There wasn't an empty seat in the house Friday for the Evening Around the World fundraising event hosted by the Moose Jaw Multicultural Council (MJMC).

St. Andrew's United Church hosted the event, which seated 175 people for the organization's seventh international supper.

The dinner featured cuisine from across the globe, an East African Coffee Experience, 50/50 draw, silent auction, live auction, and an entertainment program.

"You could just feel the buzz in the kitchen," said MJMC Executive Director Stefanie Palmer. "Everybody decorating together and it's just time to celebrate where we come from, wherever that may be. People are as excited to share their food and their culture, as we are to receive it."

Palmer says while final totals are still being tallied, they were hoping to raise $10,000.

"The money raised tonight will go towards our programming at the Multicultural Council. We are a settlement agency that helps newcomers to Canada and it will also go to newcomers directly. If they need assistance with certain things, we will be able to help them out with that as well," she explained.

Gaby Carmona Mendoza (pictured above left) is the organization's community connection coordinator, having moved to Canada 10 years ago from Mexico.

"We have food from around the world," she exclaimed. "We have food from Syria, from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Nigeria, India, Somalia. There's so many, I think we have about 12 dishes all together."

Mendoza says this is the first time MJMC has partnered with other organizations for the event.

"We used to do it before, but very small, just between us and the students. This time, we decided to do it bigger so we can get some money. Whatever money we make, is going to be to support the activities that we do here at Moose Jaw Multicultural Council. We are a non-profit organization, so we need to find a way to make things happen. We are very happy because we sold out."

Kemper PortocarreroKemper Portocarrero

Kemper Portocarrero moved to Moose Jaw with his family last year from Peru. He volunteered to help serve the meal.

"It's amazing that we can share with other nationalities. It's amazing for us. We have to know other countries, we are different. What makes you different is what makes you better," he remarked.

The Evening Around the World International Dinner is the largest fundraiser of the year for Moose Jaw Multicultural Council.