ROME- The Rome International school (RIS) earned an astounding 33,835 euro for the school's reconstruction project in Haiti at their third annual Gala dinner last month. The goal was 30,000 euro and with the help of over 250 students, families, friends and staff members, their expectations were achieved and beyond.

The Francesca Rava Foundation’s mission is to educate people about the current state of Haiti, with a focus on their schools and children. The money raised at the dinner goes to the construction and support of ‘street schools’. The Foundation also supports several hospitals and orphanages.

Not too far from the nature reserve, the dinner guests were provided with a mesmerizing view of the city at Casina di Maccia Madama and varied aperitivo before sitting down for a taste-bud blazing dinner.  

While the guests were seated, a few speeches were made. Ivano Boragine, RIS Head of School, and President of Francesca Rava Foundation, Mariavittoria Rava shared details about project and its importance. The audience futher understood the difference the fundraiser makes on children during a slideshow of photographs presented by a student who had visited Port au Prince earlier this year.

RIS give many thanks the distinguished Italian comedian Rosario Fiorello and the hardworking Grade 12 students involved. Fiorello played Vannah Whites that evening. His enthusiasm and passion in auctioneering has received much credit for contributing to the incredible success of the event. The students assisted him by holding up auction items for all to see. In addition to greeting guests as they entered the Casina.

The Gala Dinner is one of two of RIS's main fundraising events organized by the Parent Teacher Association. The May Fair is the other fundraiser and also an annual event.

The 2010 earthquake which struck Haiti just outside its capital Port-au-Prince killed more than 300,000 people and left an estimated 1 million homeless. Rome International School has supported the Francesca Rava Foundation through its Gala Dinner for three years.

Further, an interview with Fiorello about the event which was aired June 13, shows how much his and RIS's Herculean efforts were admired by the city of Rome.  

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