American Girl Tea Party

In the spring of 2008 my ten-year-old daughter, Madison, watched the Life Today television show one morning before school as children drank water from a contaminated river in Africa. Animals were also in this water (dead and alive) as well as people washing their clothes, bathing, etc. Tragically this is their only choice of water, causing 10,000 deaths a DAY.

Madison turned to me with tears in her eyes and said, “Mom, I feel like God wants me to do something to help those children get water." My response was, "Well, let's pray about it and see what we could (possibly) do."

A couple of weeks went by and I have to admit, I was a little hesitant about taking on this task. I prayed for God to specifically speak to me through scripture if we should do this or not. Coincidentally, I opened my Bible to Matthew 25, “I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. Whatever you did for one of the least of these...you did for me.”

As if that wasn’t good enough, the next day I prayed again, “Are ya’ SURE, Lord?” That morning when I opened my little daily devotional book - yep, you guessed it - same verses.

So-o-o-o, we held a tea (in our spare time) to raise funds to dig a water well (never done THAT before)! Thanks to everyone's generosity, hard work, and determination, the sold out "All American Girl Tea Party – American Girls Saving Lives Around the World" raised over $6,000! We held the second tea the following summer and raised (sold out again) $8,000. (100% of the money went to the water well.)

Well, you know how God works. He nudging us to do it again! The 2010 tea will be held on Sunday afternoon, July 25th at the beautiful new Regnier Center on the campus of Johnson County Community College (see map).

We'll enjoy garden tea party sandwiches, delicate tea cakes, cookies, and of course tea or pink lemonade. You'll simply love the outstanding entertainment and amazing silent auction baskets! We just received word that the beautiful "ALL AMERICAN GIRL TEA PRINCESS" from the "WISHING WELL CASTLE" is arriving just in time for the tea! A professional photographer will be available for a special photo memory opportunity. Bring your favorite doll for a lovely afternoon with family and friends - aunts, sisters, cousins, and neighbors! And you will absolutely love the surprise to take home!

We are very blessed to live with such comfort and conveniences, but did you know that four MILLION people die every year due to water related illnesses? Or as Madison notes, “Mom, it’s been eight seconds, one more person just died.” One well, however, can provide fresh water for an entire community - saving lives for the children - and generations to come.

Several people have expressed that they’ve often wanted to help, but didn’t know what to do. Through this tea, we have a chance to make a difference – literally saving lives around the world. Proverbs 31:20 says, “Her hands reach out to the poor, and she extends her hands to the needy.” Let’s reach out together.

Our goal is to raise enough funds to dig a water well - $4800. The cost to attend the tea is only $18. Register early as the last two year's events sold out quickly!

We would love for you to be a part of this opportunity to help others. Please contact us if you would like additional information, to become a sponsor for the tea, donate items, create a silent auction basket, add a special coupon to the gift bags, or have a heart of compassion to make a difference in the lives of children around the world. We hope to hear from you soon. Together - we CAN make a difference!

Blessings,

Susan and Madison Crook