HOULTON, Maine – The Rotary’s third annual International Food Festival raised nearly $5,000 this year, according to Ruba Haddad, who chaired the event.
“In the last two years we raised almost $1,500, so we tripled that and a little bit more,” she said on Monday night.
The July 6 festival, held at Houlton Middle High School, was packed with hundreds who traveled from as far away as Quebec City to sample the exotic foods made from ancient recipes and generational traditions by locals representing 21 different nations.
“The festival was a magical celebration of diversity, bringing together people from across the county to enjoy the richness of 21 different nations,” said planning committee member Johanna Johnston.
The festival, although a fundraiser for the Rotary International Committee, was designed to celebrate differences through the universal language of food, said Haddad.
The inaugural festival three years ago was a smaller international dessert fest that has grown beyond just a culinary experience. It now includes live performances, children’s activities, a gift shop, and a live auction.
This year the committee asked local businesses to sponsor a nation for $100 and prior to the July festival, they had already raised $2,100, according to Haddad.
“That played a crucial role in the total raised,” Johnston said, adding that all 21 nations had a sponsor and more businesses wanted to help even without a nation. “We were so pleasantly surprised by the business community’s desire to support the festival.”
The live auction was an entertainment fest in itself as Haddad and Johnston led the lively and competitive bidding.
Robertino Ridley’s turmeric-based Jamaican curry chicken started at $50. The bids rose quickly, $150, $160, $200, $240, bringing one of the highest live auction bids for the event.
“Personally, I love a good show so I really advocated for making this event more than just milling around tasting food but a really entertaining yet educational event,” Johnston said.
All proceeds from sponsorships, auction sales and the festival gift shop will support The Rotary International Service Committee’s international service projects and emergency relief efforts.
