With prehistoric reptiles, dinner and dancing the eighth annual Feed the Mosasaur event, starting at 7 p.m. on Saturday, brings the Georgia Southern University community and fundraising together.

This event is to support the GSU Museum, which was actually founded to house the mosasaur. The mosasaur is a 78 million year old prehistoric sea reptile that swam in the prehistoric waters that are now South Georgia.

The event includes cocktails, dinner and dancing. This year’s theme is Flavors of the Southwest, a fusion of Mexican-American food with just a hint of spice.

The night starts with a signature cocktail and mingling. Dinner then begins and includes cooking demonstrations. The cooking demonstrations are by GSU’s Catering Services Executive Chef, Kevin Case.

“While guests are indulging in each dish, I demonstrate cooking techniques for each of those dishes,” Case said. Cameras are set up all around Case so the audience can see how he prepares each dish and he can explain why he chose different ingredients.

“This year is about pulling the diverse flavors of the Southwest together for a fun six-course dinner,” Case said. The attendees of this event receive a commemorative menu and recipe book of all the meals cooked during the evening.

The guests end the night with dancing. Jimmy and Gail McNeely, who participate in Dancing with the Statesboro Stars, give a short lesson to help get the night going. This year’s lesson is a salsa. Jimmy and Gail McNeely have been ballroom dancing for 12 years and teaching for five years.

The music for the event is provided by Do Good DJs who donate their services to the event. This is their third year doing the event.

“We do enjoy being able to give back to a school that has done a lot for us, this event, and the gourmet meal that comes with it, is always a good one,” Will Ofray, of Do Good DJs, said.

Debbie Gleason, the Assistant Director of the museum, said, “I like to call this a fundraiser and a friend-raiser. It is a good event to get a cross section of people in the community to meet each other and mingle.”