PITTSBURGH, Feb. 15, 2013 – La Roche College will hold a benefit dinner on Thursday, Feb. 21, to raise money for Burundi, a country in eastern Africa recently devastated by a fire.

Burundian students organized the fundraiser dinner to assist their native country after the fire destroyed the central market of Burundi’s capital city, Bujumbura, in late January. In collaboration with Together for the Central Market, a Burundian association, students from La Roche College have organized the relief dinner, among other fundraisers, to help merchants restart businesses destroyed by the blaze. The fire had a devastating impact on Burundi’s already weak economy, destroying the marketplace and all of its goods, including sources of food and clothing. Burundians lost their primary source of income in the fire, and only five percent of merchants had insurance.

“It is essential that Burundian merchants restart their businesses,” said Doria Shima, a La Roche student who, along with many others, helped to organize the dinner. “People are always looking for an opportunity to make a difference, and this dinner is the perfect occasion for them to contribute to a good cause. What we are trying to do is demanding, but any contribution will help. The central market was the heart of the economy.”

The dinner will run from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. on the College’s main campus in the Zappala College Center Square and is open to the general public. Homemade American, African and Arabic food will be served, and cultural artifacts and traditional Burundian clothing will be on display. Cost of admission is $5.00. Proceeds will help Burundians restart businesses, pay rent and support their children.

About La Roche College: A private, Catholic, co-educational college north of Pittsburgh founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1963, La Roche welcomes students of all religions, ethnic origins and talents. Undergraduates may choose from more than 50 majors, including the top 10 majors most in demand among today’s college students. La Roche combines a quality educational experience with clubs, athletics, social and community volunteer activities, spiritual well-being and more to prepare students for life in a constantly changing global society.