ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — A multicultural dining experience brought people together in west Asheville Sunday afternoon, raising money to provide free legal services for immigrants across western North Carolina.
Pisgah Legal Services hosted its annual “Our Global Table” fundraiser at Cooperative Coffee Roasters. Organizers said the event featured cuisine from around 25 different countries.
“It’s really just about bringing people together,” organizer George Awad said. “The best way is over food.”
Guests sampled dishes ranging from Japanese cuisine to traditional Mexican treats. Awad said the event is also meant to highlight Asheville’s diversity.
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“A lot of people don’t realize how diverse Asheville actually is, and we want people to come out and express themselves through their kitchens,” Awad said.
Ticket proceeds benefited Pisgah Legal Services’ Justice for All program, which provides free legal services to immigrants throughout western North Carolina.
SEPT. 13, 2026 – Pisgah Legal Services hosted its annual “Our Global Table” fundraiser at Cooperative Coffee Roasters. Guests sampled dishes ranging from Japanese cuisine to traditional Mexican treats. (Photo credit: WLOS Staff)
“We help hundreds of immigrants every year,” staff attorney Jacob Oakes said.
Attendees said they came not only for the food, but to show support for immigrant neighbors amid concerns about immigration policies and deportations.
“When I was a child, there was a great melting pot where people of all races were able to gather together and share the best of what they have to offer,” attendee Rogar Miller said.
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Oakes said community members are seeing the impact immigration policies can have on families and want to help.
“People see how much of a threat to the immigrant community,” Oakes said. “We’re seeing some of the policies that have been enacted are really affecting people.”
Pisgah Legal Services offers free legal counseling to people in need throughout Western North Carolina.