Hurricane Katrina Fundraisers in New York City

The best way for those of us in New York City to help victims of Hurricane Katrina right now is by opening our wallets. In addition to making donations directly to relief organizations such as the American Red Cross, United Way, America's Second Harvest and the Salvation Army, there are several events being planned with proceeds being donated to victims of Hurricane Katrina:

• From The Big Apple to the Big Easy - two concerts on September 20 are being underwritten by Madison Square Garden, and all event proceeds will benefit long term relief and rebuilding efforts in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. At Madison Square Garden performers will include Elvis Costello; Diana Krall; Simon & Garfunkel; Clarence “Frogman” Henry; Dave Bartholomew; Irma Thomas; Kermit Ruffins and Troy “Tromboneshorty” Andrews. They will perform with previously announced performers: Bette Midler; Elton John; Jimmy Buffett; John Fogerty; Lenny Kravitz; Ry Cooder; Steve Nicks; Fats Domino; the Neville Brothers; Buckwheat Zydeco; the Meters; Allen Toussaint; the Dirty Dozen Brass Band and The Rebirth Brass Band. Performers at Radio City Music Hall will include Dave Matthews; Tom Waits; Trey Anastasio; John Mayer Trio; Joss Stone; The Meters; Galactic with the Mardi Gras Indians; and Ray Lamontagne. Tickets for the Madison Square Event are on sale now via Ticketmaster and tickets for the Radio City Music Hall event go on sale September 14 at 10 a.m. via RadioCity.com. Ticket purchases made with an American Express card will result in an additional $20 donation to the relief fund.
• New York Comedy Scene Mobilizes for Katrina Relief - a variety of comedy events have been organized to with proceeds to benefit victims of Hurricane Katrina.
• Allen Toussaint - Benefit Brunch Concerts For New Orleans - at Joe's Pub on September 18 & 25 at noon two brunch performances by Allen Toussaint will benefit the Recording Academy's MusiCares Foundation. Tickets are $30, plus a ticketing fee if you buy through Telecharge.
• Benefit for the Bayou - Sunday September 25th at No Idea Bar near Union Square from 5-9pm. $60 at the door includes open bar (5-8 pm, including hurricanes), Creole buffet, and a chance to win door prizes. Charity card games will begin at 5:30, so arrive by 5:15 to sign up. Additional raffle tickets will be given to those bringing bottled water and clothing to donate. All proceeds will benefit Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation.
• Restaurants for Relief - on Tuesday, September 27, many New York area restaurants (participants to be announced September 12) will donate a portion of their proceeds to the Share our Strength's Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund.
• Brooklyn Theatre Arts Project Hurricane Katrina Relief Fundraiser - September 27 at 7 p.m. An evening of entertainment to benefit The Biloxi Police Dept. Officer Katrina Relief Fund. $30 admission includes dinner, live theater and music, auction and more.
• Hurricane Katrina Open Bar Fundraiser - Wednesday, September 28, 7:30pm - 10:30pm at Waterloo, located on 2nd Ave between 84th and 85th Streets. Open Bar for $30, New Orleans drinks specials (Pimms Cups, Mint Juleps & Bloody Marys), food specials, and other surprises. $10 from each cover charge benefits Second Harvest which obtains and distributes water, food, and essential grocery supplies to hurricane victims.
• Dine for America - a number of New York City restaurants are participating in this Restaurant Industry fundraiser and will be donating a portion of their proceeds on October 5th to the American Red Cross.

Check http://www.nolareliefnyc.com/ for more fundraisers in the New York City area.
If you are aware of other New York City area events, please email me and I'll add them to this list.

More: Hurricane Katrina Coverage on About.com