One giant leap for our Scholarship Fund!
Culture for a Cause - Spring Fundraiser 2022
At the Fundraiser (left to right): Jeanne Geoffray, Cofounder 431 Exchange; Mia Robertson, Scholarship Winner; Raphael Morgan, AEC Graduate and 431 Exchange Board Member; Melissa Vasquez, Scholarship Winner.
Our first ‘official’ fundraising event, Culture for a Cause, was a delightful success! It is what we are calling ‘One small step for the 431 Exchange, one Giant Leap for its Scholarship Fund!’
From the time we awarded our first scholarships, in the Fall of 2019, to now, we have concentrated on adult scholarship applications: those determined to earn a college degree or trade school certification to bring their future into focus and stabilize their lives. We have been very grateful for the donations given to us along the way, which have gone entirely into the Scholarship Fund and enabled us to award 80 ‘Hand-Up Scholarships’ to date!
We took a leap of faith into our 2022 Spring Fundraiser and learned so much! Beginning with the energy friends, family members, Adult Education Center graduates, and several 431 Scholarship Winners gave us that took an idea and turned it into a fruitful celebration!
Carol and Marshall Ordemann
Native New Orleans’ artist, Carol Ordemann, generously donated dozens of her engaging works of art, including those from her Private Collection, so their ‘do-able’ prices could amp up the Scholarship Fund. The Cultured Cup handily displayed the art, offered beverages and tasty, light bites, and delightfully welcomed donations to our cause.
Sandwiched between the arrival of guests interested in the artwork and their curiosity and respect for the 431 Exchange were Cofounder Jeanne Geoffray’s comments. “The 431 Exchange has only one program, its Scholarship Fund” Jeanne said, “used to give a ‘hand-up’ to adults determined to transform their lives through education. Many of our applicants are the first in their families to claim a career. Others realize education may increase their income, independence, and opportunities.”
Jeanne introduced 431 Scholarship Winner Melissa Vasquez, a spirited 31-year-old college freshman exceedingly thankful for the Scholarship Committee’s recognition of her strengths, supportive of her goals, and aware of her financial needs. “The [431 Exchange] foundation,” Melissa said, “reflects a legacy of helping people reach their potential. It is an honor to be a part of it.” Then Mia Robertson, also a 431 Scholarship Winner whose grandmother graduated from the AEC, said she has been thankful for the financial support from the 431 Exchange and graduates from Baylor in several weeks.
(Click on any picture to enlarge.)
Finally, 1971 AEC graduate, Raphael Morgan, added, “This art fundraiser is a beautiful event taking place nearly 51 years after I graduated from the Adult Education Center. A modest payment of $40.00 to cover the cost of books allowed me a better chance of being employed. Although I had taken college prep courses in high school, it was not financially possible for me to attend college.
Kyle Stewart and Phil Krampetz, Hosts of the Event
“Going to the AEC totally changed my life for the better. Becoming financially independent opened so many opportunities for me. What began many years ago with an incredible vision of Dr. Alice Geoffray continues to enrich lives today. I am proud to serve now on the Board of the 431 Exchange!”
Our thanks to all those who attended the Fundraiser. We exceeded our goal of $15,000 toward the Scholarship Fund, raising over $20,000, enabling us to underwrite 14 more ‘Hand-Up’ Scholarships this year! We were honored by the artist, Carol Ordemann’s donation of artwork, the turnout, generous purchases, and donations.
You have helped us make a significant and successful leap into the future!
There were so many paintings in Carol’s collection that we have more available for anyone who would want to buy: