International Dinner Sunday

West Virginia University's International Student Organization is inviting students and other members of the Morgantown community to take part in its annual International Dinner Sunday.

The dinner gives people the chance to enjoy food from a variety of cultures, all while raising money for charity.

The theme of this year's event is "Arabian Nights," with meals from Middle Eastern countries like Algeria, Egypt, Morocco and Saudi Arabia being served.

Eileen Huang, a graduate student in the accounting program and president of the ISO, said this year's proceeds will go to a North African organization that promotes children's education.

"It's a really special organization," she said. "Every year we try to donate to someone."

Each year, the organization tries to donate proceeds to an organization in a country whose cuisine is featured at that year's dinner. Last year, Huang said around $1,500 went to a charity in South Asia.

Huang hopes that this year will be even more successful than the last.

"Last year we sold about 200 tickets, and we're hoping to sell more this year," she said.

The buffet-style dinner will feature vegetarian dishes as well as lamb, chicken and beef-centered meals. Two appetizers, including hummus and a vegetarian salad with falafels, will be featured on each table for patrons to enjoy.

After dinner, two desserts will be served, including baklava and a Moroccan dish.

All of the food will be homemade, and each recipe was given to the ISO by an international student studying at WVU.

"Students from the featured countries volunteer to make the food," Huang said. "We just ask people who come from that country what the famous food will be there, and we make the food at home."

Besides being an opportunity to indulge in a good meal, Huang said the International Dinner would provide a unique cultural experience for those who do not have the means to travel to the Middle East.

"A lot of students and families don't have many opportunities to travel, especially to other countries, and this is a great opportunity to go out and see another country's culture," Huang said. "Enjoying the food is an easy way to understand and learn."

Huang said she is personally looking forward to the couscous that will be served Sunday. She hopes that even people who have tried Middle Eastern food before will come out for the meal in order to spread the word about other cultures.

"We want people to encourage others to attend this event in order to bring our country and students more international awareness," she said. "This is not just good for the students but for the whole community."

The event will take place in the Mountainlair Ballrooms and will begin at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 for students and $16 for adults, and are available in room 111 of E. Moore Hall.