Weavers Way’s three Dining For Women chapters, now six years old, keep evolving and changing, spinning off new projects and building friendships and bridges. Our giving circles, based on gathering for a monthly potluck dinner and supporting an international women’s empowerment program vetted by representatives of our 400 fellow chapters, give us a chance to help other women, but also meet great local people.

One of our new members, Laura Cohn, recently relocated to West Mt. Airy from Bala. But Laura’s heart is really in Bali, where she worked and studied batik for more than six years. 

Nearly a decade ago, she combined her love of Indonesian culture and art with her entrepreneurial savvy, launching From Bali to Bala, an annual pop-up store, first in her home, then in Manayunk and, since 2010, in Chestnut Hill. Laura travels to Indonesia each year to acquire artwork direct from artisans with whom she has long-term connections, stocking her annual holiday sale of unique Indonesian handcrafts and gifts. (Visit www.frombalitobala.com or www.facebook.com/frombalitobala/ to learn more.)

This year, Dining For Women is pleased to announce that Laura will host our annual holiday fundraiser at her storefront at 8514 Germantown Ave. on Thursday, Nov. 30. We will enjoy a scrumptious Indonesian dinner catered by a local Indonesian chef, Pecel Ndeso.

Laura will donate 10 percent of the proceeds of gifts bought that evening to Dining For Women. We will also have a Silent Auction, including a 10-pack of yoga classes at Maguyoga, a weekend at a central Pennsylvania farm and dinners for two at local restaurants Bacio and Fiorino. 

Tickets ($25 until Nov. 15, $30 after that) are required; there may be room for a few walk-ins, but we cannot guarantee it. To purchase, send a check made out to Dining For Women to Ann Mintz, 508 Wellesley Road, Philadelphia, PA, 19119, or drop it off at From Bali to Bala.

See you there!