Concert In LIC Raises Spirits And Money

More than 1,000 people gathered at Long Island City High School Thursday evening for the Katrina Disaster “Concert of Hope” to help raise money for hurricane relief.
Tickets for the benefit concert sold for $5 per person, with Citigroup pledging to match money raised that night.
Organized by the East River Development Alliance (ERDA), the gospel concert brought together every Long Island City Church in the coalition and featured local politicians, including City Councilmembers Eric Gioia and Peter Vallone and Assemblymember Catherine Nolan.
Sandra Cepeda & Shabach, God Sons, Bishop Eric A. McDaniel and the TLC Choir, and the ERDA Clergy Coalition Choir all performed.
The evening ended with members of all the choirs gathering on stage for a final performance. ERDA is expected to make an announcement later this week about the total money raised during the event.
“In times of need, New Yorkers’ generosity can be truly inspiring,” said Gioia, who represents Long Island City in the City Council. “It’s great that the people of Western Queens have the ability to reach out and extend a helping hand to those in need on the Gulf Coast.”