Manhattan Youth Presents HEALING FOR HAITI, A DANCE BENEFIT

Manhattan Youth Ballet and Nalini Method announce Healing For Haiti, A Dance Benefit, a charity event presented at Manhattan Movement and Arts Center (www.manhattanmovement.com ) on Monday, February 22nd at 8:00 pm. All of the proceeds raised will go to the American Red Cross Haiti Relief and Development Fund and Fashion Delivers Hope to Haiti Relief Efforts. It will be an intimate evening with performances by some of the world's most accomplished dancers followed by a cocktail reception, dance music, raffle prizes and a silent auction. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.healingforhaiti22.com.

Local artists, arts organizations, small businesses and celebrities alike are joining hands to make a difference. Everyone involved in the event, those under the stage lights and behind the scenes, are donating their services so that all of the money raised will benefit the charities. Donated items for raffle and auction have been generously donated by many local dance, fitness, food, lifestyle, beauty and fashion businesses. Local beer maker, the Brooklyn Brewery, is the beer sponsor and Oscar's Delmonico Vodka has signed on to provide a vodka bar for the evening. Kevin Penner, icon of the Hampton's restaurant scene and executive chef of the historic 1770 House, is donating his culinary skill and catering the reception. Sponsorships like these continue to come in and promise to make the evening one to remember.

"I felt compelled to garner as much support as I could to offer some relief to the many suffering families of Haiti. My mission has always been dedicated to arts education for children and providing opportunities for those less privileged among us. I invited fellow UWS business owner, Rupa Mehta of Nalini Method to partner with me and co-chair this benefit. She has worked tirelessly appealing to both her client base as well as our community at large. My staff has reached out to premiere dancers, all of whom agreed to dance without pay for the benefit. I am truly moved and inspired by the outpouring of support. It is a testament to the good will that exists in our great city," says co-chair and Executive Artistic Director of MYB, Rose Caiola.

Co-chair and Founder of Nalini Method, Rupa Mehta says, "I am inspired by all of the compassionate individuals who have generously come together for an important cause. There is no such thing as a small gesture. Whether it's one dollar, one shirt or one hour of time-- all these small contributions help transform lives, homes and spirits and will inevitably help heal Haiti. I am truly thankful to Rose and the many volunteers for supporting a greater connection within my own community and the people of Haiti."
Fashion Delivers, who has helped in every major national and international disaster since Hurricane Katrina, has gathered over $10M worth of donations from hundreds of donors for their Haiti Relief efforts. Donors include top designers and organizations: Rocawear, Michael Kors, American Apparel, Hanes Brands, Catherine Malandrino, Susan G Komen, Overstock.com, The New York Rangers and Glamour Magazine. However, the foundation needs your help to keep up the momentum to cover the costs of shipping these products to Haiti.
The Red Cross has been able to reach Haitian survivors, providing first aid in camps and prioritizing the need for food, water and other basic supplies. Responders from seven countries are also treating injuries and performing surgery at hospitals and medical centers throughout the capital city. They have provided 3 million pre-packaged meals in partnership with the World Food Program, tents and shelter supplies for families and planes and trucks carrying Red Cross humanitarian assistance are arriving in the region every day.

About Manhattan Youth Ballet
Manhattan Youth Ballet was founded in 1994 as Studio Maestro by Rose Caiola. The school is New York's premiere classical ballet academy for students, ages 8-22. The pre-professional company studies, rehearses and performs as they would in a professional company. A major part of MYB's mission is outreach in the community and facilitating scholarships for young, aspiring talent in need. Former students of Manhattan Youth Ballet dance with American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Nederland Dans Theater and Complexions among others. www.manhattanyouthballet.org

About Nalini Method
Deemed "the Rachel Ray of fitness" by the New York Post, Rupa Mehta is the Upper West Side's fitness solution for tons of New Yorkers who want a proven, effective and challenging workout that delivers the enviable long, lean muscles of a dancer. In the words of Vogue, Rupa Mehta is "proving herself a modern guru". Influenced by Western and Eastern practices, Nalini Method promises enhanced flexibility, a stronger core, better posture, and overall body relaxation. www.nalinimethod.com

About The American Red Cross in Greater New York
The American Red Cross in Greater New York (ARC/GNY) is a key humanitarian partner and a vital participant in New York's plans and programs to help over nine million people in New York City and Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Sullivan counties prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. The Chapter responds to an average of 7 emergencies a day-fires, floods, building collapses-and provides immediate humanitarian aid to as many as 100,000 people affected by these emergencies each year. Additionally, ARC/GNY helps New York residents and businesses prepare for emergencies by offering hundreds of lifesaving courses and emergency preparedness training programs and resources.

The American Red Cross in Greater New York is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, not a government agency, and relies on donations to fund its free humanitarian services. For more information about how you can help, call 1-877-RED CROSS (1-877-733-2767), or visit www.nyredcross.org.

About Fashion Delivers
Fashion Delivers Charitable Foundation, a nationwide charity, collects and distributes new, unused product from the adult men's, women's and home industries to help aid victims of natural disaster and individuals in need throughout the year. Fashion Delivers is now fully focused on matching need with the availability of product from some of the biggest names in the Fashion and home industry to help the earthquake victims in Haiti. www.fashiondelivers.org

Tickets for the performance and cocktail reception range from $150 for a single ticket to $2,500 benefactor packages; tickets to the cocktail reception/dance portion of the evening range from $50-$75. Tickets can be purchased at www.healingforhaiti22.com

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