The Metropolitan Interfaith Association (MIFA) is currently holding
its annual No-Go Gala. Now in its 22nd year, this “non-event” is for
those who’d rather stay home than attend yet another lavish
fund-raising affair. MIFA provides a themed activity, which
participants can do on their own. After “no-going,” participants are
asked to donate to the nonprofit organization, which provides countless
services to Memphians in need.
“You don’t have to get dressed up or hire a babysitter,” explains
MIFA development associate Thomas Robinson Jr. “We come up with the
fun.”
Another upside of the No-Go is that all proceeds go directly to
MIFA’s programs, rather than toward the expenses of a costly
affair.
Last year, the theme was a treasure hunt. For 2009, it’s “Cookin’ Up
Change.” Hosts, all of whom are active in the organization, have been
recruited to provide recipes that are posted online. No-Go-ers who give
to MIFA — suggested donation is between $25 and $200 —
receive the 15-recipe cookbook, which was printed cost-free to the
organization by Paulsen Printing Company.
Among the hosts are the Brushmark’s Wally Joe, Andrew Adams, and
Stacy Wright, who provided a recipe for bacon-wrapped pork loin as well
as “MIFA ice,” and Muddy’s Bake Shop owner Kat Gordon, who chipped in
with a recipe for strawberry rhubarb pie with crumble topping. Donors
also are encouraged to post their own recipes to the online
cookbook.
According to Robinson, roughly 300 have already “not been” to the
event, giving $40,000 toward this year’s $65,000 goal.
The No-Go Gala benefiting MIFA runs through the next couple of
months. For more information, go to mifa.org.
