Artful Fundraiser

during the summer of 2007, upper west sider omri bloch returned from the second of two six-month trips around the world. his itinerary included developing countries like cambodia, malawi and zambia, an experience he said was both interesting and moving.

that fall, he combined lessons from his travels with a budding interest in photography to co-found the nuru project, a non-profit that holds one-night photography exhibitions and auctions to benefit various organizations in developing countries. the project has previously held fundraisers benefiting the united nations world food program and the non-profit acumen fund.

the nuru project's latest event is "stand with haiti," a feb. 4 photo auction and fundraiser to benefit the organization partners in health, which has longstanding operations in haiti.

"partners in health has been at work in haiti for over 20 years," said bloch, 27. "obviously, they're doing great work now after the earthquake, but more importantly, they'll be there long after."

the auction will feature images of haiti from photographers who shoot for the new york times, national geographic and other prominent publications.

"it's always a tricky balance," bloch said. "on the one hand, you want to raise awareness and have powerful images, but on the other hand, you want to showcase the people and beauty of a particular place."

for more information, visit nuruproject.org.

-- feb. 4, gallery 25cpw, 25 central park west (at 63rd st.), nuruproject.org; 7 p.m., $20 to $100 suggested donation.