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Fifth Annual "Kids for Kid's Sake" Gala to take place Saturday

Nina Dunavan has traveled halfway around the globe to lend her services to the flood victims of Bangladesh. It was only two weeks ago when she last witnessed the worst flooding Bangladesh had seen in more than 30 years. And the one lasting impression she had was the faces of the Bengali children.

"When you go over there, and you see these kids, you feel very committed to keeping this work going," she said. "We're talking about third-world people, who live very differently than we do."

That is why the artwork that lines the walls of the Longbranch coffeehouse - a souvenir from Bengali and American children, ages 5 to 18 - means so much to her. This Saturday will mark the fifth annual "Kids for Kid's Sake" art show and silent auction fundraise, designed to support Bangladeshi children whose lives have been devastated by floods.

"Children are very optimistic, very open and in touch with their heart," said Dunavan, the fundraising manager for Kid's Sake. "People walk in here and say how good it feels in here. I think that's a huge element that kids bring."

The gala will feature an art show, silent auction, ballet performance, rock band performance and a belly dancer in addition to other entertainment. Dunavan said there should be something for everyone and every age.

One hundred percent of the proceeds will be donated to the Southeast Asian cause. According to the Pakistan Daily Times, about seven million people in Bangladesh, live on constantly shifting sand and silt landmasses known as chars. It also said the country, which is crisscrossed by a network of 230 rivers, has severe flooding during typhoon season, which submerges those areas, displacing families and taking lives.

Bidding has been available for the public since Nov. 28 and will continue until 6 p.m. on the night of the gala. Local artists' work, handcrafts from Bangladesh and services and products from local businesses will be available for bid in addition to the children's artwork,

Elaine Ramseyer, who is the Longbranch Coffeehouse manager, said Longbranch was proud to support the gala for its fifth year.

"It's a way of creating awareness for the greater community," Ramseyer said.

For Dunavan, the fund-raising effort is not only a civic duty, but also a means of spiritually giving back to the people she saw devastated by the floods.

Dunavan is a member of Dayemi Tariqat, a non-profit, religious- and service-based organization that supports orphanages and schools in Bangladesh, and has visited Bangladesh three times.

Children from the Carbondale community, including Brehm Preparatory School, Unity Point School and Carbondale New School, submitted their artwork for auction. Students from elementary schools in Colorado, Texas and the Happy Times International School in Bangladesh also contributed to this event.

"Kids seem to be so open and receptive to offering their services, and they realize that their work is being auctioned off," Dunavan said.

Dunavan said the local community responded to her request in ways she couldn't believe. This is the first year "Kids for Kid's Sake" has asked the community to get involved.

"We have close to 50 businesses and vendors that have contributed to our silent auction," she said. "We looked at how the local community could get involved, and they were receptive when they heard what this was about,"

Art Show Co-Coordinator Jennifer Pellow said she was pleased with the way the coffeehouse looks.

"This is a beautiful sight to see, and it's all going towards a great cause for these kids that really need it," Pellow said.

Dunavan agreed, and added, "Look around. Is it happy in here or what?"

The gala reception will take place Saturday, Dec. 11 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Donations will be accepted in addition to bidding. Admission is free and open to the public.

 

 

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