Eating a specialty dish in Spain is far more than mere dining.
So says Spanish native and Columbus resident Pica Saddler. “It’s a full experience,” said Saddler, born in Cadiz in southwestern Spain.
Saddler is a co-chair and among organizers of Carnivale: Spain, the 16th annual fundraiser, auction and extravaganza set at 7 p.m. Saturday for the kidscommons’ local children’s museum. She wants the whole event to be a full experience for an expected crowd of 300-plus people in a party-oriented atmosphere. Museum leaders yearly pick a country to highlight a celebratory theme to boost funding for the venue that again topped more than 50,000 visitors last year.
In keeping with Saddler’s theory that eating itself is a joyous exercise, local chef Gethin Thomas will work with Saddler’s husband, Paul Saddler and friend Brian Hannasch to cook and serve the classic Valencian rice dish of paella right in front of guests.
“It’s a real treat to all your senses,” Pica Saddler said. “Your mouth waters. It’s really gorgeous.”
The gathering itself generally generates substantial fun and generous funds for the nonprofit. Last year’s fundraiser netted $110,000 from a silent and public auction of items and sponsorships, and organizers are hoping for more of the same. Helping the cause currently is more than $70,000 in sponsorships, according to Lesli Gordon, kidscommons’ resource development officer.
For more on this story, see Friday’s Republic.
