DNC says one big party enough

DENVER - The host committee for the Democratic National Committee may cut back to a single party for delegates, instead of the two dozen originally planned, to save money amid sluggish fundraising.

The committee is responsible for raising $40.6 million dollars, but reported last month that it had just 25 million dollars in cash.

The event, to be hosted by the Friends of New Orleans, will be held Sunday, August 24, three years after Katrina devastated New Orleans and the Gulf Coast Region in August, 2005.

In a statement released on Wednesday, organizers said, the single-event format provides a natural forum to unite delegates and other convention guests in a festive environment for a worthwhile cause on an important anniversary.

"People across the country have poured their heart and soul into helping rebuild New Orleans and the surrounding Gulf Coast Region," said Elbra Wedgeworth, host committee president. "This event will recognize those efforts, and we hope all of the delegates and guests to the Democratic National Convention will join in this commemorative event."

The previous plan called for 24 parties to be held at different locations around Denver. According to organizers some events are still planned, but are not connected to the DNC.

The Historic Five Points Jazz Festival, Media Welcoming Celebration and Symposium of the Rockies are some of the events taking place during the convention week.