La Porte High School students raised over $2,000 for those who were impacted by Hurricane Ike at a benefit concert held Oct. 23 in the LPHS Sonja Angelo Theater.

Students in the orchestra, choir, band, and American Sign Language programs joined together to produce an evening of entertainment to help provide warm clothing for students affected by the storm.  Dr. Geoff Carlton, LPHS orchestra director and one of the organizers of the event, explained that many students evacuated for the storm in shorts and flip-flops; with colder weather on its way, the groups wanted to help provide jackets and shoes for students.

The event began with a performance by the LPHS Varsity Orchestra, under the direction of Carlton, Clint Brown and Rachel Carlton.  "Bridging Hearts," the American Sign Language group under the direction of Kathy Kimball, also performed.

Choral director Sandra Strickhouser led performances of the Women's Chorale and A Cappella Singers, and Margaret Bardin accompanied the choir on piano.  The combined choirs were joined by LPHS graduates and former choir members from the audience for the final selection.

The Bulldog Marching Band ended the program with a performance of the LPHS Fight Song and School Song. The band is under the direction of Kevin Poe, William Hoffman and Brian Hanner.

Members of the Student Council, under the direction of Mary Wacey and Jamie Orlando, greeted guests at the door and took in donations. Dina's Florist donated a large stuffed bulldog for a silent auction item; auction winners Randy Watkins and Lloyd Graham donated the bulldog to Project Graduation for its fund-raising efforts.

According to Wacey, the Student Council's Ike Relief efforts total approximately $2,400.  Additional projects are planned for later this semester.