Zoe Benson (daughter of elephant’s friend, the green-minded realtor, Liz Benson) with some of the materials donated for the benefit!

Local 12 year old girl organizes one of the largest benefits for Haiti in Colorado.

Like many kids, Zoe Benson, a 7th grader at Platt CHOICE middle school in Boulder, Colorado, wanted to do something to help Haiti.

Her school requires that each 7th grade student complete at least 30 hours of community involvement. As a singer herself, she thought she would put together a benefit show. Her parents thought she meant something like a coffee shop with a few musician friends performing, but Zoe had something much bigger in mind.

She contacted a local charity, the Colorado Haiti Project, and offered to make them the beneficiary. Rembrandt Yard generously donated two floors at their high-end event center, and Zoe asked Denver band Slopeside to appear as the main act. She also approached Rico at Streetside Dance who, she found out is from Haiti, and he happily offered to provide some of his talented troupe of dancers for a hip-hop and break dance performance as well.

Next, Zoe contacted many local businesses who agreed to donate food (Greens Point Catering, Whole Foods, Olomomo Nut Co, Noodles & Co. and Breadworks to name a few) and drinks (IZZE, Naturally Boulder and Eldorado Spring water). Her parents were able to bring Twisted Pine Brewery on board as well as North Boulder Liquor.

Next on her list, creating a website, email invitations and flyers. Zoe also found that several more local restaurant and shop owners were pleased to donate silent auction items too.

The result—an event expected to draw 250 people on Friday, February 19th from 6-10 pm at Rembrandt Yard located at 1301 Spruce in Boulder. More info can be found at her website: www.aprilana.com

It looks like Zoe will far surpass her requirement of 30 hours of community involvement.  “It is a lot more work than I first thought,” she said, “but I am having fun, too!”

A benefit performance featuring the band Slopeside and a hip-hop dance performance by Streetside Dance as well as a silent auction. All proceeds go to the non-profit Colorado Haiti Project. The $15 cover charge includes snacks, dessert and soft drinks. Beer and wine will be available for purchase.