The World Comes to Michigan at the Michigan International Festival

ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Nov. 12, 2013 - PRLog -- Isn’t it surprising that we don’t have an event that celebrates diversity in Michigan?

With its 1.2 Million members across the world, Rotary has known to be a very diverse an all-encompassing organization. So who better to bring the world together than Rotary?

So Rotarians gather together to bring the world together here in Michigan.

Local performers, restaurants, and businesses are joining with local Rotary clubs to provide to celebrate the multi-faceted culture of Michigan and raise money to help educate girls around the world.

The Rotary clubs of Ann Arbor West, Ann Arbor North, and Saline are hosting the Michigan International Festival on November 23^rd at Saline High School.  The festival is bringing together restaurants and performers that highlight the various cultures from around the world that make their home in Michigan.  The proceeds from the Michigan International Festival will go to project Hope RISING and other projects managed by Rotary, which will provide education and job training resources for girls locally as well as in India and Sri Lanka.This 1^st Michigan International Festival is a unique opportunity to experience the cultures of the world through food and entertainment without leaving the State of Michigan. A fascinating silent auction, with includes a private plane ride to Mackinaw, a stay at the Grand Hotel, restaurant gift certificates, or a tapestry from India.  There will be food from CurryUp (Indian), New York Pizza Delivery (Italian), Sabor Latino, (Central American), St. Nicholas Church (Greek), Biwako Sushi (Japan) TK Wu (Chinese), and more.  Performances will feature music and dance from the Saline Fiddlers (Celtic and North American), Chinese Lion Dance (FORMOSA and AACCOM) Dance Alliance (Russian), Bollyfit (Modern Indian), Emerson Choir (AMERICAN), St. Nicholas Church (Greek), and Raflejos Latinos (Central American).  The event is sponsored by local businesses including the gold sponsors Raymond James- Bruce Dunbar, Integrys, Julie L. Dunbar PLLC, ADG Architects Design Group, and silver sponsors Stillwaters Counseling and State Farm.

Vineet Katial, President of Rotary Ann Arbor West says “we love all the enthusiasm and support we are getting from various communities, and we are hoping to make this an annual event.” The money raised is part of a multi-year international Rotary project that provide computer resources for general education and job training for one of the most vulnerable populations in the world; girls in underprivileged communities.  Current partners include Washtenaw Intermediate School District, Earth Saviours (India), and Grace Home (Sri Lanka).

Bryon Harvey a charter member of the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor West says, “I knew that girls in underprivileged communities were more vulnerable to human trafficking and generational poverty.  I didn’t know the impact that educating these girls has on them, their community, and the economy.  As a dad of a daughter it breaks my heart to know the conditions that these girls face but I’m incredibly excited to be a part of making a difference in their lives and the world through Project Hope RISING and the Michigan International Festival.”

The Michigan International Festival will be held on November 23^rd at Saline High School 1300 Campus Parkway Saline, MI.  Doors open for food and silent auction at 5p.  Performances start at 7p.  The event ends at 9p.

Tickets are $15 in advance or $30 at the door. Tickets and available at Maureen’s Designs, Saline Recreation Center, Hartmann Insurance, New Era Chiropractic, and Brewed Awakenings in Saline & at Bombay Bazaar and Patel Brothers in Ann Arbor. Tickets are also available online at MIFestival.org, via phone (734) 931-0501 or from the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor West

For more information go to MIFestival.org, email info@rotaryannarbor.org, or call (734) 931-0501.

Notes to editor:

For more information contact Vineet at 734-931-0501