You are invited to an exciting and informative evening celebrating Sierra Leonean culture! Enjoy West African appetizers, hand-carved art, unique artisan-made auction items, and a full-scale Sierra Leonean fishing boat.
Tickets are $50 each, and you can join us in person at The Crowne Plaza in Springfield, Illinois. Business casual attire is encouraged.
APPETIZERS
Enjoy a tasty appetizers inspired by the lively flavors of a Sierra Leonean street market. Dig into skewered meats, meat balls, warm bread, cheeses, and assorted nuts. For dessert, we've added some favorites like creamy puffs and mini cheesecakes to satisfy your sweet tooth.
HAND-CARVED ART
Dive into the lively culture of Sierra Leone with the amazing works of its artisans. Our collection of wooden pieces highlights the incredible talent and deep expressions of these craftspeople. Each piece captures the nation's artistic spirit and shares the rich cultural stories of its people.
ARTISAN-MADE AUCTION ITEMS
Discover a carefully curated collection of handpicked treasures, chosen by our local staff to showcase the amazing craftsmanship of West African artisans. You'll find intricately beaded jewelry, finely crafted leather wallets, hand-carved nativity scenes, a unique chess set, colorful fabric bracelets, stylish leather earrings, and more. There will be something to delight everyone.
WALK-THRU GALLERY
Step into the world of each child with our interactive gallery, featuring vibrant photos and heartfelt video interviews in their native Krio with English subtitles. Connect deeply with their stories, brought to life through their personal experiences.
COSTAL EXHIBIT
Immerse yourself in the daily life of Sierra Leone's fishing communities with our full-scale fishing boat exhibit. Step aboard to experience the sights and sounds of a bustling fishing village. These boats are vital for feeding families and supplying fresh fish to local markets. This interactive display offers a genuine glimpse into the hardworking lives of Sierra Leonean fishermen and their vibrant coastal culture.
Click here to view pictures from our 2023 gathering.
Click here to view pictures from our 2022 gathering.
Click here to view pictures from our 2021 gathering.
Click here to view pictures from our 2019 gathering.
Click here to view pictures from the 2018 gathering.
Click here to view pictures from the 2017 gathering.