While we continue to be overwhelmed by the enormity of the disaster that just over a week ago brought untold death and destruction to New Orleans and other cities and town along the Gulf Coast, we are similarly overwhelmed by the generosity of Americans and the international community alike. Individuals, groups, and organizations have led the charge in the Washington metropolitan area with a variety of fundraisers, more of which we feature here:

— Head on over to Cafe Milano (Prospect Street and Wisconsin Avenue, NW) tomorrow afternoon for a stylish and not-so-inexpensive ($100 minimum donation) fundraiser for Katrina relief efforts. The event, sure to attract some of the city’s trendiest, runs from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

— Also tomorrow, the Alabama State Society, the Louisiana State Society, the Mississippi State Society, and the Florida State Society are sponsoring a fundraiser at the Jones Day Building (311 First Street, NW, 7th floor) running from 6-9 p.m. Food, cocktails, a raffle and silent auction, and live music accompany the friendly Southern crowd, all for a requested $20 donation.

— Thursday night make an appearance at Vida (1120 20th Street, NW), for a happy hour/fundraiser. Starting at 6 p.m., a $20 donation will get you in and 15 percent of drink sales will go to benefit — as is often the case — the American Red Cross. Happy hour drink specials are in effect from 6-7, including $2 domestic beers and $3 imports, so get there early.

— Next Monday, September 12, Museum of the American Cocktail, Southern Comfort’s Tales of the Cocktail and DC STYLE are asking area bar and restaurant owners to pour New Orleans’ classic cocktails from 5-7 p.m., with proceeds going to benefit the Big Easy’s food and beverage workers.

And of course, remember to check on the events we advertised last week, many of which are taking place this week, including, of course, the Katrina Benefit Concert at American University.

We recognize that our list isn’t comprehensive, so keep sending us announcements or leave them as comments!

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