Peru Magnifico

¡Perú Magnífico! Celebrate its Wonders is the theme of the 24th International House benefit gala. The black tie optional event starts at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 6 at the Westin. Tickets are $150 per person; www.ihclt.org. It's hosted by the board of directors and a committee including gala chair Josane Calvert. The money raised goes to support the programs and services the nonprofit provides to Charlotte's international and immigrant community.

This year's gala highlights the culture of Peru while celebrating the 50th anniversary of Charlotte's Sister City relationship with the city of Arequipa, Peru (shown in the photo above). A delegation of visitors from Arequipa are scheduled to attend along with Jose Eduardo Gonzales Mantilla, the Consul General of Peru based in Atlanta. The elegant evening will feature Peruvian inspired food, wine, music and entertainment plus an auction that includes a 7-day Holland America Line Cruise for two, jewelry and artwork.

When volunteer Janet Riehle dropped off the gala information to me she included three delicious Peruvian cookies called Alfajores. She thoughtfully included the ingredients along the warning to "eat it in one bite, it is a very flaky cookie."

Her sweet gesture is an example of how dedicated volunteers are the secret ingredient to creating a long-running nonprofit.