UNICEF to Sponsor Party

More than 100 undergraduates have volunteered to help staff an annual Halloween party for Cambridge and Boston elementary school students that will take place at Memorial Hall Sunday.

The United Nations International Childrens' Education Fund (UNICEF) sponsors the event, and the Harvard Public Service Program will provide students to sell tickets, serve food, and run the party's haunted house, said Dayle B. DeLancey '92, Harvard liaison to UNICEF, and student coordinator for the party.

Despite the promising number of volunteers, organizers are worried that the turnout will not be high enough, DeLancey said. "We are afraid that the [Harvard] student turnout will not be what we need because the event takes place during parents' weekend and right before midterms," she said.

Last year, about 20 student volunteers turned up for the party and over 500 children attended, said Rachel K. Laser '91, last year's student coordinator.

The purpose of the event extends beyond mere entertainment, organizers said. "We are hoping for better representation from the Asian and Portuguese communities," said DeLancey. "We want a well-rounded group present so that it can be the cross-cultural festival it is intended to be." To improve attendance UNICEF has advertised the party in local papers.

"The party is a fun and nice way to help out the poorer part of the Cambridge community," Laser said. "It was a very dear moment for everyone who participated last year. It was the volunteers' pleasure and the perfect way to make a contribution to UNICEF."

Local companies and individuals donated food, books, and Harvard donated the space for the event. There is a $6 entrance fee, which may be discounted for those who cannot afford to pay. All proceeds from the party will benefit UNICEF, but organizers have said that there is usually only minimal profit from the event.

Coordinators have planned a variety of entertainment events, including performances by the Ballet Folklorico Dance Company and the Harvard Band, who both participated in the past. Jugglers and other performers will be on hand as well.

Booths will range from traditional games to a library booth. The Cambridge Public Library has donated a selection of books which children can "check-out" and read during the party, and books will be for sale as well.