Colossal damage, colossal generosity

The devastation in Haiti was colossal, but so is generosity in Stillwater.

A couple of OSU students are combining local music and art to not only foster growth in Stillwater's creative community but also to help rebuild lives with the Hearts for Haiti benefit.

Biochemistry junior Alyssa Peterson is teaming with physiology sophomore Alex Brower and local musicians at 8:30 p.m. inside the Nazarene Student Center to raise money for a Mission of Hope orphanage that was destroyed during the Haiti earthquakes.

Peterson and Brower are selling shirts, photography and jewelry at Hearts for Haiti. Proceeds will go to a new home for about 75 orphans and Thanda After-School, a charity helping vulnerable children in South Africa. OSU graduate James Price, Ryan McLaughlin and Leo Goes Grr will perform. Cost is $3 at the door.

"It has been really cool to see how everyone has been willing to help out," Peterson said.

Price said he didn't hesitate about playing when Peterson approached him.

"It's cool doing stuff that's bigger than yourself," Price said. "As musicians, we have the opportunity to give back to the soul."

Peterson and Price aren't strangers to raising awareness to causes inside and outside of the country, and their efforts don't end with this event.

Peterson will leave for Peru next week to research microfinance organizations specializing in helping people in third world countries to get loans to start small businesses.

If Price isn't listening to his vinyl collection then he's preparing new material with his band and taking opportunities to help love on people through giving "his time and the dream of playing music."

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Hearts for Haiti Concert

Featuring:
James Price Band, Ryan McLaughlin, and Leo Goes Grr

Where:
Nazarene Student Center, across from the Student Union parking garage at 723 W. University Ave.

When:
8:30-12:30 p.m. Thursday

Cost:
$3 at the door