Last weekend we were privileged to take part in events at two of the organizations we support.

One was the Open House at the nearly completed new home of Creative Action. Though it was a cold and drizzly day, the acrivities inside brimmed with excitement. Children could dress up with masks from a treasure chest, others tried to thread necklaces and bracelets from colorful beads, including letter cubes for their names. Meanwhile, older visitors could try their hands at African drumming, making a rhythmic and joyful noise. All this pointed to the new potential of Creative Action, which can now offer many activities and classes in its new home in addition to the many school

classrooms around town.

The other event was the festive travel along the Silk Road, that AFSSA (formerly SAHELI) has put on for more than twenty years. As it was last year, this major fundraiser was held in the stately rotunda of the Bullock Museum. While the Silk Road idea was visible in the many dinner selections from various Asian countries, the highlight was the live auction which hoped to raise enough money to meet a challenge grant from a newly impressed foundation. The many high bids I heard throughout the bidding cycle let me assume that the challenge was met. In addition, many local vendors had offered items for a silent auction. Those ranged from the desirable to the indulgent. Entertainment from Chinese lions dancing all through the hall, a very young talented volinist, and some Bollywood dancers rounded out the festive evening.