The annual African Soiree to benefit United Front Against Riverblindness will be held on Saturday, March 1, at the Princeton Theological Seminary. Scott Langdon, an actor from Plainsboro, presents African stories based on folklore. Girl Scout Troop 71608, based in Plainsboro and led by Maria Ivy Blomgren, will craft place mats for the dinner. Tickets are $60.
UFAR is an African-inspired, Lawrenceville-based nonprofit organization that aims, in partnership with other organizations, to eradicate onchocerciasis, a major public health problem in the Kasongo region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The drug against the disease is provided free by Merck & Co, but it is a challenge to get the drug to remote villages and ensure that every person takes the drug once a year for 10 years.
An international buffet features foods from Ghana, Nigeria, and Ethiopia. Youth from Princeton United Methodist Church present a fashion show of clothing from Africa. A live auction called by Michele Tuck-Ponder includes a copper bracelet from Forest Jewelers, a needlepoint picture, a quilt that Tuck-Ponder made from African fabric, a painting by Rhinold Ponder, and items made by a Congo-based charity, Woman, Cradle of Abundance.
“We welcome the community to the fifth annual Soiree,” says Daniel Shungu, founder of UFAR. “As we enjoy the entertainment and the delicious African meal, we will enable UFAR to keep an entire village from going blind.” Last year’s event raised more than $10,000.
African Soiree Benefit to Combat Riverblindness, Princeton United Methodist Church, Princeton Theological Seminary, 64 Mercer Street, Princeton. Saturday, March 1, 5:30 to 8 p.m. Register online. $60. 609-688-9979. www.riverblindness.com.
