Come Get a Taste of What’s Literally ‘World’ and ‘Class’ Cuisine!

Paige Buckner, who happens to be a junior at Heath High School, is taking an AP Biology class. Yep, as a junior. That’s cool in its own right.

For the class, the teacher assigned a project. This involves classmate participation (they’re all volunteering), and a 25-minute (PowerPoint included) presentation. I’m already impressed. But wait! There’s more…

Paige borrowed a brilliant idea from Paul Bilak.

There is a pretty easy way for us all to help the really, truly needy. Pony-up the $10 and come to this dinner.

The proceeds (yes, all of them) go to Project AIDS Orphan. Too many children from our home-land lose their parents on a far too regular and sad basis. Let’s stop this, shall we? Try?

Paige was a little surprised at how much work goes into organizing an event like this. Time, effort, other clichés I’ve forgotten for now. It is a job. Full-time, for how many months now? The thing is, Paige attended a similar event in the Spring of this year, and it was an emotional experience for her. She said it’s hard to explain, but just listening to her talk about it was moving.

This matters.

You know you want to be there, and you should. Do this.

Last spring’s Hunger Banquet consisted of lentils and rice, chicken enchiladas and a steak dinner by Cynthia’s chef, Bill Gardner.

Here’s how it works: A small fraction (just like real-life) will be treated like kings. Steaks, sides, table service. Pick your beverage, keeping in mind that this is a “family” event.

A larger fraction—aka the “middle class”—will be treated with manicotti and a bread bowl, family-style. Meaning, the “dad” or “mom” of the table gets to go get the serving for all y’all.

The rest (sadly, the most, again, just like real life) get to stand in line (queue if you’re a Brit), and parade past the opulent, waiting for your caloric, and sufficiently nutritive but small bowl of kidney beans (seasoned with sauteed onions and other spices) and rice. Delicious? Absolutely (I’ve tried ‘em, and they really are yummy). Best meal ever? Yeah, well, probably not.

And that’s kind of the point.

I’m new to town, but I already know some of the best people I’ve ever met. So keep me impressed. Be there. Double-down or more on the donation (I’m broke and I will). Come say “hi” to Paige.