Rotary Club of Seaward 2022-23
Pamela Eiting, Roberto Ferrerro, and Nicole Lawrence modeling with his Tirmasu.
Roberto Ferrero, Seward Rotary Club's Youth Exchange student from Alghero, Italy, had considerable success when his authentic Italian dinner fundraiser sold out within hours and doubled the expected funds it raised for the Shelterbox program on February 26. "I didn't expect to raise more than $4000 because the past exchange student raised around $2000", said Roberto." I'm really proud to help people in Turkey and Syria that need a big help right now," The event raised money to purchase four Shelterboxes. This international disaster relief charity provides emergency shelter and other aid items to families worldwide who have lost their homes to disaster, war, or conflict. Rotary partners with ShelterBox to help devastated communities.
Providing Emergency Shelter with Lasagna and Tiramisu!
Roberto Ferrero, Seward Rotary Club's Youth Exchange student from Alghero, Italy, had considerable success when his authentic Italian dinner fundraiser sold out within hours and doubled the expected funds it raised for the Shelterbox program on February 26. What a bonus that his host family, Chef Eric Slater and his wife, Rotarian Hillary Bean, own the Seward Brewing Company, where we held the event. Seward Rotarians helped set up, organize, and clean up for the event.
"I was amazed at the community response," said Hillary. "Fifty seats sold out in 3 hours, fifteen more in just over an hour, so I started a waitlist. We can accommodate 84 people. Most attendees were not Rotarians". When asked what the most moving part of the event was, she said, "Raising enough money to purchase 4 Shelter Boxes".
Left: Lori Landstrom and Lori Draper. Right: - A full house at the Seward Brewing Company.
Photos by Nicole Lawrence, Kristi Larson, and Mary Ann Benoit.
Above, Roberto and Chef Eric Slater are making traditional Italian lasagna.
Photos by Kristi Larson.
The event was to raise money for ShelterBox. This international disaster relief charity provides emergency shelter and other aid items to families worldwide who have lost their homes to disaster, war, or conflict.
Rotary partners with ShelterBox to help devastated communities.
Each ShelterBox costs about $1000. Thanks to Roberto's fabulous Italian cuisine, the help of his host family and Seward Rotarians, and the generosity of all who attended, the event made enough money to buy four shelter boxes!
This dinner was Seward Rotary's second youth exchange dinner for Shelterbox. We started the tradition a few years ago with Youth Exchange student Jessica from Thailand, who organized an Asian feast. Her event raised enough money for 2 Shelterboxes.
"Cooking dishes from my country for 85 people was meaningful for me, and I'm glad that everyone enjoyed the dinner, had fun, and stayed with friends. I didn't expect to raise more than $4000 because the past exchange student raised around $2000. I'm really proud to help people in Turkey and Syria that need a big help right now," said Roberto. "For me was the first time cooking for more than five people. I'm used to cooking just for my family and friends, so I had fun cooking with Erik".
Roberto Ferrero and Kristi Larson.
Photo by Kristi Larson.
"Roberto had one advantage over Jessica, though," said Rotarian Lori Draper, who helped with the event. "Wine! It has a way of loosening the purse strings". We hope to make many more dinner events while supporting the youth exchange program and Shelterbox. Thank you to all who attended or helped for your generosity and support.
To learn more about Shelterbox and donate, visit the website at https://www.shelterboxusa.org/.
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