Ahead of final preparations for the Women on Fire Reno organized Dinner for the Revolution with Reno Food Systems on October 5th, Pax Robinson, a poet, teacher and barista has been holding weekly 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday eco-drawing classes.
During a recent edition, visitors were able to pick up some colored markers, fresh flowers and make their own eco-related art while relaxing in the organic surroundings of the non-profit’s farm at 3295 Mayberry Drive.
Drawings from past editions had already been used to make up the flyer for the 5 to 10 p.m. October extravaganza, which will include a tour of the farm, a community-building workshop, a farm-to-table dinner, and an eco-themed variety show. Included in the musical line-up is rising Reno indie band, Doolittle Ladybug.
“I’ve been to a lot of rubber chicken dinners where you buy raffle tickets for prizes that you don’t really want,” Melissa Gilbert, who does community outreach for Reno Food Systems said of an approach her organization wanted to avoid.
Tickets for the Dinner for the Revolution are priced at $100, but lower-income attendees may purchase their tickets for $50. There are also options for attendees to purchase $200 tickets in order to sponsor lower-income attendees.
”I only want to cook for the revolution,” said Gilbert, who is also the so-called Kitchen Mama at Reno Food Systems, coordinating the preparation of healthy donated food on a weekly basis.
Women on Fire recently hosted the “She’s on Fire” festival with a line-up of mainly female performers at Abby’s Highway 40 on 4th street, with its values aligning with Reno Food Systems.
“I wanted to create an event that elevated women,” Robinson the founder of Women on Fire said, not wanting to perpetuate the vibe of “rough masculine entertainment venues.”
Already looking for collaborators and assistance with Reno Food Systems events, Gilbert found Women on Fire to be an ideal match as both organizations pursue their growth and positive impact on the community.
Our Town Reno photos and reporting by Kade Collins