Here’s a recap of this weekend’s festivities, by Neil.  

It was called the “Best Dance Party EVER,” but really it should have been called “The Place Where We Got Awesome Raffle Prizes.”

Indeed, while the primary thrust of my fundraiser on Saturday night was to play goofy dance tunes and raise money for the Cambodian Children’s Fund, much of the evening was defined by my guests’ excitement at winning raffle prizes that were donated by vendors through the efforts of AlliesAnswers.com.  At the center of the raffle were a Harmony Yoga Mat by Jade Yoga and several gift baskets that I made filled with products donated by eco-friendly and holistic living-based vendors.  After awarding the prizes, I wanted to take fifteen or thirty seconds to thank everyone for coming and mention how their donations would be used:

“Thank you all for coming,” I said.  “That you’re willing to set aside a Saturday night to ensure that Cambodian children can have a place to–”
“–Cool!  I’ve always wanted one of these Jade yoga mats.  You never slip on it–”
“–that Cambodian children can have a place to call home and have food to–”
“I’ll trade you my Dagoba Roseberry chocolate bar for your Dark 59% Semisweet.”
“There are many children living in garbage dumps–”
“This Eucalan detergent will mean I don’t have to go to the dry cleaners anymore–neat!”
“One dollar will feed a child for a whole day–”
“A copy of Green Chic by Christy Matheson.  I’ve always wanted to save the earth in style…”
“If every person helps just a little–”
“Cool.  These Bumblebars are gluten-free.  I can’t eat gluten, you know.”
“And more information can be found–”
“Wow!  This is a whole Moosewood cookbook!  I always went to that restaurant when I lived in Ithaca!”
“And thank you again for coming.”
“What?  Did you say something Neil?”
“Uh…well I…”
“What?”
“Yes.  I said, ‘enjoy the rest of the party.’”
“PARTY!!!!!!!!”
“Right.”

Thank you to all of the fabulous vendors that donated their products.  Please see the below list of vendors and their websites for more information.

• Jade Yoga (www.jadeyoga.com)
• Dagoba Organic Chocolate (www.dagobachocolate.com)
• Eucalan (www.eucalan.com)
• Sourcebooks (www.sourcebooks.com)
• Bumble Bars (www.bumblebars.com)
• Moosewood Restaurant (http://www.moosewoodrestaurant.com/)