Hip Hop With A Heart: DMV Raises 30K For Haiti

<p><strong>Pharrell Williams</strong>, a native of Virginia and one half of the super production duo, <strong>The Neptunes</strong>, once said,&rdquo; Wealth is of the heart and mind. Not of the pocket.&rdquo; He could not be anymore right. Thousands made history in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area recently, wearing their hearts on their sleeves with open wallets in tow to be a part of one very special night, all in the name of helping the people of Haiti. The &ldquo;DMV Helps Haiti Benefit Concert&rdquo; took place at the historic <strong>9:30 Club</strong> in Washington, DC Monday night, impressively raising over $30,000 for relief and rebuilding efforts for Haiti. The 9:30 Club donated its venue free of charge as its employees donated their wages and volunteered their time to help with the night. All proceeds collected from ticket, auction and drink sales, and service fees, went towards the relief efforts in Haiti. All proceeds specifically went to the <a href="yele.org">Y&eacute;le Haiti Foundation</a>, the non-profit organization of acclaimed singer and humanitarian <strong>Wyclef Jean</strong>, and to the <strong>Partners in Health Organization</strong>.</p><p>The event started out as a simple tweet via the vastly popular site, <strong>Twitter</strong> and evolved into a massive night of hip hop, talent, and charity. The idea was birthed by young entrepreneur <strong>Yodit Gebreyes</strong>, and brought to fruition by public relations guru <strong>Candice Mackle</strong> and other noble young professionals. The concert had an extraordinary line-up featuring the best of emcees and singers representing the DMV area, along with some surprise guests. All those who performed and made appearances did so, free of charge.</p><p>The momentous event showcased a one of a kind exhibit of DMV hip hop artistry and humanity, headlined by rap sensation <strong>Wale</strong>.</p>