By Jay Forte, Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The InC (International Club) of Rio de Janeiro is hosting an event tonight, April 16th, starting at 8PM at a private residence in São Conrado, which promises to be full of great company, music, food and drinks, and all for a good cause. Proceeds from the benefit dinner will go to the Onda Solidaria, an NGO (non-profit) committed to helping improve social inclusion and create opportunities for young people in low income communities in Brazil.
The InC has been supporting Onda Solidaria for nearly seven years, and key organizer for the event tonight, expatriate Anna Whyte explains how it came to be. “All events by the International Club Rio start with the goal of developing an event that supports an ONG doing extraordinary work in Rio.”
Adding, “To attract a crowd and deliver a spectacular night, the International Club invited Blues Band “Banda-we-3″, who will perform together with celebrated sax player Mauricio Lemos and there will be a cameo performance by Art & Social Transformation alumni student, Guilherme Franca on guitar.”
The event will take place at a stunning mansion in São Conrado, as the InC often aims to host events at members’ homes to create a more intimate and atmosphere than being at public venues. This event will offer a beautiful garden and pool area with sweeping views over Rio, as well as lots of space for dinner, dancing, mixing and mingling.
Guests will pay R$200 for the all-inclusive evening, with a dinner prepared by Chef Ana Maria Floriao, open caipirinha bar and wine bar, as well as the main event – the silent auction. On offer are the most sought-after football jerseys signed by Brazilian soccer legends, and beautiful paintings by leading Brazilian Naïf artists.
Anna Whyte explains the goal for the night for the organizers, “The International Club hopes to generate approximately R$20,000 for Onda Solidaria from ticket sales, raffle and the silent auction and greatly increase awareness about Onda Solidaria with the hope of encouraging ongoing support and involvement.”
Adding, “The International Club supports about ten ONGs each year with volunteers and financial support and attempts to create unique events that will generate awareness about the ONG and generate much-needed funds for each ONG. […] There will be 2 or 3 more events this year of this size supporting other ONGs and various other smaller initiatives.”
Everyone is welcome, just RSVP to International Club member Liz at: [email protected]. She will respond with all the details needed for the event. Payments (R$200 per person) can be maid conveniently via direct deposit or payment at the door via cash or check, and RSVPs are being accepted up until the last minute.
The InC Rio was founded in 1965 and has approximately two hundred members from thirty nations, according to the organization. The purpose of the club is to promote friendship among members of all nationalities living in and around Rio de Janeiro, as well as helping newcomers get settled, understand Brazil and find a sense of community in Rio.
What: InC Blues Band and Benefit Dinner for Onda Solidaria
When: Saturday, April 16, 8PM
Where: Private Residence in São Conrado
Entrance: R$200 per person (R$180 pp for reserved tables of eight), all inclusive: dinner, all beverages, entertainment, please RSVP to Liz at: [email protected].