UPDATE, Feb. 25: Wednesday’s International Dinner raised $3,600 for the American Red Cross.
An evening of Haitian cuisine and culture at the University of Indianapolis will raise money for American Red Cross relief efforts in the earthquake-ravaged island nation.
UIndy’s annual International Dinner on Feb. 24 has been expanded this year into a broader fund-raising event that will feature live and recorded music, dance and an informational presentation provided by volunteers from the local Haitian immigrant community. One speaker will be UIndy student Magda Leonfils, who lost relatives and friends in the Jan. 12 disaster.
“We’re not focusing so much on the earthquake as much as we are celebrating the culture of Haiti,” said Mimi Chase, director of the university’s International Division. Her office, which provides services to students from other nations, organizes the dinner each year to highlight their various home countries. This year other people and groups around campus are collaborating to broaden the scope of the event.
The 6 p.m. dinner will feature traditional Haitian dishes with a choice of spicy and mild: rice and beans, stewed chicken and mais mouline, a savory cornmeal porridge of African origin. The menu is intentionally simple to keep costs down, but Chase promises it will be tasty.
“The idea is to save as much money as we can for Haiti,” she says.
Under the theme “Unity Creates Strength” – Haiti’s national motto – the evening will begin at 5 p.m. with a silent auction of more than 20 themed gift baskets, prepared by the campus community and other local organizations. The program of performers and speakers will start at approximately 6:45 p.m.
Tickets will be $15 at the door but are available for $10 in advance through the International Division office, 788-3247.
AT A GLANCE
UIndy International Dinner to benefit Haiti
What: Haitian cuisine, music and cultural presentations, with proceeds supporting the American Red Cross
When: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24; silent auction begins at 5 p.m.
Where: Schwitzer Student Center, UIndy Hall
University of Indianapolis, 1400 E. Hanna Ave.
Admission: $10 in advance, $15 at the door
Tickets and information: (317) 788-3247
