uisines of many lands will be served Friday, Sept. 17, at a fund-raiser at the Ramada Conference Center in Lewiston benefitting the March of Dimes.

Judy Soucier, director for the March of Dimes in central Maine, said the International Gala is “an opportunity to experience the food and cultures from an array of countries around the world without ever leaving the comfort and beauty of Maine.” Diners will be served by a group of local celebrities and/or “character” waiters.

The waiters are divided into teams of two, with each team responsible for decorating and hosting two tables of 10. Each team will prepare and serve hors d’oeuvres representative of their selected country’s cuisine, as well as wear costumes. The countries will include China, Spain, Mexico, Italy and France, with more being added. Several versions of United States cooking are being offered, including local specialties of Texas and Hawaii.

The event will kick off with a reception and silent auction from 5:30 until 7 p.m. Following the hors d’oeuvres, guests will dine on entrees and desserts prepared and served by the Ramada staff. A live auction will begin at 8, and the evening will conclude with dancing to the Tony Boffa Band. Marnie MacLean of WMTW-Channel 8 will serve as mistress of ceremonies; Harold Holmes will be the auctioneer.

Day’s Jewelers of Auburn has provided a signature raffle piece, an exquisite citrine necklace valued at $3,600.

Live auction items will include an overnight stay and breakfast for two at the Double Tree Hotel in Portland, tickets to the Portland Symphony, golf packages at Martindale Country Club and at Fox Ridge in Auburn, two nights of camping at Camp ‘n Canoe at Woodland Acres on the Saco River in Brownfield, a NASCAR jacket, breakfast for 25 at Bagels & Things, an overnight for two at the Freeport Comfort Suites and brunch for 2 at the Harraseeket Inn, and framed and signed watercolors of Portland Head Light.

Silent auction items include certificates to area restaurants and businesses, Ty Babies, a handmade wicker basket with ceramic blueberry handles, a handmade afghan, a handmade child’s quilt, a Teddy bear, and a gourmet coffee basket.

The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose goal is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. More information is available at www.modimes.org or by calling the toll-free number, (888)

Individual and group tickets for the gala are available at $50 per person or $75 per couple. Corporate tables of 10 are available at $500. Tickets can be purchased at Day’s Jewelry Store, the Ramada Conference Center or the Sun Journal’s main office at 104 Park St., Lewiston, or by calling the March of Dimes’ Central Maine office, 255-6155.