Indonesian Consulate Benefit

Orphans International
Summer Interns

June 4, 2008 – Indonesian Consulate Benefit

Renata (Elisa) Aráuz-DeStefano

Today, the interns at Orphans International Worldwide, including myself, were priviledged to attend “A Splendid Cultural Evening to the Realms of Indonesian Culture.” This event was held at the Indonesian Consulate in Manhattan and featured a gamelan music ensemble, peacock and jaipong dances, an art and jewelry auction and a batik fashion show.
Originally, I thought I was going to be doing the typical volunteer work expected at events such as these; showing guests to their seats, serving food, etc. But, to my surprise, I and a few other interns were asked to participate in the fashion show! None of us had any experience modeling, but Nancy Zhang, a member of the OI America Board of Directors, has professional knowledge of the fashion industry and she was able to train us in a matter of days.
The night of the event was incredible. The Indonesian Consul General was present, along with other members of the consulate. Over 135 Orphans International supporters came to help OIWW raise money for our children in Indonesia. Although I was upstairs preparing for the fashion presentation for most of the night, I was still able to enjoy the delicious food – prepared by the women of the Indonesian Consulate – and watch the dancers perform. Everything had been such a success, now it was time for us to do the fashion show.
One by one, we walked down the grand spiral staircase of the Consulate and walked through the dining tables with the accompaniment of Indonesian music. We paused at each table, doing our best to showcase the beautiful handmade jewelry and batik clothing for auction. It must have worked, though, because items were being sold as soon as we had gotten off the floor.
With $70,000 raised for OI Indonesia, I would definitely consider our June 4th event to be a huge success. It was my first benefit with OIWW, but I look forward to organizing, planning and attending many more to come.