Seeing as how you’re an AltDaily reader, you probably already know that we are helping to put on a benefit concert tonight.

On a personal level, being a part of this has been inspiring. Which is saying something, since I’m a fairly cynical person. We live in a society in which the phrase “got to look out for number one” is an acceptable worldview. Doesn’t that kind of say it all?

How easily Love for Haiti came together challenged my cynicism.

I believe it was about ten in the morning the day after the earthquake when Mira called saying she wanted to do something to help. I swear, that it wasn’t more than three or four hours later by the time we had the major components in place to make it happen. The venue, the DJs, the Red Cross’ support, and even the first handful of raffle donations were all in place before tea time.

Everyone just kept saying yes.

Now, just about a week later, we have 352 confirmed guests on the Facebook event page, with more expected to show up.

Everyone who comes tonight is choosing others before themselves. Just by leaving their homes they are choosing not to take the path of least resistance.

At least for tonight, when I look out across that crowded Granby Theater, I’ll be able to tell myself that in the phrase “looking out for number one” the ‘one’ isn’t each of us looking into the mirror, but is the greater One, whatever that One might be.

Maybe to you the One is a Judeo-Christian God. Maybe it’s Allah. Maybe you’re a Buddhist (or a Beatlist) and you believe that we’re all one and that life goes on within you and without you.

Looks like the hand of God, right?

At least for tonight your One will be my One will be our One. We will all dance, and we will be beautiful, and we will empty our wallets of pieces of paper that mean absolutely nothing compared to the medical supplies and shelter and life-giving food the Red Cross will turn them into.

Tonight–for one night only, like some sort of cabaret–this non-believer will have faith.

At least I hope I will… if you come.

Granby Theater. 6-10. 21 and over. $10 suggested donation at the door. Raffle and drink specials inside. It all goes to the American Red Cross International Response Fund Supporting Haiti Relief.

There are other ways to give locally to Haiti in Hampton Roads. Here are a few. If I missed something (and I always do), please leave the info in the comment section.

- Fri-Sun Jan 22, 23, 24 The Space Above Yoga (202 W 22nd St Norfolk, VA 23517 Tel: 622-2474) All proceeds from our Yoga Day USA classes and workshops on Jan. 22nd, 23rd and 24th will be donated to Red Cross Response Fund. For details visit: http://www.thespaceabove.com/

- For people on the ODU campus, individuals can also drop off cash donations at the Center for Service & Civic Engagement (located at 1063 Webb, in the new U Center). All cash donations will be sent to UNICEF (http://www.unicefusa.org/).

- Through Saturday at Omar’s Carriage House and Voila Restaurant Norfolk 25% of proceeds from lunch and dinner will be donated to the Red Cross Response Fund. Please call 757-622-4990 or 757-640-0343 for reservations.

- If you’re out at the beach, tonight (Jan 21) from 4pm-12am at Shorebreak Pizza (2941 Shore Drive Virginia Beach, VA 23451 481-9393) 15% of sales will be donated to the Red Cross Response Fund.

- This Tue Jan 26 at Roger Brown’s Restaurant in Portsmouth 10% of all day’s proceeds donated to the Red Cross Response Fund.

- Next Wed Jan 27 5-10pm at Jillian’s, Norfolk 10% of food and game proceeds donated to the Red Cross Response Fund.