a september to remember
September was a big month for the IFC, culminating in a series of events near the end of the month, starting on Friday, September 22nd, when the IFC transformed Highlands' Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park into a street block party celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month as part of the organization's second annual Carnaval de Colores
The purpose of the event was to center and celebrate the local Hispanic community, which is such an important part of the Plateau. Over 450 attendees from across the area made their way to downtown Highlands to do just that.
Joining the IFC were a dozen local nonprofits who hosted games and information booths. These community partners included, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina, Boys and Girls Club of the Plateau, The Community Care Clinic of Highlands-Cashiers, Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library, La Alianza, The 30th Collective, Unidxs WNC, Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust, NC Medicaid, WCU LASO, and Pisgah Legal.
Additionally, community members prepared traditional foods that were provided free of charge to event attendees. There were also demonstrations and performances from traditional artists - from material artists to dancers.
We thank all of those who participated and look forward to seeing you again next year in Cashiers!
Then, on Sunday, September 24th, we celebrated the 12th annual Empty Bowls fundraiser - a collaboration between the International Friendship Center and the First Presbyterian Church of Highlands to raise money for the Highlands Food Pantry.
Every year local restaurants and chefs prepare their best soups to be served alongside the artistry of area potters, many of whom donate stoneware bowls through The Bascom. Tickets sell for $25, for which individuals receive a hand-turned bowl and a delicious meal. Last year’s event raised $10,000 for the pantry and this year's event raised $11,850!
Of course we could not have pulled this off without the soups from our local restaurants: The Kitchen Carry Away, Los Vaqueros, Rosewood Market, The Secret Garden, Highlands Smokehouse, and 4118. All of the proceeds from the fundraiser go directly to the pantry for the purchase of food, the costs for which run around $5,000 per month.
We especially want to thank our partnering organization, the First Presbyterian Church of Highlands, for providing us with the space and many of the volunteers who made our event possible, specifically Marty Rosenfield and Cindy Trevathan for their hard work in managing the kitchen and dining floor, respectively.
Finally, we must acknowledge the continued support of Frank Vickery and The Bascom, without whom there would be no bowls to fill. Thank you all so much.e it stand out
Finally, on September 27th, the IFC was recognized by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce as "Business of the Year" with the Del Roberts Award for Outstanding Business. This award was a wonderful surprise after such an already exciting week of events and community fellowship.
According to the chamber's website, the Del Roberts award was "created in 2005 to honor a business’ unselfish contribution to Highlands." While we don’t do our work for recognition, it is a good feeling to be seen by our peers as an organization having a positive impact on our community.
We are honored to be chosen by the chamber's board of directors for this wonderful award.