STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

An Indian dinner in the middle of the Wood River Valley’s snow-covered mountains awaits those who would like to learn about the Flourish Foundation’s Compassionate Leaders program, their connections in South Africa and India and more.

The fundraiser will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, at the Sage School Barn in Hailey.

The high school and college-aged students who traveled to these places as part of the Compassionate Leaders program this past year will cook up an Indian dinner, then share their transformative experiences as they raise funds for this coming summer’s programs.

This summer the Compassionate Leaders hope to return to Makhanda in the Eastern Cape of South Africa for their fourth year. They wish to send another group to Ladakh in Northern India for the 12th time.

The Compassionate Leaders Programs is designed to create a kinder world, while teaching mindfulness among its young participants. In the past young leaders have collaborated with communities in Mexico and even Jonestown, Miss., in an effort to widen their circle of compassion.

Those who wish to attend the Indian dinner must RSVP by Feb. 18 at https://flourishfoundation.ejoinme.org/Indiadinner2025.