Back home in the U.S., friends of volunteer, Mike Mlodzienski wanted to raise money to help the children he had worked with. Working through Team Life at employer, Wegmans Markets, Mike’s fiancé, Tara had taken the reins on an idea to host a spaghetti dinner from which all proceeds would go to VolNepal. Tara’s parents being heavily involved in their church were able to secure the use of their church’s facilities at no charge. Wegmans donated $150 towards the food which was prepared by Team Life with the help of local volunteers in the church’s kitchen.

In addition, Tara was able to enlist the assistance of the
FCSLA, a local group who matches the raised money,
up to $500 at charity functions. They held a bake sale
and a basket raffle at the dinner to raise this money.

To bring it all together, posters were made of Mike and the children, and the dinner was given a name. “Dinner with Mike” was held on November 16 2010 at Wilkes – Barre PA USA, and was a great success. Tickets were sold for both eating in and taking home, at $7 for adults and $4 for children. All in attendance were happy to give to such a cause, especially with these posters that made them feel more personally connected.

In addition to this simple, cost-effective dinner, St. Mary’s had taken donations during their scheduled choir concert that had been held just days before the dinner. When all was said and done, VolNepal had received a donation of over $2,300, from this combined effort. Tara and her friends proved that with very little money spent, and the generous help of small local groups and individuals, a comparatively large amount of money can be generated quickly and easily. We do not always need large concerts and telethons to help where help is truly needed.

Thanks a lot!