hard deadlines

photo by Jack McDaid

by Karen McDaid
Scampi Restaurant in Portsmouth had a full house last evening for a "Spirit of New Orleans" dinner to benefit a humanitarian trip by local high school students.

Sylvia Wedge, Cynthia Perotti, and Marilyn King were on hand from the School Committee, and nearly 100 patrons enjoyed a taste of the Big Easy, dining on jambalaya, shrimp etouffé, and crabcakes to die for, all prepared by Chef Larry Puopolo and hosted by Scampi owner Michael Edwards.

Proceeds from the evening will help fund a trip for nine students to New Orleans in April, when (according to the program) they will “help rebuild this beautiful city that is still recovering from the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina.”

Infinity, founded by PHS teachers Kim Cunningham and Nicki Kelly, was created to “provide students the opportunity to engage in humanitarian service, strengthen their awareness of diverse cultures, and develop a lifelong commitment to helping others… locally, nationally, and globally.” In addition to the New Orleans trip, the organization finds ways to help people locally, including supporting a local soup kitchen, raking leaves, and knitting caps for area hospitals. A trip to Ghana is planned for 2011.

The spirit of the students was in evidence throughout the evening. Enthusiastic students greeted guests, handed out beads and baseball caps, and assisted with the raffle and silent auction. Melissa Chaplin, Pat Brown, and the instrumental group Kelo Wave provided musical entertainment throughout the evening. One highlight was the song “These Heroes,” written and performed by student volunteer Chaplin in honor of the New Orleans trip. The song emphasizes the importance of involvement, saying that sending a contribution is “not the same as holding your heart in our hands.”

For more information about Infinity, contact Kim Cunningham or Nicki Kelly, or email info@goinfinity.org. If you're on Facebook, check out Infinity's page.

Thinking about dinner at Scampi? Check out our earlier review here. (Hint: We liked it. A lot.)

Editorial note: Thanks to Karen and Jack for covering this last night. I've picked up the virus that's going around.