Viewfinder: Benefit for Gas Explosion Victims

It was an evening of energetic entertainment as 15 singers and musicians from across the region joined together at the Starfish Brasserie in Bethlehem to offer their talents for a good cause on Monday.

Kirsten Almeida of Hellertown, a special event planner and entertainer, had the idea for the evening's festivities.

"Eight years ago I lost a friend in a gas explosion in Massachusetts," Almeida said.

When she heard about the , which displaced over 70 residents, she knew she had to do something to help.

A friend suggested she use her talents as a special events planner to organizer a fundraiser for the cause. After deciding to work with the United Way organization, she sent a message out on her Facebook and Twitter accounts asking for help. The response was overwhelming, she said.

The chef and owner of , Kristofer Sandholm, saw Almeida's tweet requesting help and offered to open his doors.

"I never thought anyone followed my tweets, but Kris responded right away," Almeida said.

He not only opened on a Monday night, which is usually his day off; he also donated all of the food, service, alcohol and a six-course dinner for two with complete wine pairing.

Turning to Twitter, Sandholm also put a call out for bartending help and received responses from several local "celebrities."

Bartenders donated their time and tips to United Way for the victims of the Allentown gas explosion. They also created their own unique drinks to market in an additional effort to raise money.

A tricky tray raffle was also held which raised an additional several hundred dollars.

"Even if we raise a little something, it's still getting them (the victims) closer to the life they deserve," Almeida said.