Celebration of Cultures

The FFO Celebration of Cultures Potluck on Sunday, February 12, 2017 was well attended by Forsyth families–including grandparents, faculty, and staff.  It was an event not to miss for a fourth year running and the largest to date! The Forsyth Family Organization sponsors this event.

>> See slideshow.

Setting the stage. The celebration began with the global decor designed by volunteers. With high top tables, handcrafted tabletop decorations, a special dessert cart, and flags of the world strung above the tables, The Rand Center was internationally festive. On a large screen, Forsyth families’ travel photos–of the family seeing or experiencing different cultures around the globe–were projected continuously throughout the evening.

Entertainment. Emcees Darel Shelton and Jason Hooper (Upper and Lower Division Directors) kicked off the evening’s entertainment. All ages enjoyed listening to Michael Hagmeier play the didgeridoo accompanied by Colleen O’Shea Jones on the flute–an unusual combination, to say the least. It was beautiful music and the didgeridoos were mesmerizing to watch. Other performances included Nandini Jain performing Bharatanatyam, a stunning Indian classical dance, and the Modern Chinese School performed the Dragon Dance as the grand finale.  There were craft tables for the kids, and one of our Forsyth alums painted Mehndi (decorative designs using henna paste) on both children and adults.

Haute potluck. The highlight of the event was, of course, the amazing food from around the globe that reflected Forsyth families’ heritages. The food buffet table was 32 feet long laden with everything from Thai red curry with beef to Norwegian meatballs to tiramisu and even an Imo’s pizza! Add to that another 16 feet of appetizers and desserts. The variety of dishes was unmatched, and the crowd of 200+ savored some incredible food–enough for second helpings.

Thank you! This event would not have been possible without our amazing volunteers and the support of our terrific Forsyth facilities crew. It was a memorable (and delicious!) celebration of cultural diversity for all ages.

– Cory Smallwood, Development Manager