Press release from Pisgah Legal Services:
Buncombe County is a culturally diverse community. In fact, over 55 languages are spoken at home by students enrolled in Buncombe County Schools, including Spanish, Russian, Moldovan, Ukrainian, and Romanian. For many people, food is a connection to their roots and a way to share their culture.
On Sunday, July 21, from 12:00-4:00 p.m., the Wedge Foundation on 5 Foundy Street will be transformed into an international food court for the 2nd Annual Our Global Table benefit for local nonprofit, Pisgah Legal Services. More than 30 vendors ranging from professional chefs to home cooks will be offering small bites that reflect their cultural backgrounds and heritage. Tickets are available at bit.ly/OurGlobalTable for $30 online or $35 at the door, children the age of eight and under get in free. All proceeds benefit Pisgah Legal Services’ Justice For All Program, which provides free legal aid and advocacy to improve the lives of immigrants in 18 WNC counties.
“We all come from somewhere,” says event organizer and local food guru, Suzy Phillips, owner of Gypsy Queen Cuisine and Simple Café and Juice Bar. “Food is a great way to share your roots and your culture. It’s an expression of love and connection.” Co-organizer George Awad agrees. “Food is the common denominator- no matter who you are or what you do, you have to eat. That is what inspired us to put on this event- we knew we had a rich pool of culinary talent to draw from, a community that loves to experience all types of food, and a great way to give back to Pisgah Legal, a vital nonprofit that is doing great work.”
The need for free legal aid for low-income immigrants is greater than ever, and Pisgah Legal Services is working on the front lines. In early 2017, requests to Pisgah Legal Services for advice and/or representation on immigration matters increased over 200% compared to that same time the previous year. Thanks to generous donors, Pisgah Legal increased their staff and volunteer capacity and helped more than 4,000 people though their immigration work, a 61% increase from 2016. But more help is needed.
“Our increased capacity is making it possible for us to help more immigrants than ever before, but the need is still great,” says Shoshana Fried, staff attorney and Immigration Program Director. “The laws and policies affecting our immigrant community are constantly changing, so it is vital that we maintain or even increase our capacity to help as many people as possible.”
Purchase your ticket for Our Global Table: A Benefit Celebrating the Culinary Diversity in Our Community. Tickets are on sale now at bit.ly/OurGlobalTable for $30 online or $35 at the door, children the age of eight and under get in free. There will be live music and door prizes donated by local businesses.
Since 1978, PLS has helped low-income people meet their basic needs, such as protection from domestic violence, avoiding homelessness, finding safe housing, accessing health care and increasing income. Pisgah Legal Services has 25 attorneys on staff, and relies heavily on the pro bono legal services of approximately 300 volunteer attorneys and the help of more than 100 office and navigator volunteers. The nonprofit’s main service area includes eight counties in WNC, with offices in Asheville, Brevard, Hendersonville, Marshall, Spruce Pine and Rutherfordton. For more information, call Pisgah Legal Services at 828-253-0406 or go to www.pisgahlegal.org.
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