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Vita Nova, UD’s award-winning student-run restaurant, will serve jambalaya and other Cajun specialties at the Ministry of Caring’s International Night fund-raiser in Wilmington on Sunday, Sept. 26.

HRIM students will begin preparing corn chowder and other dishes days before the dinner for 160, making everything from scratch. The restaurant supplies all the food so that all proceeds can support the Ministry of Caring’s Emmanuel Dining Rooms. The three dining rooms provide 500 to 800 free meals to Wilmington’s poorest residents on an average day.

Chef instructor Debbie Ellingsworth said about 25 students will prepare, cook and serve the dinner. Although some do it to fulfill a graduation requirement of 100 hours of community service, she said most are eager to help the Ministry of Caring and other outreaches to poor residents.

“The hospitality industry is a very giving type of occupation. Our students really enjoy it, and they thank me for the opportunity to go,’’ she said. “We have a really good core of students who like to be involved. There’s a lot of satisfaction in helping people who aren’t as fortunate as we happen to be, and I always think, there but for the grace of God, go I.”

Last year, a surprise guest put in an appearance when Vita Nova hosted an International Night. YouDee helped in the kitchen and schmoozed with the dining crowd, which included many UD alumni.

“The University of Delaware’s International Night helps us raise close to $3,000 to feed the hungry, and, proportionately, every dollar raised covers the food costs to put a meal in front of a person,’’ Pat Gaffney, director of the three Emmanuel Dining Rooms, said.

For reservations to attend the 5 p.m. dinner at Il Cappucchino, 221 North Jackson St, Wilmington, call (302) 652-3228. The cost is $20.

Contact: Martin Mbugua, (302) 831-8749, or e-mail [mbugua@udel.edu]
September 17, 2004