Have To Help Haiti, a collaboration between Brattleboro Arts Initiative and the Vermont Jazz Center, is a benefit concert to raise desperately needed funds to support Haiti in the aftermath of the recent devastating earthquake. The event will take place on Thursday February 4, 2010 at the Latchis Theatre in downtown Brattleboro, and is being produced on a volunteer basis with 100% of the proceeds going to Pure Water for the World (PWW).

Pure Water for the World started its campaign in Haiti in early 2008. This national non-profit, which started right here in Brattleboro with groundbreaking effort by the Brattleboro Rotary Club, brings hygiene, education, and clean water to schools, clinics and orphanages. As of early 2010, PWW has provided clean water and hygiene education to 205,000 children in over 725 schools in Haiti. Pure Water for the World Executive Director Carolyn Meub says “The best way you can help today is to provide a donation…. All funds collected will be used to provide clean water in Haiti.”

Have To Help Haiti will feature local and regional musicians and talent as well as guest speaker(s) from Pure Water for the World. The event is currently scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m. and run for about 2 hours. Tickets will be a suggested donation of $20.00. . Local restaurants are also supporting this community wide effort by donating a portion of sales that night to the Pure Water for the World Haitian Relief Fund. Participating restaurants (so far) include The Tap Room, Peter Havens, and Three Stones. Ticket outlets and performer line-up will be announced soon, but save the date. For more information, call 802-380-2537.