The Birth & Growth of a School 1971 - 1991: Fairs - Scholarship Program - The Pumpkin Hollow Store

The early years were euphoric. A marvelous impulse was born. The school was like a large family. Parents, teachers and friends worked together; there was tremendous fellowship, great joy.

That camaraderie is still seen and felt at the yearly Handcraft Fair in November where many devoted people go all out and do a staggering amount of work for the school, for the scholarship fund.

With the hope that any child could receive a Waldorf education, we have always had a strong tuition assistance program. The annual Fair is a major contributor to the scholarship fund.

The Fair weekend is a huge party. Preparations, decorations, food, entertainment, silent auction and clean-up all bring people together. And how the Fair has grown! The 1972 Fair, in the kindergarten room, raised slightly over $300; this year it raised $26,000. Past Fair chairpeople have been numerous and energetic. See Appendix C for names.

Other mammoth fundraising events have ineluded service auctions, an antique auction, a Wheel of Meals, and who will ever forget Marta La Rosa's Festa taliana or the Renewal Concert with Betty and Bob Long and Robert J. Lurtsema followed by the elegant dinner under a white tent on school grounds? And the dramatic moment of Klaus Hallig's toast and generous gift.

The Pumpkin Hollow Store, begun in May 1989 by parent, Amy Shinerock, was inspired by a similar little store at the Honolulu Waldorf School. The goal has been to make available items related to the curriculum and to give the proceeds to the scholarship fund. These items include thoughtfully chosen books, natural fiber clothing, high quality art products, toys, and much more.

The hope is one day to have a store large enough to include recycled clothing and sports equipment and to provide a meeting place for parents - a coffee shop, handwork and study group center. In its first year the store gave $6500 to the school. Linda Norris and Ruth Blair have been active with Amy and others in making the store such a success.

Next: Rhythms of the Year - Celebrations