HELP DISASTER VICTIMS AND SUPPORT THE NJ FOOD BANK WHILE ENJOYING INTERNATIONAL FOODS AND MUSIC

HELP DISASTER VICTIMS AND SUPPORT THE NJ FOOD BANK WHILE ENJOYING INTERNATIONAL FOODS AND MUSIC

Help provide assistance for victims of disasters, and food for neighbors in need, while enjoying international cuisine and listening to vocal and instrumental music from China.  Attend the International Dinner at Willow Grove Presbyterian Church in Scotch Plains on Saturday, April 16, from 5 pm to 8 pm.  We will donate the money we raise, half to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey and half to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, which helps those suffering after disasters around the world, including victims of earthquakes and tsunamis.

Our International Dinner will feature an array of ethnic specialties, including Italian, Danish, German, Irish, Greek, Korean, Scottish, English, West Indian and Polish. Complementing the cuisine will be a performance by the Chinese American Music Ensemble (CAME) Adult Chorus and Children’s Chorus,  by the Music From China Youth Orchestra, and by Paul DiDario, Director of Music at Willow Grove.  Both groups hold their weekly rehearsals at Willow Grove Church. The Chinese American Music Ensemble (CAME) is also the only choral program in New Jersey that offers choral music training for children and adults at the same time and place. CAME seeks to enrich and broaden cultural horizons through music training, and to provide a community service through concert performances.  The Music From China Youth Orchestra performs on Chinese instruments and receives year-round training with annual concerts at major cultural and educational institutions. It sponsors a summer music program in these instruments for children and young people held during August at the church. Mr. DiDario, who received a B.A. and M.A. from Juilliard School, will perform “Polonaise in A Flat Major," op. 53 no. 6 by Chopin. 

According to Willow Grove’s Pastor, Reverend Cynthia Cochran-Carney, the International Dinner is an annual event at Willow Grove Church that reflects some of our most important values and commitments as a congregation.  She states, "Helping neighbors near and far who are in need is central to our faith, so each year we raise money for organizations that provide basic needs of food, shelter and disaster relief.  Willow Grove Church has a growing Ministry of Music and the Arts from a variety of traditions and cultures.  God has shown us ways we can build bridges of hope and understanding that involve people of all ages making music together.  This is the reason we are home to many musical groups and events, including CAME and Music From China.  You will not want to miss these inspiring and exciting musicians and singers!   You can enjoy all of this and then sample food entrees and desserts from around world."

Tickets are $12 for adults and teens, $6 for children 6 to 12, free for children 5 and under, with a family maximum of $35.  Space is limited and last year’s Dinner seats were completely sold out, so buy your tickets in advance to guarantee your seats.  To arrange for purchase of tickets, call the church office at (908) 232-5678, Monday to Friday from 9 am to 1 pm. Depending on advance sales, there may or may not be tickets available at the door. For more information about Willow Grove Church, e-mail info@willowgrovechurch.org or check the website www.willowgrovechurch.org. Those unable to attend but who would like to make a donation are asked to call August Ruggiero at (908) 889-5948. The Willow Grove Presbyterian Church is located at 1961 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains, opposite the Scotch Plains Southside Firehouse and near the corner of South Martine Avenue. All church facilities are handicap-accessible.