Big Bollywood bash

With bindis, bangles and saris, the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities 12th annual gala got a dose of Bollywood glamour.

India's version of Hollywood came to life at the Minneapolis Hyatt, but the organization's focus remained clear: "To make sure children are being watched and served," said Gloria Lewis, the president and CEO of the organization. She emphasized the importance of health and fitness, "so every child has a chance and a pathway to a better life."

That was the case for partygoer Jeannine Pfeifer, who wore a neon pink sari. As a volunteer, she and her 10-year-old "little sister" go on bike rides and take French lessons together. As the child of a paranoid schizophrenic mother, Pfeifer hopes to guide her mentee to avoid some of the challenges she experienced. "I could have used a big sister when I was a girl to talk to about my problems and help me seek out different interests," she said. It seems its never too late to expand your family.

Foodie fundraiser Food has a way of bringing people together. So it played an appropriately central role in the Second Harvest Heartland's Dish: Cuisine for Change fundraiser.

Diners snacked on such gourmet fare as pulled-pork sandwiches from Hell's Kitchen, butternut squash gnocchi from French Meadow Bakery and Cafe and possibly the largest paella ever from Butterfly Bistro. "We want to celebrate food," said Rob Zeaske, the nonprofit's executive director.

The feast raised more than $500,000 for Second Harvest Heartland, the Upper Midwest's largest hunger-relief organization. According to a recent report, Minnesotans are missing 125 million meals per year and the organization is working to change that statistic with food deliveries to nearly 1,000 local programs. "We want to be here for every neighbor in their time of need," Zeaske said.

Sara Glassman • 612-673-7177