Vol. 7, No. 10 December 2017
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2017 Holiday Bazaar Huge Success
Expanding from two to three days for wider impact
Photo by Wayne Crosslin/International Institute
Hundreds of shoppers found a variety of handmade and imported crafts from around the world at the International Institute's 2017 Holiday Bazaar. The event was held Dec. 1-3, organized by the Institute's Young Friends Association to benefit our programs. Kudos to our many Young Friend volunteers.
Seven ESOL Students Attend STL Blues Game 
Hosting New American youth for ice hockey
Students and their chaperones pose for a group photo at the Dec. 1 Blues game against the Sacramento Kings. Photo by Wayne Crosslin/International Institute
Recently, students and their chaperones from the Nahed Chapman New American Academy at Roosevelt High School had the first-time experience of attending a St. Louis Blues ice hockey game. Seven students and their chaperones watched the Blues play the Kings. The event was coordinated by Institute staff and volunteers.
The once in a lifetime opportunity is the result of a partnership between the United Way, David Steward of World Wide Technology Inc., and Blues Center Paul Stastny. During the year, they have been offering United Way member agencies a free box at Blues games to reward students with good/improved school performance. Thanks to all!
Crosslin Receives 2017 Better Family Life Award
Spanning racial and ethnic bridges to connect all St. Louisans
(From left) Anna Crosslin; Malik Ahmed, Founder & CEO of BFL, Inc.; and DeBorah Ahmed, Executive Director of the BFL Cultural, Educational and Business Center, present Crosslin with the 2017 Excellence in Community Service Award. Photo by Wayne Crosslin/International Institute
Anna Crosslin, International Institute President & CEO, was honored recently by Better Family Life Inc (BFL). She received their Excellence in Community Service Award at the annual Unity Ball, an African attire Black Tie gala that drew more than 1,000 guests to the Marriott STL Grand Hotel in downtown St. Louis.
BFL is one of our community's most active and prestigious organizations providing social, cultural, artistic, youth, economic, housing, educational programs that help to promote positive and innovative changes within the metropolitan St. Louis area. Founded in 1983, much of BFL's programming is geared toward people who are unemployed, underemployed, disadvantaged and skill-deficient.
New Americans Celebrate First Thanksgiving
Giving thanks for freedom, safety ... and a wonderful meal!
Photo by Wayne Crosslin/International Institute
On November 21, more than 200 New Americans celebrated their first Thanksgiving at the International Institute's annual feast. Here, a New American gives a "thumbs up" to Nicole Hudson, Deputy Mayor, who helped serve the meal.
Edgar Aguilar Joins Institute Board
Expanding our Board to enhance our strategic perspectives  
Edgar Aguilar
Edgar Aguilar, Executive Vice President, Information Technologies & Human Resources at MasterCard, has joined the II Board of Directors. He replaces Samira Boudiab of MasterCard who recently relocated to Dubai on assignment. We welcome Edgar and look forward to working with him in the coming years.
Upcoming Events
STL Symphony Community Partnerships presents "Music Without Boundaries: Cortango Orquesta "
December 17, 8 pm; International Institute Gym
St. Louis Symphony Orchestra musicians - Cally Banham, Asako Kuboki, Chris Tantillo, Melissa Brooks, and David DeRiso - along with celebrated jazz musician Adam Maness, are Cortango Orquesta, an Argentine tango band with a symphonic twist. Join them and special guest SLSO principal harp Allegra Lilly for a casual evening of live music with a Latin flair, including holiday selections perfect for the season. Concert presented in partnership with the International Institute and the St. Louis Mosaic Project. Event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP to www.slso.org/freeconcerts.

Tours of IISTL
Last Wednesday monthly, 10 am
Click here for reservation form. Group tours for more than five visitors can be arranged at other times with advance notice, also by using the form.
Other News
Rent event spaces at IISTL
Need a space to hold a small meeting or a large event? We may have what you want! For rates and room sizes, please visit our rental page.

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