Hunger Banquet

It was a hit, a success, a bash!!

We had over 150 guests & were able to share with them in unique & impacting ways the reality of hunger & extreme poverty in the world, followed by the empowering solution that Heifer provides. This education & awareness was the big primary goal, but in addition we also raised at least $4,000 to support Heifer's work all over the world.

Bill cooking the large amounts of rice.

Isaak & me hashing out the final logistics.

Levi working the ticket table--he was a huge support (even if he's not supportive of our new blog :)

The room starting to fill up.
Just about full!

I was thrilled with how the event went & so incredibly proud of the work our committee did to pull off our first large event.

Those of you unfamiliar with the concept of a hunger banquet, may be wondering about the photos & why people are seated on the floor. A hunger banquet is laid out as an example of the world's population--for priveleged "first world" people, it is a very real way to shed light on how the majority of the rest of the world lives.
Our guests arrived & reached their hand in a basket to select their "lot in life." Just as with life, people have no control over where they are born in the world & into what circumstances. It's all the luck of the draw & our guests experienced this as they drew their scenario card. That was their role for the evening--who they were. As they were ushered into the dining hall, they were shown their seat within the global community:

1. One of the lucky few at the affluent table, representing the roughly 15% of the world that lives a secure & economically blessed life. They enjoyed linens, candles, & wine with their full course meal.
2. Or in the middle group, representing approxiamately 30% of the world's population, many of whom live on the edge, barely able to feed & support their families. This group sat family style at bare tables & shared rice & beans.
3. Or most likely, in the lowest group, representing a whopping 55% of the world. With an average income of $2 a day, many struggling to survive on much less, this group is seated on the floor, eating rice from a bowl with their fingers.

The guests don't usually have warning of the seating arrangements beforehand & it is interesting to see reactions, & even more interesting to watch the dynamics unfold as people are served & eat their vastly different dinners. So, for next year, you have a glimpse of the night's events, which end in a hopeful party, everyone mingling together & enjoying food, drink, global music, entertainment...
& hope for a just & equitable world.