Founded in 2007 by the Center for Citizen Peacebuilding in the School of Social Sciences, UCI's Olive Tree Initiative is a diverse group of students who travel to the Middle East to hear perspectives from Israeli and Palestinian academics, community leaders, and other figures with first-hand knowledge of the conflict. Through their journey, the students seek to gain an understanding of the issues beyond the stories found in media and to share their findings with the community upon their return. This year's group is the second to visit the Middle East since the initiative was founded. Join them at the Bon Voyage Party & Silent Auction Fundraiser to meet and greet the students hours before they embark on their life changing journey.  
 
Sunday, August 30, 2009  
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.  
 
Taleo Grill  
3309 Michelson Drive, Irvine, CA 92612  
 
Full premium all-you-can-eat Taco bar & drinks, silent auction fundraiser  
 
$20 suggested donation / $15 for students  
 
Please RSVP to Rosemarie Swatez at rswatez@uci.edu or 949-824-2511.