What can I say, other than “Wow!”

Our Thrive Fundraiser at The Independent in Union Square exceeded all of our expectations.  On a day that included the opening of the Union Square Farmers’ Market, and Somerville Porch Fest, we drew a crowd of about 40 people into a room filled with lively music by DJ Tiernan, platters of great food, and a well-tended and well-stocked bar.  I heard stories of how those in attendance made connections with other neighbors, families, teachers, administrators from both lower and upper school campuses. We welcomed into this gathering my dear friend Eugene, who came all the way from Ireland, not just for our fundraiser but we can pretend we had an international reach. Eugene enjoyed meeting many in the crowd with obvious Irish roots – yes, Maureen MacCarthy you were one of them! I watched as my daughter, Aswita’s children and other children danced, played with balloons, and climbed in and around crowds of tables and people. I witnessed a community strengthening connections that already existed, and forming new connections where none had been before. And I felt a bit overwhelmed with gratitude!

In this one beautiful afternoon, with the volunteer help of Alden the Amazing Auctioneer, and through the generosity of those that came out and those that donated even when they could not join us, we made $3,815.

That’s roughly 636 weekend food backpacks, or 8-10 months of weekend food for the number of families currently participating.

And that, my friends, is FANTASTIC!! 

Sorry for being Barbara the Bad Blogger.  The good news is now I have lots to share!

As you may have read in my last post, on April 16 I had the pleasure of participating in a Family Resource Night at PHA Early Childhood Campus.  My daughter Aregash joined me as a junior ambassador for Thrive, and here’s proof.

April 18 was the Empty Bowls Fundraiser for Food For Free at Mudflat Studios.  For a $20 ticket, we each picked out a beautifully handcrafted pottery bowl, filled it repeatedly with delicious soups from local restaurants, and took the bowl home at the end of the evening to add to our collection. We socialized with all sorts of friends and potential future friends, listened to live music provided by my guitarist husband Phil and his base player Paul, as well as our new friend and base player Tony and his guitarist. All this happened in the beautiful sun-filled Mudflat space.  Due to a tremendous turnout, from what I understand Food For Free made over $9K in the course of a few hours. YAY!

Related, but not really, the past two weeks when I’ve arrived at 11 Inman Street on Monday morning to pick up my crate of fresh fruit, Food For Free has thrown in juice boxes and individually packaged applesauces as well.  Have I mentioned recently how much I love Food For Free?

And now for the most important update…(drum roll please) Our very own first annual THRIVE FUNdraiser. (Yes that odd capitalization is deliberate.) The Independent in Union Square, Saturday May 16, 2-4pm. Be there or be square!

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