Selfless Solutions founder and Executive Director Patrick Irwin talks about the work his nonprofit does in Tanzania. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski

African vibes — including cuisine and music — will abound at an upcoming fundraiser for nonprofit Selfless Solutions.

For its fourth annual fundraiser, Selfless Solutions is hosting a “Night in Africa” on Friday, June 27, at Fiore Farm in Hollidaysburg.

Authentic African cuisine and alcoholic drinks will be served during the event, followed by a silent auction. Items such as African safari tickets and a weeklong stay at a South Carolina beach home will be featured in the auction.

All proceeds will go to Selfless Solutions, a nonprofit organization founded by Patrick Irwin designed to create opportunities, implement entrepreneurship programs and manage education in Tanzania, Africa. Since 2019, the organization has enrolled over 400 children in educational programs and created more than 15 jobs.

“We want to give the people in Tanzania an opportunity to improve the quality of their lives,” Irwin said. “Right now, we are doing that through education since their public schools are not in great shape.”

“What we are doing is a human service,” said Bishop Guilfoyle art teacher Jana Sidler. “We are doing this to help those who can’t get ahead without help.”

To raise money for the nonprofit, Irwin and his team are planning an immersive experience in African culture for attendees.

“Each year we try to change it up a bit,” Irwin said. “One of my friends from Kenya will be DJing, and he brings a lot of energy. He is also bringing a guitarist and a steel drummer to the event, so we are going to have live music with a mix of afro-beat.”

Irwin also noted that they will be roasting a goat as well as preparing chicken stew and samosas, which are popular foods in Maasai culture.

A group of Bishop Guilfoyle students will also be conducting presentations on their recent study abroad mission trip to Tanzania with Selfless Solutions.

“The students worked very hard on the presentation,” Sidler said. “I think people are really going to enjoy talking to them.”

“I am excited to hear about the work Selfless Solutions does from someone other than me,” Irwin added. “Hopefully, hearing it from a new person will convince people of the importance of what we are doing.”

Despite the excitement surrounding the event, Irwin and his team aim to focus the event on the lives that will be touched by donations and involved community members.

“Fundraising is not easy,” Irwin said. “But knowing that this money is important to this kid, and it is going to be used well, motivates me to be confident to ask people for their resources.”

it is going to be used well, motivates me to be confident to ask people for their resources.”