An update from Lyn Oldale and Iris Paruch
The Rice for a Year Tea and Silent Auction, held on Saturday, September 15 in St. Luke’s Church Hall, was a huge success.
The tea, homemade scones, and desserts were delicious and were enjoyed by the approximately 100 people attending. About 50 auction items were available to bid on ranging in value from $5 to $250. The Cambodian sale table was very popular with many people going away wearing lovely silk scarves and sporting cute little purses. Many other unique Cambodian items were available as well.
To add to the ambiance of the afternoon, three harpers played lovely background music.
During the afternoon, Iris Paruch told about her experience with ABCs and Rice in Cambodia. She noticed a big change and growth in the children since we began the Rice for a Year project last year. Iris showed two videos, one about the beginning of ABCs and Rice, the other a personal message from Tammy, the founder of ABCs and Rice, and a thank you to Iris and everyone supporting the Rice for a Year project.
The total raised at the tea was $4267 which will supply rice to 85 children for a whole year. Just $50 buys rice for a year for one child and their family.
Iris will be returning to Cambodia this fall to once again volunteer at ABCs and Rice. We look forward to hearing of her experiences when she returns in the spring.
Watch for our third annual Tea and Silent Auction next fall.