Photo Coverage FLASHBACK: RENT Seasons of Love:Big Give Benefit Party

On May 14th, 2008, RENT hosted  a benefit event at The Canal Room for Ubuntu Education Fund. As RENT moves towards its final performance, their "Seasons of Love: Big Give" was an exciting farewell project between RENT and Ubuntu Education Fund to honor the legacy of RENT's writer and creator, Jonathan Larson. The partnership will continue his mission to celebrate life in the midst of poverty, HIV and AIDS.

Founded in 1999, Ubuntu Education Fund's 56-person staff based in the townships in Port Elizabeth, in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, serves 24,000 impoverished and vulnerable children and 15,000 families with life-saving HIV services and essential educational resources. 

The cocktail party was held at The Canal Room (285 W. Broadway, NYC) and  featured live music from Akoya Afrobeat.  An online auction and on-the-night raffle showcased exclusive prizes and once-in-a-lifetime experiences with the RENT cast.  Guests included past and present RENT stars including Anthony Rapp and Daphne Rubin Vega. 

For more information on the Ubuntu Education Fund or to make a donation please visit www.ubuntufund.org

Photos by Peter James Zielinski