IVC's 24th Annual International BBQ in Philadelphia

International BBQ on July 22 is IVC's only annual fundraiser. Photo: IVC

The time is nearing for the 24^th Annual International BBQ, IVC’s only annual fundraiser. This event at the College of Physicians brings global flavor right here to Center City Philadelphia. Area residents are invited to join the International Visitors Council of Philadelphia for citizen diplomacy in action. Because when IVC staff talk about an international barbecue on July 22, they mean it. Last year, 76 internationals from 22 countries attended the event and were joined by more than 500 people from the region.

“IVC has been a partner with the U.S. Department of State and the City of Philadelphia for the past 56 years,” says Nancy J. Gilboy, president and CEO of IVC. Their work as citizen diplomats, helping to shape foreign relationships one handshake at a time, never stops. “Each year,” explains Gilboy, “we arrange hundreds of professional counterpart meetings and send visitors to schools to talk to kids so our next generation is better prepared for living in a global society. And, we arrange hundreds of dinners in homes of friendly Americans who show the personal side of life in the United States when they welcome strangers and then send home friends.”

Speed networking, a fun introduction to the IVC BBQ. Photo: IVC

Building friendships through understanding is what IVC is all about. The organization believes peace rises out of true understanding and enemies can become friends. Gilboy is reminded of travel writer Rick Steves’ story about misunderstandings. He was in a taxi in Tehran, Iran when the driver kept shouting something. He asked his interpreter about it and was told the driver was shouting “Death to traffic.” He learned “death to…” is what Iranians say when encountering things they can’t control. It made Steves think twice about the meaning of “Death to America.

Gilboy says IVC in similar fashion shatters stereotypes and misunderstandings, while helping to build cultural and business relationships worldwide. The barbecue is no different in that regard. “The State Department is sending seven Iraqis to enjoy the friendly evening (they’ll be here looking at ‘NGOs and Civic Action.’),” highlights Gilboy. “And, we’ll also have Sister City ‘family’ from Cameroon, China, and Poland there. UPenn is bringing people from Brazil, Costa Rica, Japan, Korea, and Saudi Arabia.”

At this barbecue, speeches are kept to a minimum and fun is maximized. It is a decidedly American experience eating typical barbecue fare and refreshing with drinks, dancing and talking. Speaking of talking, the event offers creative ways to meet people. S-p-e-e-d Networking is a favorite approach to meet rows of visitors fast. Plus, the “I don’t know anyone tables” were so positively received at their introduction last year that they will be back.

Donations make Philadelphia special in citizen diplomacy. Photo: IVC

The College of Physicians building at 22^nd and Market Streets also provides indoor, air conditioned comfort where folks can mingle in several rooms and even distance themselves from the music and the food if they so chose.

At some time between talking and dancing, prizes will be drawn. Winners of the drawings can eat well after the barbecue since 23 restaurants have already donated prizes.

Advance tickets to this delightful event on Thursday, July 22 are $65 per member or sponsor, $85 per non-member, and rises to $100 at the door on the day of the event. Individuals or companies thinking of purchasing ads in the program book should do so by July 8 this week. Gilboy says ads will reach more than 500 local executives, lawyers, educators, nonprofit heads, politicians, voters, and others attending the event. The ads are also posted on the IVC website for 10 months.

Gilboy hopes the region will embrace this year’s barbecue. “The success of this fundraising event,” she states, “makes it possible for us to bring more than 500 delegates here each year to meet Americans and form their own opinions of the U.S. – opinions inspired by the citizen diplomats they meet.” As for those unable to make it to the event, donations and volunteers are always welcome.

For more info: visit www.ivc.org or www.ivc.org/bbq_2010_advance_sponsor. Or, call 215.683.0999, 215.683.0997, or 215.683.0992.