1st Annual Talent Show and Dinner Fundraiser (October 22, 2005)

Sing, dance, and dine! The Seattle Satsang hosted its very own dinner theater in the form of a talent show and sit down dinner on Saturday, October 22, 2005 at the Sacajawea Elementary School Cafeteria in Seattle, WA.

The talent show and dinner were organized as a fundraiser to raise funds in support of Tsunami and Katrina Relief Efforts. In support of this project, the Seattle School District donated the facility, and Greenwood Markets donated $64 in sugar pumpkins for festive décor.

The evening included a savory Indian sit down dinner with Channa Masala, Jeera Rice, Biryani, Raita and fabulous homemade pastries and desserts all served by young people in the satsang community. “Seeing the kids included as waiters was lovely,” commented one attendee. “They looked quite spiffy in their white shirts and black ties,” she said.

The performances featured several satsang and local community members. The line up consisted of Mohanan singing with Nirmala accompanying him on the piano, Caravans Dance Troupe, young devotee Rubin Hohlbein playing his trumpet, Rhythms of India Dancers, Seattle Thiruvathira, Charlie Hohlbein playing the violin, Lavanya and Steve singing bhajans accompanied by Karuna’s inspirational dancing, and Vidyasagar dancing to his favorite bhajan.

The evening was a wonderful opportunity to introduce Amma to individuals who were not yet acquainted with her and her many inspirational humanitarian activities. Over 100 tickets were sold and there were several matching financial gifts. The event collected $4600.00 in proceeds for Relief Efforts.

Even the donated sugar pumpkins were sold with a recipe for pumpkin spice cookies at the close of the evening to raise additional funds.

The evening was enjoyed by all.