Benefit for Haiti's organizers seek volunteers, donations for raffle

New London - Volunteers and donations of raffle and auction items are being sought for a fundraiser next month at the Crocker House Ballroom for Haiti earthquake-relief efforts.

The fundraiser is being called "Soles to Souls - A Swinging Soiree," and will take place from 7 to 11 p.m. July 24. St. James Episcopal Church will act as the agent for the funds raised, which will go to the Episcopal Relief and Development Fund and the Haitian Health Foundation, a Norwich-based nonprofit organization. Sponsors for the event are St. James church, the Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Niantic, The Fisherman Restaurant in Noank and the Haitian Health Foundation.

The event will consist of a buffet dinner, cash bar and performances by the Arthur Murray dancers, instructors and others. A raffle and auction of donated items will also take place.

Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased on-line at www.solestosouls.info. They can also be purchased at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio, 287 Main St., Niantic, (860) 739-3991; or St. James Episcopal Church, 76 Federal St., New London, CT 06320, (860) 443-4989. Tax-deductible donations can be made out to St. James with "Haiti" written in the memo field and mailed to the church.

For information about how to support the event, volunteer or make a contribution to the raffle or auction, call organizer Awo A. Quaison-Sackey at (203) 887-7506; e-mail aqsackey@synexta.com; or fill out the form at www.solestosouls.info.