tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7160635721963110139.post-30395454192086989872008-04-02T15:37:00.000-07:002008-04-02T15:38:27.746-07:00<div align="center"><strong>• Midnight Mission’s Third Annual Event Includes Group’s First Performance in 30 Years<br /><br /></strong>BY VANESSA HARRIS</div><div align="justify"><br /><br />The Midnight Mission Benefit team is calling out the instigators because there’s something in the air—its time to get together sooner than later, because the revolution’s here.<br />Malibu’s Performing Arts Center will be the setting for the third annual Midnight Mission Benefit on Saturday, April 12.<br />Dubbed “For Malibu, With Love,” the fundraiser and concert should instead be thought of as “for the people, with love Malibu” based on the organization’s mission and motivation to host the event.<br />According to the organizers, the Midnight Mission Benefit currently is the largest secular outreach organization that serves the homeless in downtown L.A.<br />Founder and the president of Midnight Mission Benefit, Norman Harris came up with the idea seven years ago when he started bringing toys on Christmas day to the homeless children concentrated in the Skid Row area.<br />The nonprofit organization has expanded to offer a variety of services, including counseling, education, training and job placement.<br />Throughout the human service group’s growth, Harris said he recognized the growing need to assist this population and decided to put his good resources to use.<br />As owner of Norman’s Rare Guitar, Harris has since begun rounding up some of the “usuals” he works with to perform and raise money for the organization’s mission.<br />With a track record of Richie Sambora and Los Lobos as performers, the foundation has quickly grown to be one of the most progressive and exciting charity events.<br />Organizers hope that for the third year, the event will go down in history because one of Harris’ “usual” customers will be the highlight of this event offering what is described as one of the most unique performances to date.<br />Tom Petty, along with his original band, Mudcrutch, will take center stage at the event and perform tracks off their album that is set to release late April. The benefit will mark of the first Mudcrutch performance in over 30 years.<br />In addition to what some see as a monumental moment in music history, KNBC meteorologist Fritz Coleman will host the evening, which also includes a cocktail reception and live and silent auctions, whose proceeds will go to the cause.<br />“With all the foreclosures and stuff that have been happening lately, there is going to be more homeless,” explains Harris.<br />“Contrary to popular belief, these are not only people who have drug and alcohol problems, but people who are in this situation because of unfortunate circumstances,” he stresses.<br />“I thought it would be natural to hold the event in Malibu and tap into the Malibu families to rally behind this and provide to the poor that live only 20 miles away,” says Harris.<br />As a call to “save the humans,” the benefit is not only for Malibuites who participate in the event, but also for the neighboring community that the organization serves.<br />To be a part of the movement to make a difference, one can purchase a general admission ticket online at www.tix.com. For information about ways to give additional support and/or purchase of Platinum, Gold and Silver Tickets, call 310-456-6722.</div>MalibuSurfsideNewsnoreply@blogger.com