 |
|
Istanbul Night, Turkish Delights--an Enchanting
Evening Scores of members worked hard for several months to put together a gala that has been called 'the best party of the year' by Skyline newspaper. The Turkish Culture Group of IWA was responsible for this year's festivities that included a grand bazaar with 150 silent auction items-half of them from Turkey-a gourmet Turkish meal, classical Turkish music, folk dancing, a choreographed ballet, belly dancing and dancing to the music of Frank Caruso's orchestra. The decorations were reminiscent of Topkapi palace. Champagne, raki (anisette-based national Turkish drink), and Turkish wine flowed throughout the evening. The chef, who had worked at Istanbul's Four Season's Hotel, prepared a delectable four-course meal. Among the guests were the consuls general of half a dozen countries, including the consul general of Turkey, the Honorable Naci Koru and his wife, Dr. Canan Koru. Both expressed their pride and appreciation to IWA for enabling the Turkish group to introduce a slice of its culture to Chicago. IWA is a non-profit organization that serves as a cultural and practical resource for foreign women residing in Chicago. "Its programs and activities provide an opportunity for comfortable transition into the Chicago community in the company of other women who have known the experience of adjusting to a new and different society," according to Doe Thornburg, who founded the organization 25 years ago. Each year a different culture or language group takes on the benefit event-the organization's annual major fundraising effort. A 60-page advertising and tribute program book helps raise some of the funds. IWA's goal this year was $50,000. For more information about IWA, its website is www.iwachicago.org |