Past events

Eat So They Can Events 2007-2009

Global Volunteer Network and GVN Foundation have heard about some amazing parties that have occurred around the world and we put together just a few for you to get inspired, motivated, and maybe even try to get on their next invite-list! And don't forget to write to us and tell us all about it!

Eat So They Can 2009

Cassandra Treadwell, Australia

"We had a fantastic night on Thursday night with 300 people in a black marquee in Sydney. People arrived and walked down the black carpet through African drummers to the project board where we invited people to purchase items for the primary school we are building in Kenya. I could not believe the generosity of our guests. I think the video footage took people to Africa and helped them understand the need over there. Someone paid $10,000 to build a library, someone else bought a trip to Africa we had donated ...and very importantly everyone had a great night with us having to kick them out at 2.30am. It was just so nice to be able to do something that will make life a bit easier for the incredible children of Africa." -Cassandra Treadwell

Cassandra raised over $70,000 for Aberdare Ranges School in Kenya. A school that focuses on providing an education to orphaned and vulnerable children in Northern Kenya. Cassandra is a co-founder of Eat So They Can!

Cat Ross, Canada

Cat is not new to the fundraising game and after visiting Kenya several years ago, started organizing large-scale events to support medical centers and schools in Kabera, Kenya. Inspired by the message of the Eat So They Can campaign, Cat has pledged to use her ever-increasing talents and passion to make a difference to the annual ESTC dinner! Cat's personal goals and achievements have inspired us all, thanks Cat!

When asked to comment, Cat said; "I hosted my second Eat So They Can with an excellent side kick, Sandy Raposo-Lloyd. Together, with two assistant cooks (Mae Ross and Fatima Narciso) we managed to pull off a Kenyan/Ethiopian style dinner. Everyone enjoyed it so much and that was followed by a Kenyan themed dessert. Thanks were given and another Eat So They Can dinner was completed. I am extremely proud to take part in yet another ESTC dinner and cannot wait for next years to become even bigger and better!" said Cat."I believe that you have to make every moment count and that when you have the dedication to creating change, you will! Not only will you feel the personal reward that comes from within, but your passion in what you do will create ripples and these ripples will spread to other individuals who will open their minds to creating change as well. When we work together, the possibilities are endless!" -Cat Ross

Shelly Bragg, China

Shelley held her event at the Grand Mercure Hotel in Shanghai. The event was ushered in by a performance from one of Shanghai’s finest entertainers, Carlton J. Smith, who set the mood for a fabulous evening. Singer and pianist Brendan McGibbon provided melodious music throughout the rest of the evening, while the guests enjoyed a lovely meal, and learnt more about the Eat so they can campaign and the challenges faced in Africa. A highlight of the evening was the performance of the traditional South African Gumboot Dance, given by students from the Kliptown Youth Progam, straight out of Johannesburg, South Africa, via Skype video. shelley2 The dance was exhilarating and the organizers of the program were inspiring. The spirit and energy brought through from the dance, and the performers, provided a positive finish to an evening with a serious cause, reminding everyone that there is a lot to celebrate in Africa, which is why we need to take action to support it. There were also raffles, a lucky draw, and a silent auction, with prizes being supplied by the South African Fine Wines company, and with 100% of the money raised going to the campaign. The evening proved to be a great success.

Rachel Otieno, USA

We were incredibly impressed with the hard work and creativity used by Rachel to have such a successful event! After deciding she wanted to hold a big dinner event, Rachel started to go about raising money for all the supplies she would need to purchase to make her night not only successful but fun as well! She started a short-term business venture named "Chapatti 2 Go" selling chapatti (traditional Kenyan flatbread) to people in her community. After raising $500, Rachel started working on the marketing aspect and took out an ad in the local paper. Finally, 12 dishes and some delicious chai masala (Kenyan spicy tea) Rachel had an event no one in attendance will soon forget! We were amazed at the creative "buy a doggie bag" idea so that none of the food was wasted and even more money was raised! We are glad you are part of our team Rachel-you rock!

"As I reflect on the whole experience I have come to the realization that of all the many things I have done in life nothing has been as rewarding as being a part of the Eat So They Can initiative."

Eat So They Can 2008

Jenn Winter, USA

The record for most donations raised by an ESTC host goes to Jenn Winter who raised just under an incredible $8000US! What a fantastic amount Jenn, well done!

With a simple affair in her parents' backyard with over 100 guests snacking on finger foods, Jenn's event is a great example of the simplicity and spirit of Eat So They Can.

Having spent six months in Kenya last year volunteering with GVN, Jenn says the Eat So They Can fundraiser has a very special place in her heart. "I guess since leaving Kenya I have this need to somehow stay connected and active in the work that I was doing when I was there."

Kristiane Smith, USA

Kristiane and the team of resident assistants from Bruce Hall at the University in North Texas did an amazing job rallying together staff, students and the hall association for their fundraising dinner. It was a wonderful demonstration of collaboration and the ESTC Tem were so excited to see a University get involved. We hope to use this event as an example to other universities next year to show - yes – it can be done!

Our ESTC dinner was a huge success! I hosted the event at the dorm where I am a resident assistant. We had over 100 people filter in and out of the dinner which was a combination of donated food from restaurants, our own dishes, and we grilled in the courtyard! It was so amazing to see so many young people passionate about such a cause! It was also a lot of fun, and from what we hear, the food was great! I am so honoured to have been a part of this!" said Kristiane

Meryl Gamgee, Australia

When the Eat So They Can team first heard that one of our hosts was planning on having zebras at her event, we couldn't wait to see the photos! Sure enough, Meryl Gamgee, a returning host this year, "borrowed" her neighbours white ponies, armed with some black paint went to work creating zebras for her event held on her farm in Melbourne! You are a legend Meryl!

"We had "zebras", fake giraffes, a goat, and a couple of local businesses loaned decorations for the day. We cooked lots of African food, served African wines and showed the Eat So They Can DVD. People were impressed by being able to see where the money actually goes and the people it helps. I have received emails from many to say they had a fun time and I hope we raised lots of money!" said Meryl.

"I invited my friends and colleagues from work. Everyone watched the DVD in silence and they were completely over whelmed with what they saw. They were really emotional and moved with the facts. They all commented that they were happy they saw the DVD as it that gave them a better insight into the cause. In the end, I think I helped people realize that they can help eradicate child poverty and hunger," said Deepti.

Eat So They Can 2007

Naomi Baker and Nicola Daley, Australia

Thanks for all your efforts in co-ordinating such a fantastic event. We had a really great time at our dinner in little Werribee, Australia. We had more than 126 people attend, and raised $AU 2317 (and I'm still getting people pass on donations!). We had an Ethiopian guy cater for our event, so everyone had the experience of trying African food, and eating with their hands! It was great. Not only were funds raised for a great cause, but people were given the opportunity to broaden their perspectives on our global community.

So thanks again for initiating such a great event. It's great to celebrate the blessed circumstances we find ourselves in, and in doing so, be able to pass on the blessing to others.

Sanne Lemann, Denmark

My Eat So They Can event was a big success in my opinion. I had 25 guests, who all brought food for the buffet. For that many people I had to hold the party at the local school, which I had decorated in African style.

Since I've been in Kenya myself I had put up a slideshow with a lot of pictures from my trip, and I also sold some banana-leave animals from a friend of mine in Kenya. All of my guest wanted to hear about my trip and my experiences in Kenya, and I was more than happy to tell about the children and people I met.

I also used the event to spread the word on sponsoring children and donating money, and I had gathered some different brochures from Danish and international organizations, to let my guests know about the different options they had. From all this I raised $650.84 USD, which was more than I had hoped for. I believe that GVN and VICDA will use mine, and all the money raised around the world for something good.