Maggie & Mike Host their first International Projects Dinner

 
On Saturday 8 March, Maggie and Mike hosted their first International Projects Dinner. They invited 6 (but at the last minute 1 brought an extra to make 7) friends to join them and the theme was Malaysian cuisine.
 
A $60 voucher donated by Woolworths was used for food but all other food was provided by them from their garden and other grocery and vegetable shopping.  Wine from their cellar was also used, rather than the 2 dozen donated, costing about $60.  All up the dinner probably cost about $210.
 
So for an outlay of $210 less the $60 voucher, the net food and wine cost to them was $150 or $16.60 per person. The dinner raised $610 in donations. A thoroughly worthwhile activity, despite many hours of preparation.
 
A DVD of the Vanuatu 2013 Project was played to the guests after the Curry Puffs and Satay Prawns were served and before the main course of Beef Renday, Chicken Curry, Belachan Vegetables, Chilli Eggplant and Jasmine Rice. Then the dessert was served: Summer Fruit Compote with Lemongrass, Coconut ice cream and a fresh fruit platter of dragon fruit, pineapple and kiwi fruit.
 
The guests were impressed with the project but there was a good question raised about what would the students who learnt computer skills do with them if they were in an isolated village???
 
Maggie made laminated coasters with the guests names on them as a finishing touch to the table and had 3 of the "What in the World is Rotary?" leaflets on the table for a talking point.
 
The Dinner was very well received and the feedback from the guests was complimentary:
  • "We had a lovely evening and the food was yum scrum. We hope your fund raising initiative is very very successful."
  • "Thanks for having us over for dinner. We totally enjoyed a relaxing evening."
Phill Isaacs has ensured that any donations to the Vanuatu and PNG projects are TAX-DEDUCTIBLE! So now you can tell your guests they will get a tax-deduction receipt after the event.
 
Maggie has updated the Checklist and the Invitation Letter on the International Projects page of our club website to reflect this and added a template for the coasters.
 
So have a go at hosting a meal for International Projects - it is fun and rewarding for all.