By: Molly Flodder—
Muncie, IN—Muncie’s Ross Community Center is celebrating the local and global community with an International Festival fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 21, from 4-7 p.m., rain or shine.
According to Jacqueline Hanoman, Ross Center executive director, guests will “experience the splendor of the world” at the Center at 1110 W. 10thStreet. “There will be food from 12 countries, a variety of entertainment ranging from African-style drumming to salsa dancers, and a silent auction,” she said. “This event will help local community members share their history, culture and mouth-watering foods.” According to Hanoman, the food is being prepared by several local restaurants as well as community friends from around the world who are experts in preparing cuisine from their countries of origin.
The Center, which has been operating in Munce’s Avondale-Thomas Park neighborhood for nearly 45 years and serves residents from all over the community, will be fully utilized at the festival event. Entertainment will be outside in Rose Park adjacent to the Center and will be free for all. Those wishing to try the foods and experience what is going on inside may get tickets by visiting the Ross Center Facebook page for Eventbrite sign-up or by calling the Center for tickets at 765-747-4741. Adult tickets are $20 each until Sept. 17 and $25 on the days leading up to the Festival. Children’s tickets are $10 for children ages 4-12 and free for children 3 and under. Community members unable to attend may purchase tickets for others who might not otherwise be able to pay for all the festival opportunities.
Funds raised will support programs of the Center. The facility serves a wide spectrum of ages with education, health and wellness for the area’s diverse community. Family engagement and community outreach programs, a weekly free community market, and preschool and afterschool programs that focus on fostering creativity and imagination are important components of the work. The Ross Community Center also operates an award-winning judo program for children and adults, senior Euchre and Bingo, little league baseball, and basketball for youth.
