LunaFest rises
Take in a movie at Expo and help a good cause. Natural Products Expo East 2005 will host LunaFest, a national film festival that showcases female filmmakers. Sponsored by Avalon Natural Products and Luna Bar, the films at LunaFest include documentaries, animated shorts and dance narratives, covering such diverse topics as women?s health, body image, sexuality, spirituality, sports, relationships, cultural diversity, breaking barriers as well as the environment. It will take place Friday, Sept. 16, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Hotel in Washington, D.C. All proceeds from LunaFest go toward the Breast Cancer Fund and local women?s nonprofit organizations. RSVP at [email protected].

Leaders, legends and mavericks
Among the dozens of educational opportunities offered at this year?s Expo East, the ?Leaders, Legends and Mavericks of the Natural Products Industry? seminar is sure to be one of the weekend?s most talked-about events.

Several visionaries and pioneers will discuss where the natural and organic industry has been and where they think it?s going. They will also share the challenges and successes they?ve experienced over the years. Speakers will include industry veterans such as Steve Bernard, founder of Cape Cod Potato Chips (more legends to come); as well as up-and-coming entrepreneurs. The seminar will be held on Sept. 15 from 1 to 2:15 p.m. in room 146B.

Awards, concert honor organic spirit
For more than 15 years, the Organic Farming Research Foundation has served as a resource and supporter of organic farmers all over the country. On Thursday, Sept. 15 at 7 p.m., the foundation will celebrate organic achievements with its Spirit of Organic Awards Reception. An appetizer menu of certified organic food and wine, prepared by award-winning chef Nora Pouillon, will be served. Your ticket to the reception will also grant you admission to that night?s OFRF Benefit Concert by Sonny Landreth. The concert will be held at the 9:30 Club in Washington, D.C., and all proceeds benefit OFRF. For information on how to buy tickets, visit www.expoeast.com.

Natural Foods Merchandiser volume XXVI/number 9/p. 32