Lara Printz was born in New York and raised in Birmingham, Alabama. She received her B.A. in Foreign Languages from Rollins College in Florida. Prior to her arrival at International House, Lara worked as a Guest Services Coordinator for Universal Studios Theme Park, a local coordinator for a high school exchange program and a Diversity Coordinator for the Girl Scouts Hornet's Nest Council.

Lara came to International House upon the opening of the Citizen Diplomacy Program Manager position which truly encompassed everything she was looking for in a dream job.

In her spare time, Lara enjoys singing, playing the guitar, writing music, exercising and traveling. She is fluent in French and Spanish, speaks conversational Brazilian Portuguese and basic Russian.

Middle Eastern Dance

On Saturday, June 12, 2004, International House held it's second international festival, WorldFeast. The Wachovia Atrium & Plaza on South Tryon Street, was the setting for a festive all-day event that included diverse entertainment, vendors, food and children's activities.

The entertainment featured dances from around the world, including many parts of Latin America, the Middle East, China, Europe, India and Thailand. Additionally, musicians and singers provided music from Russia, Belarussia, Azerbajan, Poland, Armenia, Spain, and the Celtic regions of the world. The final performance of the evening was the Filipino Elvis impersonator, Renelvis!

Our vendors and information booths represented various parts of Africa, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North America. Delicious food from Cuisine Malaya, Gus' Greek Foods, M & J Churros,Maharani and Mert's Heart & Soul was enjoyed by all. Imported beer and wine was available from MimosaGrill. Our ever-expanding children's area entertained hundreds of young participants with arts, crafts, music,stories, and theater performances.

Children from 41 different countries and over 1,700 participants enjoyed this entertaining and educational experience! Many thanks go out to our sponsors: Wachovia Bank, Coca Cola, Lufthansa German Airlines, The Blumenthal Foundation, Charlotte Bobcats, Coats North America, Charlotte Film Society, and International Minute Press - South Boulevard. Also, our sincere gratitude goes out to all of the wonderful volunteers who made WorldFeast 2004 such a great success!

Children's Area	Classic Thai Dance	Phoenix Chinese Dancers

Annually for the past fifteen years, International House has hosted a Benefit Gala that celebrates the color, culture and cuisine of a different country. On Saturday, October 30, the tradition continues at the beautifully appointed Charlotte Westin Hotel with “LET’S GO DUTCH!” an exciting getaway evening in The Netherlands.

This year, our guests will enjoy a cocktail reception and silent auction in an artfully conjured Dutch setting that includes a market stall stocked with a tempting selection of fine gift items, flower bulbs and St. Nicolaas treats directly from Holland. A full-course dinner in the atmosphere of old Amsterdam follows, featuring authentic cuisine and a touch of Dutch entertainment.

Festivities continue with our eagerly anticipated live auction where those with a taste for everything from foreign travel and elegant jewelry to gourmet dining and pro sports collectibles can bid on an exceptional array of items then dance until the midnight hour to the music of Déjà Vu.

The “LET’S GO DUTCH!” benefit fundraiser is an all-volunteer event produced by the International House Gala Committee. Co-Chairs for this year’s event are Donna Sanders and Stefanie Staton. All profits go directly to support the programs and services of International House.

Each year, the Charlotte community looks forward to the International House gala for its unique international theme, fine dining and excellent entertainment.

So, please join us on October 30 and “Let’s Go Dutch!”

For More information or sponsorship opportunities, please call Sheila Bennett at 704-333-8099 Ext. 12 or email her at sbennett@ihclt.org