What: Tabla Rasa Gallery fundraiser for Haitian disaster relief
Where: Sunset Park, Brooklyn
When: Saturday, January 23, 1-4:30p.m.
Why: Before the earthquake in Haiti becomes old news and its state of emergency status lessens, along with reporting from the ground, take this opportunity to give—perhaps a second or third time—in exchange for some striking local artwork.
Searching for a broader way to lend a hand to the devastated Haitian population, and feeling “helpless beyond words,” Tabla Rasa directors Joseph and Audrey Anastasi reached out to Brooklyn’s thriving art community for creative donations.
The responses are still pouring in, and over 100 works (including “Ayiti cheri” by Beatrice Coron, pictured) are expected at Saturday’s event.
Cost: The event is free and open to the public. Anyone writing a $75 check directly to one of the designated charities, be it Doctors Without Borders or Oxfam, can select an artwork 11″ x 14″ or smaller. Those giving $150 can select from any of the donated pieces. 100% of the donations will go to the cause.
How to get there: Take the yellow line’s southbound R Train to 45th St., walk to 48th St., turn right and walk down to #224. (Table Rasa, 224 48 St., Brooklyn, 917.880.8337, for more information about the event, visit www.TablaRasaGallery.com)
The co-founder and editor-at-large at offMetro, Lauren is a sustainable travel specialist and freelance journalist with frequent bylines in National Geographic, Bicycling Magazine and Shape. Follow Lauren’s adventures at @laurenmati.
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Allison was one of our first top writers and Chief Editor but is no longer working with offMetro. Allison is a native New Yorker, who has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne, Toronto and Los Angeles. She frequently contributed travel pieces to Family Travel Forum, using her own children as guinea pigs as they travel the globe. She never missed a chance to sample local delicacies, as her love for travel goes hand-in-hand with her love for food and wine. 
Josh Laskin is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. When he is not at work or on the road, you can find him in the mountains snowboarding, climbing, hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking, and eating bagel bites.
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Kate E. O’Hara is a New York based freelance writer and photographer who loves all things food—especially the people who make it and market it. Her writing aims to capture the essence of the food experience; the stories that go well beyond a plate of ingredients. In addition to her love of food, Kate is also known to have a hankering for red wine and craft beer. You can also find Kate on Instagram