5/15/2019, Update: Thank you to all for helping to make this event so successful! Following is a note of appreciation from parent organizers Lora Bartlett and Nanette Hardin.
The Mother’s Day Tea was importantly a financial success! It raised $4,500 with about $2,000 of that in ticket sales, $1,500 in donations, and another $1,000 from the raffle and sales at the event.
However, and maybe more importantly in the lives of the juniors, the tea marked a giant step in the students’ journey of learning to work together, taking on new roles, and going outside of their comfort zones.
We would like to acknowledge their incredible hard work and dedication, and celebrate their strong and generous relationships. These young people took on individual roles and group tasks in a setting and function unlike most of them had ever experienced. And although they admittedly were uneasy, they lead collaboratively with joy and competence, supporting each other and confidently interacting with adults, many of whom they had never met. They worked long and hard, asking for direction, and taking correction with grace. They were outstanding.
We would like to extend thanks to all who helped, and special commendations to:
Rachel, Fiona, Rowan, Tabby, Braeden, Given, and Noah for prior set up on Saturday from 11am to 11pm and then again on Sunday starting at 9am.
Rachel, Fiona, Rowan, Tabby, Braeden, Given, AnMei, and Maverick for service and clean up on the day. The tea itself was only 2pm to 5pm but students began arriving at 9am and the last didn’t leave until after 8pm.
JT and Haley for selling table items on the day, and JT staying until 7pm for clean-up.
And to families~ Julie Rothman for donations, prep and hours of work. Linda Will and Anna Medvedeva for donations. Julia and John Bettencourt for tables, chairs and donations. Nathan and James Burgess for labor and service. Richard Bartlett for baking.
The students were complimented by guests for their attention to detail, good service, and deep knowledge of South Africa and the issues it has faced. One guest, herself South African and author of a book on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, was inspired to make a substantial donation to the cause by “all the work and care that went into it, in service of others.” She mentioned the clear and focused way each student could speak to her about their trip and the reasons for the fundraising.
We understand that illness and other commitments kept many of the otherwise willing juniors from helping. Those that were able, gave up time for study, work, and play – not an easy ask at this time of intense “junior year” pressure. Some of them worked sporadically over weeks and some for long hours in the days prior and during. In this respect, it is striking, that at this age, they have integrity well-developed enough to not complain. They support and defend each other, and do so mostly with ease. A life skill and model, we should all aspire to better incorporate.
It was a pleasure to work with these young people of ours and to see them thrive in this way. We are grateful for the comprehensive learning journey curriculum that you have created, it gives the students such rich opportunities for growth, collaboration, and leadership. This journey to South Africa has already started.
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A special note of appreciation to Lora, for her extraordinary outreach to non-MMS community on behalf of Botshabelo. It was above and beyond, and an integral piece of the event’s success.
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Please join us for a glorious garden tea party in a private home garden. We will be pouring tea,and serving a delicious feast of treats.
And raising funds to support the lives of children affected by Aids in South Africa.
Yes this is Mother’s day and we hope some of you will join us for Mother’s day. And we hope others of you will just join us because tea in the garden is good especially when you are gathered together to help make the lives of children better.
This is an opportunity for us to enjoy a sumptuously sunny afternoon of deliciousness whilst raising funds for a most needy cause.
We request a donation of $25-$50 per person. Of course you may give more if you can.
All funds raised by the tea party will be used to buy furniture, clothing, and food for Botshabelo Aids Village in South Africa. You can read more about Botshabelo here:
http://www.botshabelo.org/about.html
All food will be prepared and served by the 11th grade students of Mount Madonna School and their friends and families. Tea will be vegetarian and include sandwiches, scones with cream and jam, cookies, cupcakes and more. There will be vegan and gluten free options too.
Please buy tickets here or email Lora to reserve your space and pay in person on the day by cash or check.
We request a donation of $25-$50 per person. Please donate at your comfort level.
You may of course always donate more.
And please consider making a donation even if you can’t make it to tea.
