Friends and supporters of the Waldorf School of Garden City gathered at the home of John and Jenna DeRosa in Point Lookout on Thursday, October 1st for the School’s annual Benefactors Reception.

The event was an opportunity for the School’s Board of Trustees, Faculty and Staff to thank members of the community for their generous leadership support of the 2014-2015 Annual Fund. Guests enjoyed drinks and hors d’oeuvres along with reflections and comments by Mr. DeRosa, Trustee and Board Chair-Elect Mr. Lance Cheney as well as the School’s Director of Development Ms. Marjorie P. Jean-Paul.

“This is an honor to have the Waldorf community in our home,” said Mr. DeRosa. “The Waldorf experience has been a magical experience for our family. As I think back to our first visit to Waldorf, I remember meeting Waldorf students who had a distinct calmness and presence about them. We are now four children deep into Waldorf. There is a certain magic watching your children go through the grades. My children have this attitude towards school that  – in a word – is happy. For me, Waldorf creates an intellectual curiosity in our children. The genius of Waldorf is that the school takes these children and challenges them to ask the questions they need to ask. That is the greatest benefit of being part of this Waldorf community. Thank you.”

In his remarks, Mr. Cheney, thanked the gathering of nearly 50 people. “Thank you all so much for your support of the School! Gratitude – that is what this evening is all about. You all have choices and you made the wonderful choice to support this community. We are so grateful. Thank you.”

Said Ms. Jean-Paul, “Every year, we ask for the support of our extended community in contributing to the Annual Fund. As I look around this room, I see the faces of so many people who, when there is a challenge or when there is a question of needing your help, you have always been gracious and giving to the school. I sincerely thank you.”

Ms. Jean-Paul also highlighted the School’s upcoming Gala on Friday, May 13th, 2016, at the Garden City Hotel.

At the end of the evening, guests received a container of freshly-dried herbs that were grown in the School’s garden and harvested and prepared by lower school children. Central to the Waldorf curriculum, students actively work in nature as a way to learn about being good stewards of the environment. At the end of the event, many guests remarked their delight upon receiving a gift so unique and closely tied to the School’s students and curriculum.