MARDI GRAS: RALLY FOR RELIEF; Good times roll; Alerus Center hurricane relief benefit nets at least $50,000

Catherine Merril was sitting Tuesday evening, quiet and alone in a chair in the bustling Alerus Center.

She had just made a donation to the Salvation Army for the victims of Hurricane Katrina on the Gulf Coast. Sitting in the middle of some open seats in front of the music stage, she was praying silently for her less fortunate countrymen down south.

This was her way to support Katrina victims at the “Mardi Gras: Rally for Relief” held in the center. Everyone numbering 5,000 or more who dropped in the Alerus Center on Tuesday had their own way to express their solidarity with Katrina victims.

Some donated posters and paintings to auction, many gave cash or checks, and a large number queued up to sign a banner for New Orleans, while businesses and nonprofits set up stalls to raise money for relief operations.

Organizers said shortly before the 11 p.m. closing time that more than $50,000 had been raised.

Knowingly or otherwise, the children made their own unique contribution for the cause purchasing tickets and playing games.

For young Jayson Mutscher and her younger sister, Jami Mutscher, it was a fun time. “We came to play games,” said Jami.

They are honest, observed their mother, Wendy Little. They might be too young to understand what hundreds of children of their age on the Gulf Coast might be experiencing now in the aftermath of two hurricanes.

But when they grow up, they certainly will recall these days of how people of Grand Forks came forward to help, she said.

Little involved Jami and Jayson first in collecting clothes, toys and money and then donating them in the Alerus Center on Tuesday.

After having fun with the games, the two sat to listen to a band.

Worried about the children

Performing at the stage was Brian Brian from the HellCats Band. Now living in Dallas, Brian originally is from Petersburg, N.D. He decided to perform only Tuesday morning, when he came to know about the event the city was organizing for Katrina victims.

“People have a big heart here,” he said after concluding his performance.

With his wife and four children still in Dallas, Brian said people down south were in need. “I am more worried about the children this Christmas,” he said. How many of them would get toys, he wondered.

Support came in many forms.

A housewife, Kathleen Cao set up a small stall writing names in Chinese. Sitting by her side was her 6-year-old daughter, Selena, helping her out in the good cause.

“I came here to show my support. I wanted to do something for the people of New Orleans. I thought this is the only way I can offer my support this evening,” Kathleen said.

Originally from China, Kathleen moved to Grand Forks only last month from Champaign, Ill., where she lived for about a decade. “This is a great city. People (from Katrina-hit areas) should be invited to settle here,” she said.

Louisiana help

Support came in from many nonresidents too. “It is a great effort,” said Marcia Bailey, 82. She left Lafayette, La., with her son, Terry, and daughter-in-law, Marie, a day before Hurricane Katrina hit. Living in Larimore, N.D., since then, Terry donated a 1985 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Poster for auctioning.

“Mardi Gras is a natural thing for us staying in Louisiana. It is like homecoming,” Marie said.

As the hours passed, people drove in large numbers from far and near. It was the day when the city was expressing its support for Katrina victims. Among those who dropped in was Gov. John Hoeven.

“It is a good idea to organize a fund-raiser like this,” said Merril, who remained seated and praying for quite some time. “Hope they make lot of money.”