By Kelly King
Cavalier Daily Associate Editor
Looking for something to do this Friday evening? While exhibiting a patriotic spirit and national pride, you also can enjoy free food catered by restaurants, including Domino's Pizza, Bodo's Bagels, Aromas Cafe, Tokyo Rose, Foods of all Nations and others.
The United We Stand dinner tonight from 4:30 until 7:30 at the Fontaine Research Park, located on Fontaine Avenue, provides all of this and more.
"There is no charge for anyone to attend," said Lisa Torlina, volunteer coordinator of the event.
"The purpose is to bring together the entire community, whether it be students, professionals, families or the homeless, just to show that we stand united."
Torlina, who was injured by the explosion at the Pentagon in Washington says that the cause is very near and dear to her heart.
"For me it's therapy," she said. "This was the most horrific thing I've seen in my life and I honestly don't think that I would be functioning if I didn't have something like this to work on."
The event, however, was not Torlina's brainchild, even if it is is extremely important to her.
The event was the creation of Hassan Kaisoum, owner of the Aromas Cafe. It also is sponsored by the American Red Cross, the Islamic Society of Virginia, the Congregation of Beth Israel, the Westminster Presbyterian Church and other groups.
Kaisoum said he initially thought of the idea after the Sept. 11 events in New York and Washington, when he was tired of watching the footage on television over and over again without doing anything about it.
Aside from the free food, music and entertainment, the event will include prayer and speeches. Participants will have the chance to share in a sense of national pride and gratitude as well.
"There will be an opportunity to meet and thank the volunteers of the Volunteer Fire Department," Torlina said.
In addition, the American Red Cross will be present to accept donations and to educate people on how they might provide aid to the disaster victims in New York City or Washington, D.C.
Torlina said organizers behind the event are hoping to have a turnout anywhere between 1,000 and 2,000 people.
"This is what America is all about," Kaisoum said. " We will set an example for our children that our community is united and that we will stay united."
Read More
How study abroad taught me to stop studying
By Grace Scott | 3 days agoTurns out, it took attending one of the most prestigious universities in the world for me to realize there's more to life than studying.
Collyn Clark reflects on Space Workforce 2030, building an inclusive space industry
By Carly Stender | 4 days agoClark said programs such as the SWF 2030 internship can serve as launch pads for a career in the aerospace industry.
The White Spot: an iconic diner etched in student nightlife
By Alexa Graham | 6 days agoThe White Spot is a timeless diner for Charlottesville residents and students looking for a greasy spoon infused with University spirit.
