The Annual Taste of Sri Lanka Fundraising Dinner with Auction and Entertainment is set for March 22. This year, due to the popularity of the event, it is being hosted at the Dole Mansion in Crystal Lake to raise funds for the Blue Lotus Temple remodeling project. The Dole is at 401 Country Club Road in Crystal Lake, about 10 minutes from the Temple.
The dinner begins at 5 p.m., but Silent Auction items will be on display in an adjoining room before and during the dinner. There will be a short Live Auction after the entertainment and the announcement of Silent Auction high bids.
The menu of Sri Lankan favorite dishes, prepared this year by a Sri Lankan chef, will include the exotic spices, fruits and vegetables that make this cuisine so appealing and adventurous. There are dishes for every taste—ultra spicy or mild, vegan or vegetarian, as well as dishes with fish and chicken, and cooling desserts to delight every palate.
The Temple is excited to announce the special performance this year of Gary DeVar, a performance artist and mime who has been delighting audiences for over 30 years. As a mime, Gary has performed at the White House, the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament and the Tournament of Roses Parade. In addition, he co-authored “Jeririgg”, a mime show that took national honors at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
Gary has appeared in over 25 mainstage shows throughout the United States and has had the honor of performing for the Grand Kabuki of Japan. It is a great honor for us to present Gary to our Taste of Sri Lanka audience, and we are proud that he is part of our Blue Lotus community!
There will also be performances by Sri Lankan drummers. Drumming is a part of every Sri Lankan festival, parade and cultural event, and has a long and proud history in the country.
Tickets are $30 and available at Blue Lotus Temple. For more information, please call 815-337-7378 or email: office@bluelotustemple.org