Dressing up for a gala dinner event could be worthwhile and meaningful especially if it is for a good cause.

The members and friends of the Taipei International Women's Club turned up rather formally attired at the Howard Plaza last Saturday to help raise money to benefit the victims of the September 21 killer quake.

"The enthusiastic turnout and the wholehearted involvement of the members in organizing an interesting program are indications of the social concern of the club members," said Jade Bi-yu Liu, the TIWC president. "We have also earmarked the proceeds from our annual bazaar for those affected by the earthquake."

The earlier part of the evening saw some of the club members dolled up for an international fashion parade. Gaby Noriega and Norma Chang wore interesting handwoven dresses from Guatemala. Gladys Paredes Alvarez in a lace-like dress from faraway Paraguay was a picture of femininity and grace. Ana Sanchez and Sara Hsu modeled typical costumes from the Dominican Republic.

Meanwhile the Korean "hanbok" looked perfect on Jung Man Park. Yang Jameah Alias stepped into the limelight in a Malaysian dress. Different Indonesian styles of dressing were demonstrated by Yatie Wu, Sari Henzer and Putri Henzer. Tetsuo Yamashita, Masako Yamashita, Misako Banba and Mariko Tsuruoka were garbed in elegant Japanese kimonos during the fashion presentation. The Chinese "chi pao" or cheongsam also drew admiration during the show.

The moment finally arrived for Taiwan's aboriginal tribes to provide a colorful contrast. The costumes and accessories of the Ami, the Yami, the Paiwan, the Atayal, the Rukai, the Saisiat, the Puyuma, the Tsou and the Bunun tribes fascinated the international crowd on Saturday night. The joy in their songs and dances proved infectious.

Different styles of aboriginal performances came under review on Saturday night. ICRT DJ Chocolate surprised everyone with his on-the-spot English translation of the descriptions of Taiwan's cultural minority groups.

Soprano Yi Hui-lu and mezzo-soprano Christine Chang vocalized during the program. There was also a quartet who played while the guests dined. A live band provided Latin music for dancing before the night was over.