There's been a lot activity at both Dartmouth and DHMC in response to the earthquake in Haiti -- ranging from two medical teams being sent to provide emergency care to Dartmouth students raising more than $130,000 for Partners in Health's efforts in Haiti. Many community members, organizations, and businesses have been involved in supporting these efforts, too.

Now it's the Upper Valley's turn to help with rebuilding efforts in Haiti. This Sunday, January 31st, from 5-8pm, there will be an Upper Valley benefit at the Ava Gallery in Lebanon that aims to raise $25,000 for Haiti via Partners in Health. You can find details about the event at their website, www.uvhaiti.com.

The really cool thing about this event rests with the spirit and energy of its organizers. Like the Dartmouth students and DHMC staff who stepped forward to help in the first week of Haiti, this benefit is the result of a small group of five high-energy, get-it-done women who saw an urgent humanitarian need and worked quickly to fill it.

Hats off to Lori Shipulski, Alisa Brisson, Paula Therrien, Robin Caissie, and Karen Liot Hill for their willingness to turn an idea into action.

Oh, and here's the P.S. -- 4 out of the 5 organizers for UV4Haiti have ties to Dartmouth or DHMC. Lori Shipulski is a member of the Hanover Liaison Committee to Dartmouth; Paula Therrien works in the Dartmouth Development office, Robin Caissie works in the DHMC Development Office, and Karen Liot Hill is a Dartmouth graduate and works in the Government Department.