COSTA MESA — Renowned pianist Ellis Hall will play at a charitable event benefiting the Mercy House this weekend at the OC Mart Mix.
"He's really great," Allison Harvey, organization development director, said of the blind musician. "He gets a really good feel with the crowd and is just an incredibly soulful, talented musician."
The event aims to raise awareness of the Santa Ana-based nonprofit that helps the homeless as well as raising awareness of homelessness countywide.
"It's easy to forget in the affluence of Orange County, especially during the holiday season, that there are a lot of people out there in need," Harvey said.
The $15 entry fee is also good for a complimentary glass of wine or beer from We Olive & Wine Bar, the co-sponsor of the event and proprietor of Southern California wines and olives.
"Mercy House is an organization that we've worked with before and want to support," said franchisee Phil Brooks. "Especially when this time of year comes, everyone thinks that they're having a hard time, when they're really not anywhere near having as hard a time as these people.
"I think it's just good time of year to give back and show that support."
All of the 30 boutiques in the OC Mart Mix will be participating.
The event takes place from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday. OC Mart Mix is at South Coast Collection, 3313 Hyland Ave. Suite C, Costa Mesa.
Money from donation bins and 10% of sales from participating vendors will go to Mercy House.
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