The 2024 Karibu Cultural Celebration took place on Saturday, November 2, at the UVM Fleming Museum of Art.


About

Karibu, which means "welcome" in Swahili, is CVOEO's annual community-centered cultural event celebrating the growing diversity of the Burlington area through fashion and performance. 

Central to this annual event is our fundraising efforts to support CVOEO’s Asylum Seekers Assistance Program. Together, we know that we can raise funds to support asylum seekers in our community, while also offering a moment of recognition and celebration of the culture and talent in Vermont’s New American Community.


How to participate

We encourage participation in the following ways:

Attend the event: Tickets are limited, so reserve your seat early!

Fundraise for the event: Create your own fundraising page and share it with your friends and family!

  • As an individual: All are encouraged use our online fundraising campaign to set a fundraising goal of at least $100. Once you set your fundraising goal, share with friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors. Offline donations can also be added to your fundraising goal - donors can mail cash or checks to CVOEO, Attn: Karibu, P.O. Box 1265, Burlington, VT 05402.
  • As a team captain: This event is especially meaningful when joined by friends and family! One person sets up your fundraiser, names it with your team name, and shares an invitation link (which can easily be found in the confirmation email) with all who can join them for the fundraising efforts and family-friendly event. You can also select "Join a team" from the "Start Your Fundraiser" link below if someone you know has already started your team.
  • As an organization/small business: Set a goal as an organization, and show your community that you care! One person sets up your fundraiser, names it as your organization or small business, and shares a personal link (which can easily be found in the confirmation email) to all colleagues inviting them to join in. You can also select "Join a team" from the "Start Your Fundraiser" link below if someone you know has already started your team.


Make a one-time gift: If you'd like to donate without starting your own fundraiser, you may make a one-time gift.

Funds raised provide asylees with emergency support to purchase essential items, including personal hygiene supplies, diapers, food, and medicine. Your donation and fundraising efforts provide:

  • $15 | Warm winter socks
  • $25 | Toiletries for personal hygiene
  • $50 | Needed medicine
  • $100 | Co-pay at the doctor’s office

Help us meet our ambitious goal to support asylum seekers in Vermont!


Special thanks to our 2024 sponsors

Presenting Sponsors: M & T Bank | Mutual of America | UVM Health Network/Medical Center

Runway Sponsor: NorthCountry Federal Credit Union

Vogue Sponsors: NFP Property & Casualty Services, Inc. | Westport Hospitality

Trendsetter Sponsors: Adams Real Estate/Independent Block, LLC | Akwaaba Community Collective | The Alchemist | Chroma Optics | City Market | Community Bank | Downs Rachlin Martin | Kris Luce Allstate | Painting with Purpose

And a special thanks to our Venue Partner, the University of Vermont Fleming Museum of Art.

Karibu

New Hope Award

Each year, the Crystal Family New Hope Award presentation ceremony takes place during the Karibu Cultural Celebration. 

Learn more


Who participates?

All are encouraged to attend! Join us to learn, share, and build a stronger community, together.

Event participants include all those who want to celebrate Vermont's growing diversity, supporters of CVOEO's Asylum Seekers Assistance Program, and members of Vermont's New American community.

Why participate?

This vibrant event raises funds to support CVOEO's Asylum Seekers Assistance Program. 

By attending, you show your support for our growing and diverse community, while helping to ensure that asylum seekers in Vermont have access to basic resources.