Living in harmony; Living in peace. That is the theme of a fund-raising show, Harmony 2002, organized by the Cincinnati Chapter of the Association of India Development.

        The group is a nonprofit organization of volunteers who raise money for health care, education and improvements for the poor and underprivileged in India, said a member, Sailesh Rao, a software professional for Sogeti, in Blue Ash.

        “Harmony 2002 is a family-focused Indian American show of dance-drama-magic with laser animation by the Manick Sorcar Group,” of Denver, Mr. Rao said. “The show itself promotes respect for diverse cultures and living in harmony. It is a tantalizing two-hour show that uplifts spirits and rejuvenates hope for humanity.”

        Mr. Sorcar, son of the legendary Indian magician, P.C. Sorcar,

        directed lighting for his father's shows.

        Now, Mr. Sorcar produces and directs shows and animated movies, such as his film, The Sage & The Mouse, which received the Gold Medal in the New York International Film Festival in 1993.

        Harmony 2002 is September 28, at 7 p.m. in Procter & Gamble Hall at the Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St., downtown.

        “Funds from Harmony 2002 will support (Association of India Development's) ongoing projects in education, vocational guidance, women's empowerment, etc.,” said Mr. Rao.

        He said the chapter's typical activities involve collaboration with grassroots groups in India, learning about the social and economic issues involved in development.

        “Our chapter is made up of about 15 volunteers, mostly graduate students and professionals all with an Indian background,” Mr. Rao said.

        They hold seminars by social workers and activists, and organize fund-raiser concerts that also expose the Cincinnati community to arts and culture of India.

        Mr. Rao, 27 of Hyde Park, was born in Chennai, India and has been in the United States six years.

        The show coordinator, Sri Mirle, a scientist at Procter & Gamble, said this is the biggest event the group has organized.

        “This is a giant leap for us,” Mr. Mirle, 42, of Liberty Township, said.

        “With all the things that have happened in Cincinnati, we are trying to reach out to the mainstream with a harmony theme.”

        Sponsors of Harmony 2002 are PlanetFeedback and Procter & Gamble. Tickets range in cost from $10-$80, and are available from Ticketmaster. For more information, call 533-3870 or visit the website: www.harmony2002.org.

        Coldwell Banker West Shell is ready to build its fourth Habitat for Humanity house. The company has secured $40,000 for the project through fund-raising efforts.

        Allen Howard's “Some Good News” column runs Sunday-Friday. If you have suggestions about outstanding achievements, or people who are uplifting to the Tristate, let him know at 768-8362, at ahowardenquirer.com or by fax at 768-8340.

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