Village Pizza tosses in support of Cultural Center

After more than 30 years in business, Micky and Paul Sarkis of Village Pizzeria are hosting their first benefit ever at their popular Langley restaurant.

Sunday afternoon, a fundraiser for the Northwest Language and Cultural Center features refreshments, live music and global displays.

The nonprofit organization, that hosts multi-cultural events and programs, has moved twice in the past five months. It’s currently located in the China City office complex in Freeland. In June, it moved from its longtime facility in Langley, then spent the summer at the Wellington School.

“We feel strongly the community needs to come together and support the cultural center so that Whidbey doesn’t lose this precious resource,” Micky and Paul Sarkis said in a press release. “The center has been organizing all kinds of creative programming and learning opportunities for youth and adults that help us develop this awareness, respect, and compassion. This is important work.”

The center holds frequent community events to bring people together from different cultures and backgrounds and it also offers field trips, language classes and camps.

While the center’s physical space has been in transition, the program has remained focused on building better global citizens, said director Josette Hendrix

“While we are enduring some serious challenges, we believe our roots are strong and new growth is ready to emerge,” she said. The center is seeking new ideas and people to set the vision and strategy for the center’s next chapter, she added.

• Northwest Language and Cultural Center fundraiser, 3-5 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 21, Village Pizzeria, 106 First Street, Langley. All donations are being matched dollar for dollar. More information and donate online at www.nwlacc.org.