FRIDAY NIGHT RELIEF BENEFIT @ MCNELLIE'S

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Tulsa, Okla. (September 5, 2005) – A Hurricane Relief Benefit is being planned to help aid those affected by Hurricane Katrina, led by James E. McNellie's Public House and young professional organizations in Tulsa, including TYPros, YPTulsa, Southeast Jaycees and others.

The benefit, scheduled for Friday, Sept. 9, from 6 p.m. to midnight, will be a block party outside of McNellie's, 409 E. 1st St., to support the American Red Cross and their efforts to assist victims of the hurricane disaster.

The benefit will be open to the public and include live music provided by local Tulsa bands, beverages and food. There will be a cover charge of $5 and all proceeds from the block party and cover charge will be donated to the American Red Cross. In addition, McNellie's owner, Elliot Nelson is donating a portion of the pub's proceeds from the evening of the American Red Cross.

"McNellie's, at it's core, is a community establishment. It's a place built to foster relationships and discussions, to improve the urban fabric of a depleted inner city," said Nelson. "Now there is another community in need, and we feel as though it's part of our charge to help - for if we just think of our own community, and not that of our neighbors we become nothing more than hypocrites and don't deserve our self-proclaimed title of 'community pub'."

Organizers are encouraging Tulsans of all ages to come downtown for the benefit on Friday, including those who will spend the day participating in the Tulsa Area United Way's Day of Caring.

Additional donations will also be accepted at the event or can be made by contacting the American Red Cross at 918-831-1100.

Sponsors of the event include James E. McNellie's Public House, Tulsa's Young Professionals (TYPros), YP Tulsa, Southeast Jaycees, CorporateSurvey, Cox Communications, City of Tulsa, Straxis Technology, Tulsa Parks, Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame and the Jazz Ambassadors.