dalembert Foundation. The Samuel Dalembert Foundation was founded in order to better the lives of people in Haiti and children all over the world. After creating a successful life for himself, Dalembert is an NBA player for the Philadelphia 76ers, her wanted to give back.

For more information on the Samuel Dalembert Foundation please visit this website:

http://www.dalembertfoundation.org/

After putting on a successful event, "it ran so smoothly," said Forbes, they reached their goal of earning $1,000. They earned about $600 from entrance fees, $200 from donations, and the rest came from Ifodige's philanthopy. They sent exactly $1,000 to The Samuel Dalembert Foundation.

Students who attended enjoyed the event as well as the fun atmosphere. "It was great being able to hang out and have fun with my frineds while supporting a great cause," says junior Alex Quirits. Senior Jessie Curcio also said, " I think that this event was a great idea, I love being able to help those in need."


After all of the hard work and dedication given to this event, Ifodige is proud of what they have accomplished. This shows others that even the little person can make a huge impact.