ROOM TO LEARN 2018 FUNDRAISING GARDEN PARTY

What are the signs of a good party? Lots of empty wine bottles, good food and clean plates and lots of socialising. A great meeting of warm, generous-hearted folk. They and all our amazing friends who live too far away to attend, ensured by their overwhelming generosity that Room to Learn has the finances to continue its work.

The event was once again hosted by the founders in their garden setting, in the beautiful village of Old Minster Lovell.  Over a hundred people supported the day and had the opportunity to see RTL in action at the ‘Happy Days’ nursery school in Kalimpong, India. Our school accepts little boys and girls from families who live on less than 2 dollars a day, aiming to give them a better opportunity in life. 

Donations totalled £5000. The money raised is helping us reach more children. RTL opened its first nursery on March 6th 2017 with one classroom and two teachers. This year, thanks to what you gave last year, we were able to rent another classroom and employed two more teachers. Next year the plan is to rent another room and employ another two teachers. RTL is not standing still.  For all new readers, if your heart tells you to support this work, please please do.

One attendee voiced his whole-hearted support for Room To Learn, saying how reassuring it was to know that all money donated goes to pay rent, teachers and equipment in India. We meet all our own travel and office expenses ourselves. Even the fundraising party is privately paid for and supported by gifts of food and drink.

We’ve had marvellous feedback from everyone at the party. Wonderful food, lots of organic homegrown produce provide by Brian, and cooked by Ann. Good quality wine, donated by The Old Swan, the village local, and cakes by Ch Chi Mills. Not forgetting all the  help from our family, friends and trustees, without whom it would never have achieved the success it has.

A big thank you for everyone’s support and for all those who helped on the day to make it the success it was.

One guest wrote us a very pleasing letter of appreciation:

I met Ann and Brian only a few months ago and was delighted to be able to attend their annual garden party last week. My husband was born and bred in Minster and we didn’t have a clue about this Charity. We do now, what a fantastic afternoon, starting with a welcoming drink and a saunter around their most fantastic garden. Had our portraits taken on the top lawn, and feasted on the fab Bengal local crafts from bags to parchment paper, which were all very special. 

To top off the afternoon was the most amazing Auction, offering from helicopter rides to sensory massages. You don’t get that opportunity very often around here!

Best was Ann and Brian’s fab food…..can you believe 4 courses??? Ann has spent months making so many such treats, whilst Brian grew most of the ingredients and was all at no charge.  (Hope all visited Brian’s veg patch…so impressive)

Next year will be even better I’m sure.

Thanks Ann and Brian, lovely afternoon, cannot wait till next year and even more surprises on the day for all to enjoy….and raise even more money.

We hope for loads of money for such a good cause.

Kindest regards

FB.

Des showing the items while Malcolm sells them.