Two things are true of most students at Ames High School. First, we like good food. A lot. Second, we like to be involved with our communities, whether that means volunteering around town or traveling to other places in the country or world to do good things. Close to home and far away, Ames High students participate in all sorts of great projects that make the world a better place. On Feb. 21, Les Berets Oranges, a club made up of Ames High French students, will allow you to experience both of these joys simultaneously at the French Benevolent Luncheon. At the luncheon, guests will enjoy quiche, fruit, cheese, bread, lemon or Nutella crepes, and live entertainment. (Please don’t eat the live entertainment! They are for the enjoyment of your eyes and ears only!) Tickets are $5 and you ought to get them early because they won’t be available on the day of the luncheon. The proceeds from the event will benefit two organizations, MICA and Room to Read. MICA, short for Mid-Iowa Community Action, is a local organization that serves low-income families around Iowa. MICA focuses on five key areas of development: Child Development, Family Development, Health, Housing and Youth Development. Its programs include Head Start, home weatherization, health screenings, and food assistance. Through this multi-faceted approach, MICA aims to decrease the number of people in Iowa that live in poverty by providing valuable development programs. The international organization that we are supporting is Room to Read. Room to Read is a not-for-profit organization that was started in 2000 by a former Microsoft employee. This organization is dedicated to ensuring that children get access to the education they need, as well as the space and resources needed to make that happen. Room to Read builds schools and libraries, advocates for girls’ education, and has a local language book publishing program. Its local language book program hires local authors and illustrators to create meaningful, culturally relevant books. Room to Read currently works in 10 developing countries throughout Africa and Asia. Be sure to buy your ticket for the French Benevolent Luncheon and enjoy good food, good fun, and support two good causes.