We had a great experience at our May Hunger Banquet in Spanish Fork, Utah. It was a fun night for everyone involved! The goal was to raise money to help a new community in Guatemala. Here is a quick video summary of our evening:
The evening began at check in where attendees were given a character card to hold and think about during the evening. The card containted a name and story of an individual from a third-world country and determined where the guest would sit during the program. The areas were low income, middle income, and high income to represent the demographics around the world. Guests were able to peruse the Bountiful Children booth where there were cultural items from several countries as well as Bountiful swag items such as t-shirts, caps, and stickers. They could enter into a raffle by donating or buying something at the booth. Silent auction items were also on display, and nearby there was a craft table where guests could make bracelets and maracas.
The program for the banquet was emceed by Josh West, BYU professor and Bountiful Children board member. During the program there was a discussion about what Bountiful Children is doing to combat hunger and why the first 1000 days are so important for a child to get proper nutrition. The food served at the banquet represented a typical meal in Guatemala including beans, rice, tortillas, chicken, and drinks. The amount participants received and the presence or absence of chicken and juice were based on where they were seated. High income seating received it all and the low income received a basic meal.
Adelyn Reyes from the Philippines and Vilma Corrales from Ecuador shared their experiences as coordinators working with the children and families in their areas. Rachel Matthia shared her experience in going with Bountiful Children on a recent humanitarian trip to Guatemala. The Chilean Folkdance group composed of students from BYU were part of the cultural entertainment, and the Timp Choir brought it home with some beautiful music.
We express our appreciation for the volunteers who gave their time and efforts to make the Hunger Banquet a success. Amy Colton, Valerie O’Barr, and Sage Payne led the volunteer effort. A big thank you to Sierra Bonita Elementary for letting us use their school as a venue and to the Spanish Fork Youth City Council, the Chilean Folkdance club from BYU, and the Timp Choir for volunteering their time.
A big thank you as well to event sponsors who provided raffle items including Chick-Fil-A, Classic Skating, Hale Center Theatre Orem, Hale Centre Theatre Sandy, Hogle Zoo, Thanksgiving Point, Serenity Salon & Day Spa, Utah Jazz, and Zapplz.
It was such a great evening! Thank you everyone for making it possible and for all the generous donations to help more children.