On Thursday, Mar. 7, Bridge 4 Peace 2019 took place, continuing the International Baccalaureate Honor Society (IBHS) tradition. Every year, the Coral Gables Museum opens its doors for the event as they represent a cultural hub for the community. The event was held from 6:30-8:00 PM and managed to offer a variety of attractions from an international fashion show to a food buffet aimed to make sure that everyone could find something they would enjoy.

The event was sponsored by the on-campus chapter of the International Baccalaureate Honor Society (IBHS). Working with the Coral Gables Museum, they organized the event with much time in advance. In true international fashion, every Bridge 4 Peace is intended to fundraise for a different cause around the globe, and this year’s funds will be donated to Oberts Al Mon.

Oberts Al Mon is a non-profit that aims to build schools in rural Guatemala, where the low education rates have been a cause of concern for those aiming to help the nation develop. This philanthropic group appealed to those in charge of selecting a cause because of its education-oriented goals.

Before the event, various committees were created by the IBHS board in order to ensure that every detail was accounted for. From the Money Committee to the Utensils Committee, each team has a specific purpose and is led by a different member of the IBHS board. Each member is tasked with specific responsibilities to ensure the proper execution of the event. In return for their help in setting up the event, the committee volunteers are then given community service hours, which in turn count towards the IBHS induction requirements.

On Mar. 7, IBHS board members went bright and early to the Coral Gables Museum to set up in advance for the event. From setting up tables and decorations to ensuring all supplies were delivered on time, the board members meticulously checked off their to-do list filled with many important jobs.

Once guests began arriving at the museum, the party began! Music filled the patio as students and staff members alike began to socialize and adjust to the elegantly decorated location. Not long after, the evening’s entertainment began.

To kick off the event, performing groups like Gables Improv and Bhangra were invited to contribute to the entertainment scene at the event. Gables Bhangra performed a routine that merged traditional Indian dance moves with modern American music, which enticed the audience and energized everybody. Improv Troupe was also invited to perform, and the laughs they gave the audience left everyone feeling good.

“With this being my first Bridge 4 Peace, I did not know what exactly to expect, but I was glad to be helping out a good cause. Overall, the event was wonderful, the food was great and being surrounded by so many people who wanted to help others was uplifting,” freshman Victoria Benedetti said.

The heads of the Entertainment Committee were tasked with marrying the international aspect of the event and glamour, which produced the elegant international runway show. Students were allowed to wear clothes from their home country or a country of their choosing as they strutted down the runway and modeled for the cheering fans. While stressful to plan and time correctly, the international fashion show was a success that guests enjoyed and that garnered many cheers for the student participants.

“Being able to participate in the International Fashion Show was an amazing opportunity to represent Guatemala, my home country. I also loved that the cause was directed towards Guatemala, which made me even more enthusiastic to participate,” senior Quetzalie Pizarro said.

The evening continued with music, food and fun, yet the energy remained high as students were able to have fun while knowing they were helping out the international community. IBHS’s annual B4P was a success yet again, as thousands of dollars were collected to improve children’s lives.