Duchess Meghan To Host Indiana Charity Dinner
Since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced that they would step back from royal duties, the two have moved to the United States with their children and taken on a variety of endeavors. Prince Harry recently announced the title of his forthcoming memoir "Spare," and Markle has been focused on producing her "Archetypes" podcast (via BBC).
Both projects have charitable components built into them; some proceeds from "Spare" will be donated to Prince Harry's Sentebale charity, an effort supporting HIV-affected children, and WellChild, a British charity providing grants for ill youth to receive at-home care. Archewell, the couple's organization through which "Archetypes" is released, similarly aims to drive cultural change through non-profit efforts and creative work.
It should come as no surprise then that the two will soon be heading to Indiana to support another noble cause. The Women's Fund of Central Indiana has announced an evening event in tandem with philanthropist Cindy Simon Skjodt called "The Power of Women: an Evening with Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex" to be held November 29 at the Marriott in downtown Indianapolis.
An opportunity to dine with a royal
Understandably, the Women's Fund of Central Indiana seems plenty excited about having the Duchess of Sussex in attendance at the upcoming event. "She is a lifelong advocate for women and girls, a constant thread she weaves through humanitarian and business ventures," the group states on its website. Rabbi Sandy Eisenberg Sasso will moderate the occasion. According to Jewish Women's Archive, Sasso is the first woman rabbi ordained by the Reconstructionist movement.
To attend, guests must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative PCR tests and agree to not photograph or record the event as media are not permitted. In addition to sponsorship opportunities, event organizers note that tables can be purchased for $10,000 or $5,000, with half the price considered a tax-deductible amount. A $10,000 table includes a choice of seating location, a pre-dinner cocktail, and public recognition; $5,000 table-holders will also be listed in event programs and on Women's Fund platforms. A total of 10 people can sit at one table.
According to the organization's website, the aim of the Women's Fund is to mobilize people, ideas, and investments "so every woman and girl in our community has an equitable opportunity to reach her full potential — no matter her place, race, or identity." The organization provides programs and grants to support women and girls, such as an Executive Leadership Program to encourage Black women leaders and a public health campaign to educate adults on emotional well-being.
Dinner with a royal for a good cause? That certainly sounds like a win. Although the attendees may feel the need to brush up on royal protocol soon, at least the chef can rest easy knowing they won't need to avoid foods King Charles refuses to eat.