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Newark, NJ —El Pastor Restaurant in Newark was at full capacity on the afternoon of Sunday, December 5th for the Legion of Good Will’s annual New Jersey holiday gathering and fundraiser. Almost 100 volunteers, friends of the Organization and local community members crowded the restaurant. For all those in attendance, it was impossible not to feel the joyful Christmas spirit in the air during the festivities.
Guests arrived to find El Pastor’s spacious dining room decked out in bright holiday colors, with Christmas lights and other cheerful decorations artfully placed throughout. While familiar holiday songs welcomed the participants, the air was filled with the delicious aromas of classic Portuguese foods.
On behalf of José de Paiva Netto, president of the Legion of Good Will, Danilo Parmegiani, LGW’s representative in the USA, gave a few words of gratitude, and right after a video with a brief presentation of the Organization’s activities throughout the world was shown. It described various aspects of the LGW’s philosophy and activities, and helped the audience connect with the organization’s work by showing the work developed by the Organization around the world.
El Pastor’s owner and chef Jose Marques provided a savory buffet of delectable Portuguese specialties. As Parmegiani remarked, the restaurant “felt just like being in Portugal.”
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As guests continued to eat, Mena Leandro, an internationally renowned singer of traditional Portuguese fado music, performed a number of familiar and classic songs. Within seconds, the whole room was clapping along with the contagious rhythms.
A raffle of prizes, generously donated by local retailers and a few more rousing numbers performed by Leandro concluded the event. Guests left the restaurant having enjoyed a thoroughly satisfying afternoon.
The Legion of Good Will in New Jersey is located at 20 Calumet Street, Newark. For more information, please call 973-344-5338.
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