Weeks have passed since Typhoon Haiyan hit the Phillipines and Cal State Long Beach students continue to charge forward with relief efforts by hosting a benefit show Wednesday.
One Nation, a CSULB umbrella organization that includes the Pilipino American Coalition (PAC), PAC Modern, Zeta Phi Rho, Kappa Psi Epsilon and Chi Delta Theta, will host the Typhoon Haiyan Relief Benefit Show in the University Student Union Beach Auditorium.
PAC President Matthew Downey said he thinks the event is a great way to bring all One Nation organizations together to work toward an important cause.
“The organizations [under] One Nation support one another throughout the year, especially at big events like Friendship Games, Christmas Fest and Pilipino Culture Night,” Downey said.
Both CSULB students and members of the Long Beach community will perform at the event, which will include a step performance, live rap music, an acoustic guitar performance and a song and dance performance.
“We want this, along with future fundraisers, to help rebuild the Philippines and to bring hope to our families, friends and people across the Pacific Ocean,” Downey said.
One Nation organizations will also sell parols, star-shaped lanterns used for Christmas decorations, baked goods, knit beanies and Typhoon Haiyan relief buttons.
Attendees will also be able to purchase raffle tickets for prizes, including T-shirts, gift cards and Disneyland Tickets, said Harlan Huynh, a One Nation member and junior communication studies major.
Huynh said that One Nation is looking to donate the profits to the National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON). He said the organization has already donated proceeds from an open mic night at Hiccups Tea House to NAFCON.
Downey said he hopes to fill the auditorium and raise at least a few hundred dollars, but that the success of the event will be measured through more than donations.
“The success of the event is not solely in the total amount that we raise, but in the sense of community and awareness that we can help build,” he said.
The benefit show will charge a $5 entrance fee, though, he said there will be a number of opportunities for attendees to donate to the cause.
The Typhoon Haiyan Relief benefit show will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday in the USU Beach Auditorium.
