Plans are well underway for this fall’s Voorhees Township International Day at Eastern High School, after the Voorhees Cultural and Diversity Committee gathered on July 23 to set the stage for the annual celebration of global culture, unity and community pride.
The meeting marked a key milestone in the event’s preparation, with International Day subcommittee leaders selected from the Cultural and Diversity Committee and student volunteers from Eastern’s Diversity Club.
The session was hosted at Dr. Jatin Mehta’s Voorhees office, MetaSense Inc. He is a longtime voting member of the committee.
“Our goals for the meeting were to assign leadership, lay the groundwork and energize everyone about the vision for International Day,” said Cultural and Diversity Committee secretary Lisa Witherspoon. “We had lively discussions, meaningful suggestions and a lot of excitement about what this year’s event can be.”
Originally founded in 2007 by committee co-chair Gwen DeVera, International Day has become a signature township event that draws hundreds of residents for a cultural showcase featuring music, dance and food, along with community pride.
This year’s event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 1 to 4 p.m., and is free to the public. The festivities will begin with a parade led by Boy Scouts of America. Guests will see dances from around the world and vendors and cultural booths will be set up. The celebration will conclude with free international food.
“We want this day to truly reflect the beautiful diversity of our Voorhees community,” Witherspoon explained. “From faiths such as Hindu, Muslim, Cambodian, Catholic, Christian and Jewish, to diverse languages, dance and culinary traditions, we are celebrating it all.”
The Diversity Club will play a central role in recruiting student volunteers and promoting youth involvement at the celebration.
“These students bring fresh energy and perspectives, and it’s so important to have them lead in celebrating diversity,” Witherspoon noted. “We’re excited to see their ideas come to life at the event.”
The Cultural and Diversity Committee is inviting cultural organizations and vendors to participate in International Day.
“We’re always looking for more participants,” Witherspoon pointed out. “If you love your culture and want to share it with others, this is your chance.”
Those interested in participating can contact Gwen DeVera at (856) 905-5723 or Stephanie Fisher, committee chair, at renee.ally69.81@gmail.com
“Bring your family, neighbors, friends, and colleagues,” Witherspoon emphasized of the event. “It’s going to be an unforgettable day of unity, culture and community spirit.”
