Many of us are aware of the devastating 7.9 magnitude earthquake that rattled Nepal on April 25, 2015. As I watched and listened to the news in horror and heartache I felt a longing to be present and help this beautiful place that I have come to know over the past five years. I sent out emails immediately to those whom I have worked with and interacted with during my visits to Nepal. Thankfully all were physically ok. Here we are five months later, no longer hearing about the condition the earthquake has left the country of Nepal in, the sad reality of our fast moving media culture. 

Much of my work in Nepal surrounding sustainable agriculture has influenced my work in Atlanta and I have much to be grateful for to this country and the kind people. One of those kind people has been staying with me here in Atlanta for the past month, his name is Parshu. Parshu is by and large one of the kindest, smartest people I have met in my life. He has been engaged in sustainable agriculture and rural development in his country for 15+years. He is staying with me and working with Compostwheels for two months to earn enough money to be able to start repairing his damaged home in Nepal. It has been a gift beyond belief to spend this time with him and I decided the least I could do was gather as many of my wonderful community as possible to share in this opportunity to support Parshu and his efforts to rebuild his country from the ground up. The proceeds from ticket sales will go to supporting the community based agricultural development programs Parshu and his organization SODEC have been working on for the past 15 years. 

So please join us and bring a friend. We are going to enjoy a wonderful evening of good food, drinks, and company. We will hear Parshu's story and have a discussion with a panel of some of Atlantas sustainable food and ag heroes about what it takes to build a vibrant community rooted in a strong and equitable foodsystem. Music will be abundant before and after the discussion provided by the talented and always smiling Peter Webb. Goat Farm Chef and Resident David Sturgis will be cooking up some local goodness with a hint of Nepali spice. It will be a joyful time and one we will all remember and give thanks for.