UAH Harvest Dinner going strong after nearly three decades

The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) Harvest Dinner started 29 years ago, as a "taste of home" for students who were not able to spend the holidays with family and friends.

This year's dinner will be Monday, Nov. 17, from 4:30 p.m., to 7:30 p.m., at the Baptist Student Center (BSC) located on Sparkman Drive. What used to be a home-cooked meal for a few students, quickly turned into a major university tradition. Mona Foroughi, UAH's director of International Student and Scholar Services, and a dedicated team of volunteers now prepare dinner for approximately 500 people. 

Reva Bailey coordinated the Harvest Dinner for more than 20 years. The UAH tradition brings together faculty, staff and community volunteers to serve a feast to university students. Bailey retired in 2000 from her full-time position of registrar and international advisor, but continued to work as special assistant to the provost until two months ago. Bailey initially began the Harvest Dinner for international students in November 1985.

The Harvest Dinner committee is now accepting donations of desserts and door prizes. Foroughi said the group also needs volunteers to help with food preparation all day on Monday, Nov. 17, and to help cook, serve dinner and clean the facility. All donated goods need to be taken to the BSC by noon Nov. 17. To volunteer or donate items, please Email: mona.foroughi@uah.edu. Several years ago, Bailey established the Harvest Dinner Fund. Monetary donations to the Harvest Dinner Fund are tax deductible and may be forwarded to the UAH Development Office, Shelbie King Hall - Suite 300, Huntsville, Ala., 35899, or by calling 256.824.6505.