You may recognize Dallas model Atti Worku from her work for Jean Paul Gaultier and Neiman Marcus, but Worku is currently making headlines for a project that’s far from the runway and much closer to her heart.   Worku, who just wrapped her sophomore year at New York’s Columbia University, is also the creator of the Seeds of Africa Foundation, providing education and aid to children in her hometown of Adama, Ethiopia.   This Thursday, May 17th, Worku will host a fashionable fundraising dinner for her foundation at Bolsa Mercado (634 W. Davis, Dallas). Tickets are $75 for this must-attend meal, and can be purchased via Prekindle. Every dollar from every ticket purchased will go to support Seeds of Africa’s programming, thanks to the unexpected generosity of an anonymous underwriter.   In the meantime, we caught up with Worku as soon as she arrived home from Manhattan to learn a few insider details.  

  DFW Style Daily: How did Bolsa Mercado get involved with Seeds of Africa?   Atti Worku: “We’re so lucky to have Royce Ring, who co-owns Bolsa and Bolsa Mercado, as a board member for Seeds of Africa. His contributions to our branding and marketing have been truly invaluable, not to mention his willingness to host this amazing event. Without Royce and Lindsey Miller, our wonderful PR partner, this fundraiser wouldn’t have been possible!”   DFWSD: Can you dish any details about the menu for the dinner?   AW: “Yes, I’m hungry just thinking about it! Bolsa Mercado’s chefs, Jeff Harris and Matt Balke, have created a four-course dinner for the event. They’ll be serving up favorites including ricotta cavatelli and Kobe petit filet.”   DFWSD: And because we’re dying to know, what is the dress code for this fabulous fundraiser?   AW: “Personally, I’m not entirely sure what I’m wearing yet. I’m still deciding between a floral-printed vintage skirt or a traditional Ethiopian midi skirt - both of which I’d pair with a sheer, neutral top.”     (Photos, credit Atti Worku and Seeds of Africa)