 "Photo:")
Benefits are not limited to black tie galas and mingling events for the social elite. On Friday, twenty-somethings packed Red Star Bar downtown to stand up for a cause. Stand Up for Kids, an organization dedicated to helping homeless children in the area, used entertainment to further the cause and featured a stand-up comedian, improvisational group, man auction and silent auction. All of the proceeds went directly to Stand Up for Kids. "Every dollar we make goes to get food and supplies the needs of the children," said Charlotte Gulley, English senior and executive director of Stand Up for Kids. "No one gets paid; we don't have an office. It's a grassroots effort." Gulley said the organization makes food and hygiene packs to donate to Youth Oasis, a shelter in Baton Rouge. She said that in order for kids to stay in the shelter, they must first enroll in school. "Part of what we are trying to do is build a relationship with the kids to where they can trust adults again and want to enroll back in school," she said. Gulley said Friday was the organization's second benefit, but they relied heavily on the help of others to organize the benefit. "One of our team leaders knew the owners of the bar, so they were able to help us out," she said. "It's largely based on networking and getting people to donate stuff. The fliers were donated by my best friend's brother." Gulley said that since the event was held at a bar, it was directed toward a younger demographic. "We knew we could get the younger crowd in the door, but we also want older people to come and bid on everything, too," she said. Cassie Montagnino, psychology junior, donated jewelry she made to auction at the benefit. Her jewelry is sold at Time Warp Boutique and can retail for up to $175. Montagnino, who had worked with Stand Up for Kids before, said she thought the bar atmosphere was a good place to hold the benefit. "I think it's a good way to get college kids involved," she said. Sara Smith, also known as Troubled Teen, who deejayed the event, also said the bar scene is a good place to hold a benefit. "People are more likely to open up their wallets after they have had a few drinks in them," Smith said. "I'm always up for a good cause." Ali Bogbey, theater senior, said the atmosphere at Red Star Bar helps to make the benefit more fun. "It helps add a degree of fun to it," Bogbey said. "When people think of benefits they think stuffy and older people." One of the entertainment events of the night was an act by The National Comedy Company, an improv group. To start off the act, the group picked volunteers and gave a friendly warning to the audience. "For every time you don't laugh, we're going to go out and make another kid homeless," said one of the actors. Stand-up comedian Neil Stastny, an English senior at Tulane University, also performed for the event. He said this was his first benefit performance. "I'll do comedy anywhere," he said. Stastny said the bar is a good place for the benefit to be held. "Everyone is going to be going to a bar anyway," he said. "They might as well help out."
----- Contact Kelly Caulk at kcaulk@lsureveille.com
Be the first to comment on this article!