Last Saturday, the Davis Odd Fellows hosted Neighbors for Nepal, a benefit to raise money for survivors of the earthquakes in Nepal. Over 250 people, old and young, attended the evening of food and music. Event co-chair Arun Sen said, “We had a fantastic evening and expect to have over $15,000 to send to Nepal.”
A group of Nepali students actively participated in the planning of the event and convinced the group to focus on the community of Bhotang, to help them rebuild the local school which was destroyed in the earthquakes. The Bhotang region suffered some of the greatest destruction in the earthquakes. The lost school not only affected the children but also the entire community, as it had served as a meeting place for cultural events, women’s groups and other important community events. Rebuilding the school will be important for healing the community as a whole.
The Soroptimist International of Davis co-sponsored the event with the Davis Odd Fellows. Several area Nepali restaurants and businesses donated Nepali food for the event, and the Nepali students prepared momos (dumplings) for the dinner.
While people ate dinner downstairs, four bands provided entertainment upstairs. The Barry “The Fish” Melton Band, with a group of talented Bay Area musicians, headlined the music lineup. In addition, Zapato Viejo, According to Bazooka, and Drivin’ South kept the energy going.
Sen said that “one of the highlights of the evening were the Nepali students. They dressed in colorful traditional Nepali clothing and performed dances and sang and presented a fashion show. We are grateful to our community and all who participated in Neighbors for Nepal. It is wonderful to reach out to those in need and make a difference.”
Thank you to all who attended and/or donated to the cause. Your generosity is gratefully appreciated!
If anyone would still like to contribute to this effort, checks can be made out to the Davis Odd Fellows or Soroptimist International of Davis and sent to the Davis Odd Fellows, 415 Second Street, Davis, CA 95616. Or you can contact Arun Sen for more information at arun.sen@sbcglobal.net
