WFWP Holds Masquerade Ball Fundraiser
On Thursday, November 19, the Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) in conjunction with Women in Music and Arts (WIMA) hosted a masquerade ball and fundraiser for “The Schools of Africa Project” at The Old School Brewing Company in Las Vegas, Nevada. Over 70 people, from diverse cultures and backgrounds, dressed in colorful costumes, attended the International Masquerade Ball, which included delicious Italian cuisine, beautifully prepared by Chef Michael Leonetti, which was served buffet style as guests arrived. The Dick Kastel Jazz Combo performed throughout the night.
Through 12 years of volunteer work, eight schools have been firmly established in Africa in seven countries: Mozambique, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia and Guinea-Bissau. All the proceeds of this event will help support the seven schools.
Emcee Sandy Kastel, founder of WIMA, opened the program as lead singer with The National Anthem. She then invited The Nondi Montanara Multi-Cultural Performing Arts Company, which consists of four dancers and two drummers, to perform a dynamic African dance. The powerful drumming caught everyone’s attention and brought the spirit of Africa into the room, which escalated even more when the dance company called the audience to participate, as well.
Kimiyo Anceney and Mary Hida showed a video and shared about the eight schools of Africa. Guest speaker, Monica Lenoir, lectured the crowd about how “Education Changes Lives” capturing their attention, as she spoke about appreciating what we have. Later Christine Moon introduced Mahamed Youssouf, a political refugee from Ethiopia who owns a local dry cleaner which she has been patronizing for three years. When he heard that one of the schools is in Ethiopia, he was inspired and determined to continue to help. He brought his wife and spoke passionately about how war and starvation can affect a whole generation and that without education that is all they will know.
Later Ami Bayani, Miss Asian Las Vegas 2015, greeted everyone. Throughout the evening people bid on silent auction items. In between raffle winners being announced, talented singers performed and finally came the parade of costumes where the winners were chosen.
Special thanks go to Sandy Kastel, who prior to the event invited this cause to be on her radio show to promote the event, as well as to Nick Utiger and Bud Kourick, who generously donated the venue, and to Chef Michael Leonetti for his gourmet cuisine. WFWP is also grateful to Hope Igarashi and her friends for donating the raffle baskets and to the UNLV Shine City Project volunteers for supporting the event.
Everyone enjoyed the evening with spontaneous dancing, singing and fun. The program was closed in a circle with the song “Let There Be Peace On Earth”.
