Eric Forest, chef and storyteller at the Qualia LoungeAn email arrived in my in box this week from Eric Forrest. Inside the subject bar was written, 'a quest for storytellers'.
Poet, Randall Stephens, was surprised by the announcement and perhaps wary about donning the worm. Before our eyes he transformed from happy poet to evil annalid.
Reading on. I learned that Eric was hosting a week long fundraiser for Room to Read. This is a global organisation dedicated to promoting and enabling education through programs focused on literacy and gender equality in education.
Here's the thing ... for every poet or storyteller who was prepared to stand up and read, recite or tell, Qualia Lounge was offering to put $20 towards Room to Read.
Well who's gunna argue with that! By the end of the night we had over $160 in the hat. The money will go to a program in Laos supporting female literacy
But there was a twist ... at the completion of the performances folk voted (with monopoly money) for their highlight and the lucky winner received a $100 bar tab and had the privilege of wearing the worm!
Poet, Randall Stephens, was surprised by the announcement and perhaps wary about donning the worm. Before our eyes he transformed from happy poet to evil annalid.
The Qualia Lounge is a unique idea and my kind of place. I was welcomed like I was walking into a home. Its a place where strangers introduce themselves, hands are shaken and ideas and stories traded around wine and nibbles. And of course I had great fun sharing a story with my new best friends.
So ...
Details about Qualia Lounge here
Check out Randall Stephens here
And most importantly if you are interested in supporting Room to Read check it out here
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