Concert coup hopes to raise $5M for Haiyan families

Jennifer Hudson

Jessica Sanchez

Charice

On March 11, Grammy Award-winning Jennifer Hudson, American Idol finalist Jessica Sanchez and pop star Charice will be sharing a stage in a show billed as the most star-studded fundraising to benefit the families devastated by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.

Pinoy Relief Concert hopes to pack the 6,000-seater at The Theatre at Madison Square Garden. Guest performers will also include Apl.de.Ap of the Black Eyed Peas, Hollywood actor Dante Basco and The Oscars’ Best Songwriters Robert Lopez and wife Kristen Anderson Lopez. Dr. Mehmet Oz will make a special appearance.

The show is produced by Pulse Creative and sponsored by Alvarez & Marsal and Alvarez Charitable Foundation. Monica Alvarez-Mitchell, CEO of Pulse Creative said the relief’s mission “is to bring the global community of talented musicians, entertainers, corporates and everyday people together to aid the victims of Typhoon Haiyan.”

One hundred percent of the net profit from the benefit concert will be distributed to programs that benefit the victims of Typhoon Haiyan through the Pinoy Relief fund and will go toward reaching the organization’s goal of $5 million for Philippines relief, she said.

“The Pinoy Relief benefit concert presents an important opportunity for us to come together to provide significant support to those devastated communities in the Philippines as they confront staggering short and long-term issues,” said Tony Alvarez, co-chair of Pinoy Relief and co-CEO of Alvarez & Marsal.

“The communities affected are desperate to get back to their normal lives and become self-sufficient again. The funds raised will be instrumental in creating programs and grants to ensure that the victims of Haiyan receive housing, schooling, and get resources, like fishing boats, for their livelihood. We are honored to have our performers and special guests help raise awareness for our cause.”

Created in 2013 in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan, Pinoy Relief was formed to generate awareness, raise funds and create sustainable recovery programs for the victims and communities affected by this devastating natural disaster, according to a press statement.

The focus of their organization is to bring the power of a global community “to help the masses in need at a local level.”

The organization aims to stabilize affected communities by providing resources, life necessities, temporary facilities and tools to farmers, fishermen, small businesses, teachers, doctors, individuals and families.

Dr. Mehmet Oz, host of the “Dr. Oz Show” said the victims of Typhoon Haiyan have a “resiliency that is awe-inspiring.”

“We hope that this benefit will not only raise awareness to their spirit and will also reach our goal of $5 million. The entire Pinoy Relief team believes that if we reach our goal, we will be able to make a real difference in the lives of those most severely affected by the Typhoon,” he said.

Tickets to the event are on sale now through LiveNation.com and Ticketmaster.com. Visit PinoyRelief.org for more information.