Eugene Weekly : Calendar : 09.15.05

An astonishing number of Eugeneans have, in a very short time, put together benefit events to aid the survivors of Hurricane Katrina. From concerts to rummage sales, there are many different ways to join in the giving. Here's a listing — and this is just the events we know about. Doubtless more are taking place around town every day (we particularly liked the energetic kids giving car washes in the rain on Saturday). And while we're talking about benefits, there are plenty more for other worthy causes this week, including the Cans Film Festival, which takes food donations for FOOD for Lane County and gives you a free movie and box o' popcorn. Check the benefits sections of the calendar for a full list.

Thursday, Sept. 15 Willing Heart Music puts on a benefit for the people of New Orleans with performances by Justice & Faddis, Paul Biondi and The Keystoners. Head to the World Cafe at 7 pm; suggested donation is a mere $3 to $5.

Friday Tsunami Books' early-evening benefit features music from Ike Eichenberg and Brian Cutean as well as a reading by poet margareta waterman. It's a picnic in a bookstore: Bringing dinner is encouraged, since the event takes place during the dinner hour. Special guests are likely at this all-ages event, which will send all donations to Katrina survivors.

The Catholic Community Services of Lane County in cooperation with the Washburne Neighbors hosts a benefit sale for Katrina victims Friday and Saturday at the Community Service Center in Springfield. "Gently used" and new items, including antiques and collectables, will be sold, with all proceeds going to Catholic Charities USA's 2005 Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund. If you'd like to donate items, check the calendar listing for the folks to call.

Saturday H.O.N.E.Y. Inc. (Honoring Our New Ethnic Youth) will be collecting donations of new socks, underwear, toiletries and children's comfort items from 11 am-4 pm at the McNail-Riley House. The organization asks for supplies for men, women, children and babies of all sizes and ages, and will also be accepting monetary donations. All items and proceeds will go directly to victims who are being hosted by families. If you can't drop items off at the specified time, someone will come to pick up your donation. See Calendar for details.

Saturday night also finds local band Ruckus playing a benefit for Hurricane Katrina survivors at 8:30 pm at Jaxx Lounge.

Monday Diablo's Downtown Lounge turns their Pirate Day Mardi Gras party into a benefit for the Oregon Pacific Chapter of the Red Cross Hurricane Katrina relief. Scrambled Ape, Natty "O," Wetsock, Adam Bro & Friends (and others to come) play upstairs, while DJs Gen.Erik, Turbo Fist and Diablo spin downstairs. There's no cover, but you'd have to be something of a tool to turn up and not make a donation. Or at least buy a few drinks: A portion of the bar proceeds and special items from DISH will be directed into the fund-raising effort.

Eat at Ambrosia on Monday or Tuesday and you'll be treating yourself and donating money to Mercy Corps: The restaurant will be donating 40% of gross receipts to the organization, and employees will be donating their labor for the two days. If you can't make it down for a tasty dinner, the restaurant will also be taking mailed-in donations.

Wednesday The local reggae community comes together for a Katrina benefit for which the performers have declined their usual fees. Performers include I-Chele and the Circle of Light, Vibe Nation, Bubbler Bros., Christofari and Shaloma. One hundred percent of the night's profits will go to Second Harvest, an agency that provides food for the victims. Suggested donation is $8.