An evening at CeleSoiree is both a burst of joy celebrating multiculturalism and a boost of support for the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project, which helps low-income immigrants navigate legal obstacles.

Immigrant-owned restaurants Taco Trio, Empire Chinese Kitchen, and Jewel of India served an international buffet. Then the Akwaaba Ensemble brought West African beats – and a lot of laughter and smiling – to the sold-out fundraiser at Ocean Gateway, setting the stage for an evening of generous giving. Imad Khalidi, owner of Auto Europe, pledged $5,000 if CeleSoiree guests pledged $20,000. And, raising paddles to donate amounts ranging from $50 to $1,000, guests reached that goal.

“We are just so moved by the support for the immigrant community,” said Sue Roche, ILAP’s executive director.

“I’m amazed and delighted at how well that went,” said Loretta Prescott, development director. “People really responded in the room, and that tells us that they understand the mission and what it takes to meet it every day.”

Carmen Sanchez, a former ILAP client, said she came from Peru for love and ended up in an abusive marriage. “One day, a nurse was able to see in my eyes the pain I was feeling,” Sanchez said, adding that the nurse referred her to family services, which referred her to ILAP, where she worked with attorney Jennifer Bailey.

“Today, in the morning, I became an American citizen,” Sanchez said, holding up her paperwork. “I feel this is home now, and I am here as my own person.”

With nine staff members and 200 volunteers, ILAP helps more than 2,000 people a year.

“There’s nobility and grace to what ILAP does,” said emcee Kerem Durda, who was born in Pakistan of Turkish descent and has spent his adult life in the United States. “They give us a voice in this Kafka-esque maze.”

“As an immigrant myself, I believe that I should give back,” said board member Priya Natarajan of Portland. “I have a passion for helping others to navigate the system. Not everyone has the English or the luck that my parents had.”

Amy Paradysz is a freelance writer and photographer based in Scarborough. She can be contacted at:

amyparadysz@gmail.com