New York, NY – Manhattan elected officials, political clubs and neighborhood and community groups came together last Tuesday night to raise more than $11,000 for the survivors of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. The event, West Siders Coming Together: A Benefit for Typhoon Haiyan, started as a small Upper West Side event spearheaded by Congressman Jerry Nadler, Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer and Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal, but quickly grew into a Manhattan-wide event, with elected officials and groups from across the City jumping on board to help drive turnout.

“In the days leading up to Thanksgiving it’s no surprise that West Siders and other Manhattanites felt compelled by their generosity and the tragedy in the Philippines to contribute,” said Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF-Manhattan). “But I am surprised that we managed to raise so much money in such a short time. It’s a true testament to the spirit of New York, and is a reflection on our ability to work together to get important things done when the cause is so much bigger than ourselves. We’re all thrilled that this money will be used to provide direct services on the ground to those most in need.”

More than 100 people attended the benefit; the price of entry was a monetary donation to one of three charities of an individual’s choosing: Doctors without Borders, Catholic Relief Services and International Rescue Committee. The benefit was held at The Parlour located on the Upper West Side at 250 West 86th Street, which generously donated the use of its downstairs space for the evening and one free drink to each person who made a contribution. Guests were treated to musical performances by two local bands: The Breakup Artists and The Jump Kings, which each donated their musical styling for the evening. Dozens of local merchants and businesses donated goods and services that were auctioned off during a silent auction. One hundred percent of all funds raised during the evening went directly to the selected charities.

"I am proud that so many of our neighbors came together so quickly to lend a hand," said Marc Landis, an organizer of the benefit. "Just like last year when we helped our fellow New Yorkers recover from Superstorm Sandy, we've shown that New Yorkers have the heart, and the spirit, to build bridges -- even across the world."

List of Final Event Sponsors: Congressman Jerry Nadler, Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer, Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal, Assemblymember Dick Gottfried, Assemblymember Deborah Glick, Assemblymember Dan Quart, Assemblymember Gabriela Rosa, Assemblymember Danny O’Donnell, State Senator Adriano Espaillat, State Senator Brad Hoylman, State Senator José Serrano, Councilmember Gale A. Brewer, Councilmember-Elect Corey Johnson, Councilmember-Elect Mark Levine, Councilmember-Elect Helen Rosenthal, Citizen Action of New York, West Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, IGiveMore, State Committee Woman Debra Cooper, District Leaders: Marc Landis, Joan Paylo, Nick Prigo, Shari Gottheim, Cory Haber, Earl Scott, Georgette Gittens, Gerald Kahn, Paula Diamond-Roman, Curtis Arluck, Cynthia Doty, Bob Botfeld, Daniel Marks Cohen, Lynn Thomas

Silent Auction Donors: Patagonia, Spring Natural Kitchen, Russian Tea Room, Renaissance Fine Wine, Gotham Comedy Club, NY Giants, Joe the Art of Coffee, Silver Moon Bakery, Vosges Chocolates, Manhattan Theatre, Reebok Sports Club, Barney Greengrass Delicatessen, Telepan Restaurant, Bella Luna Restaurant, Kraus, Borah Goldstein LLP., The Musical “The Bridges of Madison County,” Primo’s Pizza, Cibo e Vino Restaurant, Café Fiorello, Ben Amun Jewelry, Assemblymember Dick Gottfried and Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal.