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(Read more in our Spectrum of Hope Article) DONATIONS NEEDED AS TWO DENVER BUSINESSWOMEN PLAN SPECTRUM OF HOPE FOR HURRICANE KATRINA SURVIVORS Several calls of concern prompted Urban Spectrum Publisher, Rosalind "Bee" Harris-Diaw to seek help from friend and business associate, Norma J. Paige, to plan an event for the Hurricane Katrina survivors who have been relocated to Denver, Colorado. Concerned about the survivors not being able to meet and connect with the African American community, and receive funds directly, Harris-Diaw and Paige sought volunteers to support an all-day event that would welcome and acknowledge the Katrina survivors. More than 100 volunteers are working to make Spectrum of Hope (SOH) a memorable event for the survivors and Denver’s African American community which makeup only 12 percent of Denver’s population. According to the American Red Cross-Mile High Chapter, the Family Assistance Center has serviced more than 1,289 evacuees, 370 are still housed at the Lowry dorms, and money raised for the current relief efforts is more than $7 million. Plans are to relocate the survivors by Oct. 7. As publisher of Denver’s premiere community newspaper for people of color, Harris-Diaw was disturbed that the survivors were limited access in getting to know the African American community – those most concerned about their well-being. SOH organizers are planning an event to let them know that Denver’s African American community shares their pain and want to help during their transition of returning their lives to a normal standard of living. Survivors who have been relocated to Denver will be invited as honored guests to attend the event. They will register at the event and be acknowledged during a short program. Each of them will receive a commemorative gift bag. "The best part of this event is that proceeds will go directly to the guests who attend," said co-chair Norma J. Paige. "This event offers those who have been seeking a way to help a vehicle to do just that." Entertainment for the whole family will include live bands, comedians, spoken word, drummers, and dancers. Community service booths will provide information on employment, health, education, housing, childcare, and counseling. An on-site clothing center will distribute clothes and food will be provided. In conjunction with SOH, the Black Airline Pilots of America and Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. will have a skydiver deliver a special donation to the survivors. The festival will be held on Saturday, Oct. 22 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Jackie Robinson Baseball Field on Lowry where many of the survivors are housed. The event is free to the public but donations will be accepted at the door. "This event will be like none other. It is a fundraiser, but it is more than that. It is a celebration of hope," said event co-chair Harris-Diaw. "As African Americans we are connected, when we see them, we see ourselves. The effects of Katrina will be around for a long, long time. We’re in this for the long haul. And we will support them for as long as they need. We want them to get to know us and we want to get to know them – and let them know there is hope." Donations are needed. Companies, organizations, and individuals are encouraged to support this endeavor. If you want to know your donation will reach the Katrina survivors directly, please mail it, payable to Spectrum of Hope, to SOH, P.O. Box 31001, Aurora, CO 80041. For more information, call 303-292-6446 or visit www.urbanspectrum.net.