Benefit Event at Dauphine's

Given that most of us seem to be interested in helping others around the world, and our love for all things crafty I thought I'd share this...

Event To Benefit Guatemalan Co-op

UM students will host a photography exhibit and raffle from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 6, at Dauphine's Bakery and Café in Missoula to raise money to establish a women's weaving co-op in northern Guatemala.

The event is free and open to the public and will feature live music. Students will raffle off Guatemalan handicrafts, and their photography will be on sale for $30 to $50.

Students decided to hold the event to benefit the Ixil Mayans of Guatemala after traveling to the area for a two-week seminar about social justice and environmental sustainability. In 2008 the indigenous community of Nebaj in the Ixil region hosted 21 UM students in the seminar, led annually by UM Professor Dan Spencer.

The Guatemalan military devastated the Ixil region during the country's 36-year civil war, and the weaving cooperative is part of an effort to rebuild a sustainable economy in the region. Dauphine's is located at 130 E. Broadway in downtown Missoula. For more information about the event, call Greg Gordon at 406-396-4940 or e-mail fightingbull63@yahoo.com.