When the world goes crazy, it's time to get crazy. I've gotten a weird vibe lately about some of the big-parties-turned-fundraising-events to benefit the Hurricane Katrina victims. It seems to me that some of Denver's event promoters are racing to outdo one another - all for a great cause, of course - by throwing the biggest, bestest, and baddest relief event in town. I know that we can't do too much to help, but this competitive philanthropy thing just doesn't quite sit right with me. (One promoter even bragged about how his event would "blow away" the other fundraisers. Ew.) Even so, I do appreciate all the effort that goes into these events, and the bottom line is that plenty of people will need our help for many months to come. In the end all these events will further benefit those in need, so perhaps I should just shut up and support. That being said... "Party With a Purpose" this Thursday at Rise nightclub. The day starts at 6 a.m. with a live broadcast by local hip hop station KS 107.5, and an all-day drive for donations. From the press release:

Thursday, September 8, 2005 The Greg Buckner Foundation will bring together Denver Nuggets (Greg Buckner, Kenyon Martin and Nene) and Denver Broncos (George Foster, Mike Anderson, Al Wilson, Champ Bailey, Louis Green, and Gerard Warren) players to support the victims of Hurricane Katrina. KS 107.5 will broadcast live at Club Rise from 6AM – 6PM. During the live broadcast, the Greg Buckner Foundation will be accepting monetary donations, clothing and non-perishable items to support families displaced by Hurricane Katrina tragedy. Denver Nuggets player Kenyon Martin will offer matching funds for all monetary donations raised during this event. Later that evening The Greg Buckner Foundation welcomes all to continue the fundraising efforts by joining the athletes for a "Party with a Purpose� to begin 9:00pm at Club Rise. More information: (404) 993-4224.

Next Thursday, September 15, is the final show for the Riverfront Wine and Fashion series [2] at Riverfront park. 100 percent of the revenues will be donated to the ticket buyer's charity of choice from a select list, including the local chapters of the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army, among others. The show features California wine tastings, a fashion show by The Skye boutique, and a kid-friendly circus theme (kids get in free) to make it a family event. Tickets run $20 - $295 with additional donations accepted. There are several huge events in the works for October: the Get Out to Help Out event scheduled for October 5 (details TBA) that will included restaurants, spas, bars, clubs and more in a statewide effort to raise funds; a singles mixer [3] on October 20 at the Comedy Works; and an October 19 bash in the works at La Rumba nightclub featuring Cajun food, live music, celebrity guests and a silent auction. Of course, there is nothing wrong with simply sending a cash donation directly to the American Red Cross [4], or one of many other reputable relief agencies.