Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: Night of 1,000 Dinners

Time and time again I am blown away by the generosity of my fellow 'earth-mates.'

When there is a crisis, even during difficult economic times, people rise to the occasion, especially extremely caring and generous Clevelanders.

A local church has taken the 'Night of 1,000 Dinners' concept and molded it to suit their current fundraising needs.

Normally, the 'Night of 1,000 Dinners' references a global effort raising awareness to depleting landmines around the world for safety, peace, as well as garnering more land for producing food for those in need.

The more generalized explainer is gathering a group of people together, preferably around the dinner table, to support 'some' common cause.

Parishioners of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Cleveland chose the beginning of Catholic Schools Week to open their homes to family and friends in hope of raising money for THEIR common cause --Our Lady of Peace Elementary School.

Instead of having one huge fundraiser where you usually have to spend a lot of money to try and make a little, each family does their small part in hopes of a big payout!

Parishioners' shindigs range from brunches, luncheons, dinners, cocktail parties and even 'take out' for those who want to enjoy a great home-cooked meal in the luxury of their own home--and still make a difference!

The hosts can invite as many or as few and charge what they deem appropriate in light of the menu served. All proceeds go to Our Lady of Peace Elementary School.

A perfect way to support a good cause AWAY from the TV, computer, iPod, Blackberry and enjoy the company of good friends! It's a win-win situation for all involved!!!!!

Our Lady of Peace Elementary School has been serving and educating the children of Cleveland since 1924.

The very first students were children of immigrants fleeing war-torn European countries. Now, mainly comprised of inner-city African-American students, the goals remain the same today: to give each and every child the best education while enriching every other facet of their life. Being a Catholic School, the Catholic Doctrine is taught, in hopes of instilling 'the light of the gospel to be of service to their families, their churches, and their civic communities.' A challenging curriculum gives each student the opportunity to compete at the highest level with any other student around at the High School and College levels and beyond.

Whatever they are doing seems to be working! Last year, 100 percent of the first graders made 'benchmark' or 'emerging' status on a nationally used test of oral reading fluency. And in charitable giving, even though many of these families face hardships themselves, the students collected over 800 canned food items for the parish Food Pantry in October. The Food Pantry helps those in need in the neighborhood.

The students not only get a great education but a solid foundation for a hopeful future!

I salute creative ventures aiming at preserving neighborhoods, strengthening schools, empowering our future with positive reinforcement, reminiscing on our past, and allowing people to enjoy each other (as in olden days before clutter and busyness!!!). Therefore, I have chosen OLP's 'Night of 1,000 Dinners' as this week's Hidden Gem.