Black Women's Residence Taste for Life event

Inspired by a New York Times article on the recent devastating drought in Kenya, Yessenia Chimelis and her four housemates in the Black Women's Residence at St. Lawrence University of Canton, NY decided it was time to educate their peers about the global water and sanitation crisis.

Knowing firsthand how much university students like events involving food, the housemates agreed that hosting a Taste for Life event on campus could be a big success. And indeed it was!

Over 150 students attended the event to enjoy home-cooked Asian cuisine and soul food, and help the world's poorest people gain access to safe water, hygiene and sanitation. 

While guests devoured a one of a kind Taste for Life cake designed by university dining services staff, Yessenia and her housemates gave a presentation about the need for improved water and sanitation in Africa and Asia and WaterAid America’s work in these regions.

According to Yessenia, “the end result was beautiful!” The event raised over $600 and students expressed a strong interest in having another Taste for Life dinner next semester. Yessenia attributes the event’s success to hard work and lots of event promotion.

By reaching out and getting multiple student organizations, sororities, professors, and even the university newspaper involved, the event received a lot of attention and attracted a diverse group of students.

Are you inspired to organize a similar event? Visit our Taste for Life page for tips and to download invitations and a guest list.