Moving Mountains China

2011 Autumn Moon Dinner Dance ~ Raffle and Auction Items

2011-09-13T21:54:00.000-07:00

This year's Chinese Autumn Moon Dinner Dance Fundraiser will be held on

Saturday, October 1, 2011

5:30 to 10:30 pm

Chinese buffet $30:00 per person

Children’s meal : chicken fingers and fries $10

In the Roseland Function Hall, Hong Kong City Restaurant, 174 Broadway Taunton, MA 02780

Thanks to Bea Silvia for all of her hard work!

Featured Items:

Life gives us so many reasons to celebrate. From little birthdays and big reunions, to true love and personal triumphs. Wrap all your special moments in magic at the place where dreams come true. Celebrate at Disney Parks.

Disney
Four one-day Park Hopper Passes. Good for the Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Value $480 ~ $120 Opening Bid
Auction Table

These tickets cannot be upgraded nor can they be applied towards a package to meet eligibility requirements. Expires August 2013.

Peterson's Bike Shop's focus is on quality bikes, accessories and service. Mr. Peterson's primary lines are Trek, Fuji, Redline, and Torker Jr. Bicycles. The bike shop is owned and operated by Lester Peterson, who brings over 30 years of experience in bicycle sales and service.

Peterson's Bike Shop

A Brand New Bike! ~ A Mirra Black Pearl ~ Size: 20 ~ Color: Red
Auction Table
Value $559 ~ Opening Bid $140

Can be traded for equal value or a higher priced bike and only pay the differance.

Peterson's Bike Shop, 421 Raynham Plaza Raynham, MA 02767
http://www.skiandsportsonline.com/bikes.cfm

Tower of $100 Worth of Scratch Tickets

Value: Priceless
Separate Raffle Ten Chances for $5

Donated by Carol Welch

More Great Items:

Araujo's are growers of quality hanging baskets, herbs, geraniums, perennials, bedding plants, mums, pumpkins, and poinsettias. We strive to bring you the best combinations for every season. Visit us winter, spring, summer, and fall for all you decorating needs. Our seasonal classes are an excellent way to keep up with the new gardening trends and information. Our horse drawn hayrides in the fall have become tradition for many families. We are always growing and changing to meet the needs of our customers and to keep gardening a part of everyday life.

Araujo's Farm
A Gift Card
Value $25
Raffle Table

Araujo's Farm, 1522 Williams Street Dighton, MA 02715
http://www.araujofarms.com/

Bernie & Phyl’s Furniture is the largest privately owned furniture retailer in Massachusetts. Our company has grown from a small storefront into one of the fastest growing furniture companies in the state with five stores in Massachusetts and one in New Hampshire.

Bernie & Phyl’s Furniture
A Gift Certificate
Value $25
Raffle Table

Bernie & Phyl’s Furniture, 308 East Main Street Norton, MA 02766
http://www.bernieandphyls.com/

Lance is right. It’s not about the bike. It’s about the joy of cycling and discovering how riding can take you places you never thought possible. And it all starts with people (seasoned pros, not peddlers) who will help you get the most from every mile. That’s BikeWorks. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Bike Works
A Blue Bike Helmet
Value $44.99
Raffle Table

Bike Works, 79 Swansea Dr. Swansea, MA 02777
http://www.bikeworksma.com/

Blissfully Yours Yoga

Many people think that yoga is just stretching. But while stretching is certainly involved, yoga is really about creating balance in the body through developing both strength and flexibility. This is done through the performance of poses or postures, each of which has specific physical benefits. o it for yourself ~ Relax.

Blissfully Yours Yoga

Eight Yoga Classes with Lisa Carmichael
Valued at $80
Raffle Table

Blissfully Yours Yoga, Ineda Massage, Lakeville, MA 02347
http://blissfullyyours.faithweb.com/

Blue Heron is a professional vocal ensemble that combines a commitment to vivid live performance with the study of original source materials and historical performance practice. Blue Heron's principal repertoire interests are fifteenth-century English and Franco-Flemish polyphony, Spanish music between about 1500 and 1575; and neglected early sixteenth-century English music. Scott Metcalfe, Music Director of Blue Heron since its founding in 1999, is a specialist in music between 1400 and 1750 whose career as a violinist and conductor has taken him all over North America and Europe.

Blue Heron Renaissance Choir
Two Tickets ~ Two Chances to Win
Value $60 to $100 ~ $25 Opening Bid
Auction Table

These tickets are for Christmas in Medieval England on Saturday, December 17, 2011 at 8 pm. The show includes carols, motets, and plainchant for Advent and Christmas from 15th-century England.

Blue Heron Renaissance Choir, 45 Ash St Auburndale, MA 02466
http://www.blueheronchoir.org/

Boston Warehouse

Two Gift Baskets - One Halloween Basket and One Misc Kitchen Basket
Raffle Table

If product development were an olympic sport, Boston Warehouse would win the gold! We provide creative kitchen and dining products and more at everyday low prices. We don't make things people need, we make things people can't live without.
Boston Warehouse, 59 Davis Ave Norwood, MA 02662
http://www.bwtc.com/

All Aboard For Fun! Climb aboard the Cape Cod Central and feel the thrill as the whistle blows and your fun-filled adventure begins. The rhythm of the train and the spirit of the crew will whisk you away on an exhilarating two-hour journey by rail.

Cape Cod Central Railroad
Four Passes
Value $88 ~ $20 Opening Bid
Auction Table

Not Valid for upgrades or on special event trains.
Cape Cod Central Railroad, 252 Main Street Hyannis, MA 02601
www.capetrain.com/train-scenic.php

Each season the orchestra performs for more than 50,000 people. In addition to 5 Classics concerts and three CapePOPS! concerts presented from September through May in the 1400-seat Barnstable Performing Arts Center, the orchestra travels to Mashpee, Orleans and Falmouth to give outdoor performances in the summer months. In 2008, for the first time, a July 4th weekend music and fireworks extravaganza overlooking Hyannis Harbor was added to the schedule.

The Cape Cod Symphony Orchestra
Two Concert Ticket Vouchers
Value $84 to $128 (approx) ~ $25 Opening Bid
Auction Table

These vouchers are for Section C tickets for one Classic or CapePOPS concert.

The Cape Cod Symphony Orchestra, Fiddler's Green Yarmouthport, MA 02675
http://www.capesymphony.org/

Celebrating more than 80 seasons, the Cape Playhouse is proud to be America's oldest professional summer theatre. "Where Broadway goes to summer!" - New York Times

The Cape Playhouse

Two A-Loge Seats for the First Presentation of the 2012 Season in June of 2012
Value $98.50 (approx) ~ $25 Opening Bid
Auction Table

Expires 2012

The Cape Playhouse, 820 Main Street, Route 6A Dennis, MA 02638
http://www.capeplayhouse.com/

America's Finest Indoor Rock Climbing Gyms! Our gyms are located in New Bedford, MA and Fairfield, CT. Why New Bedford for one of the world's largest indoor climbing gyms? Surely it's not a climbing mecca. Well, it's home, it's a great place to live, study, and work and we like to climb (and windsurf, sail, kayak, hike...). We are invested in making our community even better and we hope you'll come visit us soon!

Carabiner's Indoor Climbing
A Group Pass for up to Six People
Value $132 ~ $30 Opening Bid
Auction Table

Includes staff belayer, equipment rental and 2 hours of climbing for 6 people. Includes a day pass, two hours of instuction and equipment rental.

Carabiner's Indoor Climbing

Two Free Introduction to Climbing Passes

Value $90 ~ $20 Opening Bid

Auction Table

Carabiner's Indoor Climbing, 328 Parker Street New Bedford, MA 02740
http://www.carabiners.com/

The Charles Riverboat Company offers a variety of sightseeing and sunset cruises on the Charles River and Boston Harbor. Choose from a relaxing cruise along the banks of the Charles River. or take a thrilling ride through the Charles River Locks and tour historic Boston Harbor. Enjoy unprecedented views of Boston and Cambridge. Daily sight-seeing cruises depart from the Cambridge Side Galleria, conveniently located next to the Lechmere Subway Station and discounted parking is available.

Charles Riverboat Company
Four Sight-Seeing Passes
Value $56 ~ $15 Opening Bid
Auction Table

Valid for a regularly scheduled Charles River Tour departing from CambridgeSide Galleria Mall.

Reservations are not accepted and passes must be validated at our ticket booth prior to boarding the vessle. Passes are not valid for Sunset Cruises, the Boston Architecture Tours, Private Charters or Specialty Cruises.

Charles Riverboat Company, 100 CambridgeSide Place, Suite 320 Cambridge, MA 02141
http://www.charlesriverboat.com/

Country Treasures

A Gift Certificate
Value $25
Raffle Table

Country Treasures, 302 Broadway Raynham, MA 02767

Davis Farmland ~ The Ultimate Children's Discovery Farm ~ Hands on fun for everyone! Come in the Fall and experience the best of autumn in New England with a visit to our orchard to pick apples fresh from the trees , or take a stroll to the pumpkin patch to pick a small sugar pumpkin ...great for pumpkin painting. Make this your pick for delicious fall family fun!

Davis Mega Maze ~ Every year brings a whole new puzzle, theme, and all new challenges to our guests. Davis' Mega Maze features more bridges than any other field maze in the world and the only double-decker bridge. As if that didn't make it complex enough, Davis' Mega Maze is the only field maze in the world that has the capacity to change every day. There are hundreds of ways to complete the maze and the experience will never be the same twice.

Davis’ Farmland and Mega Maze

A Family Day Pass for up to Four People ~ Two Chances to Bid!
Value $79.80 ~ $20 Opening Bid
Auction Table

Passes will expire on the last day of operations of the 2012 season ~ no exceptions.

Davis’ Farmland and Mega Maze, 145 Redstone Hill Road Sterling, MA 01564
http://www.davisfarmland.com/

Welcome to Dick Doherty's Beantown Boston Comedy Vault- Located in a renovated bank with a 12-foot vault door as backdrop and comedy murals on the walls of famous Boston comedians and Boston landmarks and locations. This comedy club is small, intimate and special. It is open seven nights a week and is touted as Boston's most fun comedy club for over 23 years.

Dick's Beantown Comedy Club
Admission for Eight People (Sunday Through Thursday)
or Six People (Friday or second show on Saturday)
Value $120 (approx) ~ $30 Opening Bid
Auction Table

Expires March 31, 2012.

Dick's Beantown Comedy Club, 3 Unicorn Ave Suite 101 Stoneham, MA 02180
http://www.dickdoherty.com/

Dominos Pizza

A Pizza Card ~ Many, Many Chances to Win!!
Value up to $240 (Sixteen Pizzas)
Raffle Table

One pizza card gives you 16 opportunities to buy one pizza at the menu price and the second pizza of equal or lesser value is free.

Expires December 31, 2013.

Dominos Pizza, 17 Tremont Street, Tauton, MA 02780

This Arrive & Drive Track is a nearly quarter mile road course that can hold up to 15 drivers in one race. For Arrive & Drive karting, you just bring yourself, your desire to compete, your enthusiasm, a little bit of daring —and the craving for fun. F1 Outdoors provides all the rest: kart, driver's suit, helmet, race safety briefing, and a 15-lap race on the arrive and drive track.

F1 Arrive and Drive
Two Tickets for a Complete Racing Package with a $25 Gift Certificate for Meals
Value $101 ~ $25 Opening Bid
Auction Table

For Licensed Drivers 18+ years.

F1 Arrive and Drive, 290 Wood Road Braintree, MA 02184
http://www.f1outdoors.com/

Espionage presented by 5 Wits

Four VIP Admission Passes
Value $80 (approx) ~ $20 Opening Bid
Auction Table

Designed for 5 Wits Inc., ESPIONAGE is an hour long, interactive, guided walk-through adventure. A group of guests take on the role of secret agents, recruited to track the enemy, get information, and destroy stolen blueprints. The new spies experience the thrills of breaking and entry, computer hacking, audio surveillance and laser evasion to successfully complete their mission and achieve the highest score possible. At 5 Wits Productions, we were responsible for the entire process from blue sky design, script writing and multimedia content creation to fabrication of all electromechanical interactives and simulations, master show control programming, and operations planning.

Passes may not be used for special events. May upgrade to a combo ticket for an additional fee.

Espionage presented by 5 Wits, 186 Brookline Ave Boston, MA 02215
http://www.5-wits.com/

Fairfield Theater Company

A Gift Certificate for Tickets
Value $75 ~ $20 Opening Bid
Auction Table

Tickets can be used at StageOne or The Klein Auditorium. Seats will be chosen at the discretion of management. Voucher must be received 48 hrs before the preformance in person at the FCC Box Office. Tickets can not be used for rentals or benefit performances.

Fairfield Theater Company, 70 Sanford Street, Fairfield, CT 06824
www.fairfieldtheatre.org

Visit Fenway Park, America's most beloved ballpark, and take a behind the scenes look at the oldest Major League baseball park in the country. Visit the park where the Babe pitched, The Kid hit, Yaz dazzled, and the 2004 & 2007 World Champions thrill fans today. Sit in the oldest seats in baseball and have your picture taken with baseball great - Ted Williams - the statue, of course. This is a chance to be part of the team, visit the Green Monster, and tour baseball history.

Tours leave from the Souvenir Store across Yawkey Way. Guided tours last one hour; arrive 15 minutes prior to tour. For more information call 617-226-6666.

Fenway Park Tours
Four Tour Passes
Value $48 ~ $15 Opening Bid
Auction Table

Excludes all premium tours.

Fenway Park Tours, 19 Yawkey Way, Boston MA 02215
www.redsox.com

Fitness EM strives to empower women with solutions that educate, motivate, and inspire them to lead an active, healthy lifestyle. Founded in 2001, Fitness EM designs, engineers, markets, and distributes personal training and wellness products exclusively for women. We hold multiple patents in an innovative line of over 100 products.

Fitness EM, LLC
Shape Pilates Body Shaping Kit
Raffle Table

Fitness EM, LLC

Shape Pilates Home Workout Kit
Raffle Table

Fitness EM, LLC Raffle Table

A Six Pound Medicine Ball, A Five Pound Kettle Bell and Two Three Pound Dumbbells. Each comes with workout cards

Fitness EM, LLC, 660 Douglas Street Uxbridge, MA 01569
http://www.fitnessem.com/

Fogg Auto Sales has been family owned and operated for over 10 years. We work hard to offer our customers the best in pre-owned cars. Fogg Auto Sales also arranges financing, warranties and service contracts. We don't just want your business today...we want you to come back in the future, too!

Fogg Auto Sales, Inc.

A Gift Certificate for an Oil Change ~ Three Chances to Win!

Raffle Table

Fogg Auto Sales, Inc., 346 Winthrop Street Taunton, MA 02780

http://www.foggautosalesinc.com/

Goldstein's Five and Dime

A Basket Including a Halloween Witch Cake Pan, a Decorating Kit, Decorating Frosting and Cake Mix
Raffle Table

Goldstein's Five and Dime, 430 Bay Street Taunton, MA 02780

Handmade Soaps for Me

Two soaps, a lavendar after bath oil, a lavendar lotion stick, two chapsticks and a sugar face scrub.
Raffle Table

Handmade Soaps for Me, 26 Green Drive North Dartmouth, MA 02747
http://www.handmadesoap4me.com/

Our hotel has an award winning Sunday brunch. We are centrally located for easy access to Boston, Cape Cod, & Plymouth, MA. The hotel is located at the entrance to Myles Standish Industrial Park on exit 9 off Rt. 495.

Holiday Inn

Sunday Brunch for Two
Raffle Table

Holiday Inn, 700 Myles Standish Blvd., Taunton, MA 02780

The House of Seven Gables

Four Passes
Value $32 to $48
Raffle Table

When you arrive at The House of the Seven Gables professional guides will warmly greet you for an unforgettable historical experience. Outside, spectacular seaside gardens await you. Inside of The House of the Seven Gables, you will discover a mysterious secret staircase where you least expect it! Built in 1668, this is the oldest surviving 17th century wooden mansion in New England. The House of the Seven Gables inspired author Nathaniel Hawthorne to write his legendary novel of the same name. The museum houses more than 2,000 artifacts and objects, more than 40 framed works, 500 photographs and glass plate negatives, and more than 650 volumes in our research and rare book library.

Not valid during the month of October.
The House of Seven Gables, 115 Derby Street Salem, MA 01970
http://www.7gables.org/

Interstate Navigation Co.
Two Round Trips on the Block Island Line
RaffleTable

Visit the Block Island Tourism Council's website for all kinds of great information on where to stay and what to do. Check out their photo gallery, full of beautiful photos. Visit their website: www.blockislandinfo.com.

The tickets must be exchanged at the ticket booth before boarding the vessel. Good for the traditional ferry only. Good through December 2012.

Interstate Navigation Co., P.O. Box 3333 Narragansett, RI 02882
http://www.blockislandferry.com/

Experience our Museum through our three theaters, period settings, and 25 dramatic multimedia exhibits, and enter the recreated world of the Kennedy Presidency for a “first-hand” experience of John F. Kennedy’s life, legacy, and leadership.

Shop in our Museum Store or dine in the JFK Café. Walk along the Harborwalk or picnic on our beautiful grounds at the Harbor’s edge. From May to October, President Kennedy’s 26' sailboat Victura is on display on our grounds.

The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
Four Tickets to the Library and Museum
Value $36 to $48 ~ $15 Opening Bid
Auction Table

Expires 12/31/13

The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Columbia Point Boston, MA 02125
http://www.jfklibrary.org/

Famous since 1939 for our legendary ice cream, Kimball Farm has become the perfect place for the whole family to visit, have fun and relax. With 36 holes of adventure style mini golf, a bumper boat pond, farm animals and live animal shows, there’s lots of excitement for everyone. Kimball Farm also features a Driving Range, with both mat and grass tees and a par-3, 9-hole Pitch and Putt golf course.

Kimball Farm

Four Rounds of Miniature Golf and 4 Bumper Boat Rides
Valued at $$58 to $68 ~ $15 Opening Bid
Auction Table

No expiration date.

Kimball Farm, 400 Littleton Road, Westford, MA 01886
http://www.kimballfarm.com/

Lake Compounce

Two Tickets
Value $71.98 ~ $20 Opening Bid
Auction Table

Whether it’s chills or thrills that make you happy, Lake Compounce has the best of both, and then some! Play all day on rides like Boulder Dash, Zoomerang and Thunder n’ Lightning. Chill near the lake in Anchor Bay, Clipper Cove and Mammoth Falls. Little thrill seekers will enjoy Circus World -perfect for ages 3-10, and families can enjoy our newest addition, Zoomer's Gas n' Go!

Expires September 3, 2012

Lake Compounce, 822 Lake Avenue Bristol, CT 06010
http://www.lakecompounce.com/

Laser Quest

One Game for up to Four People
Value $36
Raffle Table

Laser Quest is a fast paced game for ages 5 to 85 – a high tech combination of tag and hide and seek. With the world’s most advanced laser tag equipment available, Laser Quest is played in a large, multi-level arena with specialty lighting, fog and heart pounding music.

Expires November 30, 2011

Laser Quest, 139 Endicott Street Danvers, MA 01923
http://www.laserquest.com/

The Mark Twain House Museum, a National Historic Landmark in Hartford, Connecticut, was the home of America’s greatest author, Samuel Clemens (a.k.a. Mark Twain) and his family from 1874 to 1891. It is also where Twain lived when he wrote his most important works, including Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, The Prince and The Pauper and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court.

A stunning example of Picturesque Gothic architecture, the 25-room home features a dramatic grand hall with rare examples of Victorian decorative arts by Louis Comfort Tiffany’s design firm Associated Artists, a lush glass conservatory, a grand library and the handsome billiard room where Twain wrote his famous books. Today, visitors enjoy daily guided tours of this striking home. There are also rotating exhibits on Twain’s life and legacy in the nation’s first LEED-certified museum and visitor center, opened in 2003.

The Mark Twain Museum
A Family Four Pack
Value $52 ~ $15 Opening Bid
Raffle Table

A Family Four Pack with Book ~ "The Wit and Wisdom of Mark Twain"

Value 65.99 ~ $15 Opening Bid
Auction Table

Four Adult Tickets to the Mark Twain Graveyard Tour with Book ~ "Mysteries and Legends"
Value $86.95 ~ $20 Opening Bid
Auction Table

The Mark Twain Museum, 351 Farmington Avenue Hartford, CT 06105

http://www.marktwainhouse.org/

McDonald's Family Restaurant

Gift Card for One Happy Meal per Month for a Year ~ Four Chances to Win!!
Raffle Table

McDonald's Family Restaurant, Route 44 Taunton, MA 02780

Monster Mini Golf

Four Tickets for Mini Golf ~ Two Chances to Win!!
Value $30
Raffle Table

Monster Mini Golf is an exciting indoor monster themed glow in the dark 18 hole miniature golf course that offers a host of family-oriented fun activities at every turn. This is not your average putt putt golf course! You'll feel the excitement and adventure of playing mini golf among scary but cool monster decor with custom and animated props. In addition to miniature golf, we have a family arcade containing many of today's most thrilling arcade games. At the end of your play, game award tickets are redeemable for great prizes.

Locations include ~ Groton and Windsor Locks, CT
Danvers, Fairhaven, Norwood, Webster and Seakonk MA
Warwick, RI
CA, FL, GE, IN, MD, NJ, NY, OH, PA

Cannot be combined with any other offer.
Monster Mini Golf, 140 Taunton Avenue Seekonk, MA 02771
http://www.monsterminigolf.com/

Moose Tours

Two Seats on the North Conway Moose Safari During the 2012 Season
Value $28 to $56
Raffle Table

Ride along as we have fun taking a 3 hour mountain journey. A video about moose is shown as you relax and ride in the 22 passenger moose bus. This is a local adventure to enjoy, with a success rate of 96% - 98% in moose sightings.

Reservations must be made at least one day in advance by calling 603-662-3159. Good for a tour in late May through October 1st.

Moose Tours, PO Box 1123 North Conway, NH 03860
http://www.mwvmoosetours.com/

All Aboard! When you ride on the world's first mountain-climbing Cog Railway train, you're in for a treat. Your train will carry you above the clouds to the top of the highest peak in the Northeast, where all of New England spreads out before you. You'll marvel at the spectacular views from your coach window as your train climbs the steepest railroad tracks in North America. It's an exciting and unforgettable experience for the whole family.

The Mount Washington Cog Railway

One Complimentary Ticket on the Mount Washington Cog Railway ~ with the purchase of one ticket of equal or greater value.
Raffle Table

Valid for the last two trains of the day through October 2012. Certificate is not valid on holidays or holiday weekends. Subject to availability. Call 1-800-922-8825 for more information.

The Mount Washington Cog Railway, Base Road Bretton Woods, NH 03575
http://www.thecog.com/

The Music Hall is a nonprofit performing arts center that entertains 100,000 patrons, including 20,000 school children, annually with acclaimed film, music, theater, and dance performances. Its historic 900-seat theater, built in 1878, is the oldest in New Hampshire and designated an “American Treasure” by the U.S. Senate in the Save America’s Treasures Program administered by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the National Park Service.

The Music Hall
Passes for Six People
Value $48.88
Raffle Table

Expires December 31, 2011

The Music Hall, 28 Chestnut Street Portsmouth, NH 03801
http://www.themusichall.org/

There is so much to see and do, you may need more than one day to explore it all! Explore American maritime history first-hand as you climb aboard historic tall ships, stroll through a re-created 19th-century coastal village or watch a working preservation shipyard in action. Take a horse and carriage ride and stroll through our Museum's gardens. Founded in 1929, more than 300,000 people continue to visit Mystic Seaport annually. Plan your visit today!

Mystic Seaport Museum

Four Adult Admission Passes
Value $96 ~ $25 Opening Bid
Auction Table

May not be combined with any other offer. Valid until November 15, 2012.

Mystic Seaport Museum, 75 Greenmanville Avenue Mystic, CT 06355
http://www.mysticseaport.org/

The New England Air Museum

Two Passes
Value $12 to $20
Raffle Table

While your feet may never leave the ground, your spirit will soar at the New England Air Museum. It's an interactive experience the whole family will enjoy. Check out our website and choose the activities you like best. Throttle up for takeoff in a flight simulator. Test your skills at kid's board or launch a rocket. The fun never stops at the New England Air Museum. Come on and see what you've been missing.

Expires October 1, 2012
The New England Air Museum, 36 Perimeter Road Windsor Locks, CT 06096
http://www.neam.org/

The New England Carousal Museum

Four Museum and Ride Passes ~ Two Chances to Win!!
Value $30
Raffle Table

Let the Magic Touch the Child in You! Whether you have a fond interest in art, American history, woodcraft, or simply enjoy the excitement of the carousel, we have something special for you. The Museum is proud to house one of the largest collections of antique carousel pieces in the country. You can explore the "Golden Age of the Carousel" on your own, or with our tour guides, who will share with you the colorful history and evolution of the hand-carved animals that have found their place in America's rich folk art history.

The New England Carousal Museum, 95 Riverside Ave Bristol, CT 06010
http://www.thecarouselmuseum.org/

Celebrating 20 years of motorsports magic in 2010, New Hampshire Motor Speedway is the largest sports and entertainment facility in New England. The speedway is a multi-use venue, featuring 1.058 mile oval and a 1.6-mile road course. Two prestigious NASCAR Sprint Cup event weekends highlight the season schedule with the LENOX Industrial Tools 301 and the Sylvania 300.

New Hampshire Motor Speedway

Two Tickets to the July 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race
Auction Table

Valued at $160 to $200

New Hampshire Motor Speedway, 1122 Route 106 North Loudon, NH 03307
http://www.nhms.com/

Our dinner theatre is unique...enjoy a great buffet--a wonderful play and a fun-filled cabaret. Our extensive, hearty buffet does not skimp on quality or selection. Everything is prepared on the premises. We offer a large variety of hot and cold foods, main entrees, side dishes, beverages and homemade desserts. A full liquor service is available either tableside or at the comfortable bar. You will not be disappointed. A great night out, just as you would expect it to be!

The Newport Playhouse

Two Tickets for a Dinner and a Show ~ Two Chances to Win!!
Value $99.90 ~ $25 Opening Bid
Auction Table

Valid Fri and Sun evening only. Not Valid during the month of December.

The Newport Playhouse, P.O. Box 451 Newport, RI 02840
http://www.newportplayhouse.com/

New York Skyride

Two Gift Certificates
Value $64 (two children) to $82 (two adults) ~ $20 Opening Bid
Auction Table

NY Skyride is New York’s one and only virtual tour simulator. It is an adventure tour of New York City narrated by actor Kevin Bacon, who takes guests soaring through Manhattan and the Big Apple skyline, gliding past the Statue of Liberty, dodging city cabs in Times Square, popping over Yankee Stadium, and buzzing past the Brooklyn Bridge, South Street Seaport and United Nations, among the 30+ New York places to see. Guests are seated on a specially designed platform, enjoying an HD adventure synchronized to an 18 foot/6 meter large format screen.

No expiration date

New York Skyride, Empire State Building, Second Floor New York, NY 10118
http://www.skyride.com/

You'll always come back for more!

Ninety Nine Restaurant

A Gift Card
Value $25
Raffle Table

Ninety Nine Restaurant, 158 Dean Street Taunton, MA 02780
www.99restaurants.com

Oakland Variety

Located in Taunton's historic Oakland district, Oakland Variety is a responsible retailer of beverage alcohol. The store is a convenient stop for local residents to purchase beer, wine, spirits, lottery tickets, etc. For your convenience they carry a wide selection of nips. They carry bread, milk and snacks too. Oakland Variety is proud to have one of most select and best priced wine selections in the local area, and the Oakland staff is available to assist you in your wine selections. We're always happy to serve you at Oakland Variety!

Oakland Variety

A bottle of wine, two wine glasses and a Dominos card good for 16 buy one get one free pizzas ~ Two chances to win!
Raffle Table

Oakland Variety, 246 Tremont Street, Taunton, MA 02780
http://www.oaklandvariety.com/

Ocean State Rock Climbing

Two Free Climbs
Raffle Table

We are Ocean State Rock Climbing, a new rock gym located in Lincoln, RI. We offer instructional classes at all levels throughout the week to teach all aspects of the sport of climbing to children as young as 6, all the way to adults. Our goals include providing you with a safe and friendly climbing environment and introducing you to the sport of climbing in a fun and exciting way. We also strive to challenge and train the more serious-minded climber with professional or competitive aspirations. We have two bouldering caves and a lead wall that arcs over the entire gym for the more experienced climbers. So what are you waiting for? Come check us out!

Ocean State Rock Climbing, 3 New England Way Lincoln, RI 02865
http://www.oceanstaterockclimbing.com/

A Gift Certificate for Two Adults and Two Children

Value $54 ~ $15 Opening Bid
Auction Table

Old Sturbridge Village is a “must-see” destination to experience early New England life from 1790-1840. One of the country’s largest living history museums, OSV has historians in costume, 59 historic buildings on 200 acres, three water-powered mills and two covered bridges. Visitors can ride in a stagecoach, view antiques, heirloom gardens, meet the farm animals, and take part in hands-on crafts year-round.

Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road Sturbridge, MA 01566
http://www.osv.org/

When you're here, you're family. Olive Garden serves Italian-American cuisine including pasta dishes, steaks and salads.

The Olive Garden

Four $5 Gift Certificates
Value $20
Raffle Table

The Olive Garden, 1013 County Street Taunton, MA 02780-3712
www.olivegarden.com

Pizza at its best. The family pizzeria since 1961.

Papa Gino's

Two Gift Certificates for a Free Large Cheese Pizza ~ Two Chances to Win!!.
Raffle Table

Expires 12/31/11. Not valid with any other offer, discount or special.

Papa Gino's, 294 Winthrop Street Taunton, MA 02780
www.papaginos.com

At Pet Food Shoppe we offer a wide variety of natural, organic and holistic foods for dogs, cats, companion birds, small animals, fish and reptiles, plus a wide variety of unique and "gotta have it" accessories. We are a locally owned and operated business providing pet supplies to the Lakeville, Middleboro, and Taunton areas.

Pet Food Shoppe, LTD

A reuseable tote filled with dog toys, dog treats, cat toys and cat treats.
Value $50
Raffle Table

Pet Food Shoppe, LTD, Route 44 Lakeville, MA 02347
http://www.petfoodshoppe.com/

Plimoth Plantation

Two Admission Vouchers
Value up to $59
Raffle Table

Plimoth Plantation, a bicultural museum, offers powerful personal encounters with history built on thorough research about the Wampanoag People and the Colonial English community in the 1600s. Our exhibits, programs, live interpreters, and historic settings encourage a new level of understanding about present-day issues affecting communities around the world.
Valid through November of 2012

Plimoth Plantation, PO Box 1620 Plymouth, MA 02362
http://www.plimoth.org/

The Preservation Society of Newport County preserves and protects the best of Newport County's architectural heritage. Its 11 historic properties and landscapes - seven of which are National Historic Landmarks - trace America's architectural and social development from the Colonial era through the Gilded Age. In keeping with its mission, the Society strives to offer its members and the public a comprehensive view of each property's architecture, interiors, landscapes and social history.

The Preservation Society of Newport County
Two One-House Passes to Visit the Newport Mansions
Value $39
Raffle Table

No expiration date. Good for The Breakers, Chateau-Sur-Mer, Chepstow, The Elms, Green Animals Topiary Garden, Isaac Bell House, Kingscote, Marble House, Rosecliff or Hunter House.

The Preservation Society of Newport County, 424 Bellevue Avenue Newport, RI 02840
http://www.newportmansions.org/

The Providence Children’s Museum

Five Admission Passes
Value $42.50
Raffle Table

Over one million people have visited the Museum since its relocation in 1997. The Museum has become an integral part of Rhode Island life, a place where children are nurtured and celebrated.

Expires October 31, 2012
The Providence Children’s Museum, 100 South Street Providence, RI 02903
http://www.childrenmuseum.org/

Quassy, which was once called Lake Quassapaug Amusement Park, was founded as an amusement park in 1908 and sits on the south shore of Lake Quassapaug in Middlebury, Connecticut. On its 20 plus acres, it boasts 22 rides. While the park is mostly made up of dry rides, there is the Saturation Station interactive family water area connected to the park. Swimming in Lake Quassapaug is also available. Quassy offers swimming, picnicking, a catering service, a huge family Redemption Arcade, "Saturation Station," live entertainment, including comedians, magic shows, etc.

Quassy Amusement Park

Four Night Passes
Value $40
Raffle Table

Valid after 5 p.m. Mon to Thurs in June, July and August 2012. Includes rides and in season Saturation Station. Boats excluded. Not valid July 4, 2012 or for group outings or days that the park is not open to the general public. Parking not included.

Quassy Amusement Park, Route 64 Middlebury, CT 06762
http://www.quassy.com/

Reese's Auto Sales

A Gift Card for Citgo Gas
Value $20
Raffle Table

Reese's Auto Sales, 556 Somerset Ave Dighton, MA 02715

Ryans Amusement

A Family Pack for Four People
Raffle Table

Ryan Family Amusements offers a clean, healthy environment. Our family entertainment centers feature candlepin and/or ten pin or duckpin bowling, and huge game rooms with the hottest, newest, coolest arcade games. Locations include Millis, Hyannis, South Yarmouth, Buzzards Bay, Raynham, Oak Bluffs and Newport.

Ryans Amusement, 115 New State Hghwy. Rte. 44 Raynham, MA 02767
http://www.ryanfamily.com/

Santa’s Village

Two Admission Passes
Value $52
Raffle Table

Oh, What Fun!! If you’re looking for some JOY, Santa’s Village is sure to be the "gift" that provides that experience for your family. Yes, Santa and his "Helpers" are eager to greet you into their village where fun is ever-"present. The park has lots of amenities with fun-filled rides, award-winning shows and interactive play for an entire day or two.

Expires September 15, 2013

Santa’s Village, PO Box 9 Jefferson, NH 03583
http://www.santasvillage.com/

Centrally located on Route 6 just off 195, exits 1 or 2, the Speedway is situated between Providence and Fall River.

Seekonk Speedway

Four Tickets to any Regular Saturday Night or Opening Day ~ Two Chances to Bid
Value $48 ~ $15 Opening Bid
Auction Table

Two Tickets to any Regular Saturday Night or Opening Day
Value $24
Raffle Table

Expires March 31, 2012

Seekonk Speedway, 1710 Fall River Ave. Seekonk, MA 02771
http://www.seekonkspeedway.com/

Six Flags
Two One-Day Tickets

Value $89.98 ~ $20 Opening Bid

Auction Table

Six Flags New England has just about every kind of ride for every kind of rider. So, whether you want to take to the air on Bizarro the #1 coaster on the planet, spin head-over-heels on Catapult, cool off in the new Mr. Six's Splash Island or experience the magic of our classic Carousel, you'll find what you're looking for right here.

EXPIRES OCTOBER 30, 2011
Six Flags, Route 159, 1623 Main St Agawam, MA 01001
www.sixflags.com/newEngland/index.aspx

Smart Stop Convenience Store

A bottle of wine, two wine glasses and a Dominos card good for 16 buy one get one free pizzas ~ Two chances to win!

Door Prize Table

Smart Stop Convenience Store, 306 Winthrop St, Taunton, MA 02780

Springfield Museums

A Family Four Pack
Value $26 to $50
Raffle Table

Includes George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum, Springfield Science Museum, Michele & Donald D'Amour Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Springfield History, Connecticut Valley Historical Museum and the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden.

Single visit only. Partial credit may not be used for future admissions. Does not include planetarium or special exhibit fees. Cannot be combined with any other offers.

Springfield Museums, 21 Edwards Street Springfield, MA 01103
http://www.springfieldmuseums.org/

Stepping Stones Museum for Children is a hands-on children's museum for ages 10 and under. The museum's interactive exhibit areas include: an "Energy Lab", a "Multimedia Gallery" (with a theater, a state-of-the-art broadcast studio, and an 18' by 12' high-definition screen), "In the Works" (experiments with motion, gravity and energy), "Healthyville" (with exhibits about bodies and healthy living), "Bubbles" (a seasonal outdoor bubble creation area), and "Toddler Terrain" (an exploration area just for toddlers.)

Stepping Stones Children's Museum

Guest Passes for Four People ~ Two Chances to Win!!
Value $40 to $56 ~ $10 Opening Bid
Auction Table

No expiration.

Stepping Stones Children's Museum, 303 West Avenue Norwalk, CT 06850
http://www.steppingstonesmuseum.org/

Come discover over 100 species of animals at New England's largest zoological experience. Spend a fun filled day of amazing animals, great food, entertaining shows, rides for all ages and more!

Southwick's Zoo
Two General Admission Tickets ~ Two Chances to Win!!
Value $27 (kids) to $39 (adults)
Raffle Table

Southwick's Zoo, 2 Southwick Street Mendon, MA 01756
http://www.southwickszoo.com/

AMF Taunton Lanes is your local spot for great bowling fun.

Taunton Ten Pin

AMF Taunton Lanes

A Gift Card
Value $50 ~ $15 Opening Bid
Auction Table

Taunton Ten Pin AMF Taunton Lanes, 555 Winthrop St. Taunton, MA 02780
www.amf.com/tauntonlanes/centerhomepage.htm

TGI Fridays

Three Gift Cards for Appetizers or Desserts ~ Two Chances to Win!!
Value $24
Raffle Table

Your destination for arts, culture and quality enterainment! Whether producing community-based musical and theatrical favorites, presenting exclusive engagements with some of the most notable national acts, creating original dance and music shows, or hosting New England's premier arts organizations, the Warner has become Northwest Connecticut's regional center for the arts.)

The Warner Theatre was built by Warner Brothers Studios and opened on August 19, 1931, as a movie palace. Described as "Connecticut's Most Beautiful Theatre", it contained stunning art-deco designs, murals of historic Litchfield County sites, and a magnificent star-shaped chandelier in the auditorium.

Warner Theater

Three Tickets to Selected Shows
Value $38
Raffle Table

Good for Hairspray November 5, 2011 at 8 pm
Titanic February 4, 2012 at 8 pm
Gypsy May 12, 2012 at 8pm or
Annie July 28, 2012 at 7:30 pm
Opening night only.

Warner Theater, 68 Main Street Torrington, CT 06790-5390
http://www.warnertheatre.org/

Water Wizz

Two All Day Passes
Value $60 ~ $15 Opening Bid
Auction Table

The beach was never this exciting! Make a splash this summer at our 35 foot high Giant Waterslides and our 50 foot high Super Speed Slides. There is over 1,000 feet of spills and thrills, tunnels and dips that twist and turn into two treated pools of refreshing fun for all. We are located right across the street from the picturesque Misquamicut State Beach. Water Wizz is the perfect way to refresh the entire family on a hot, summer day. See you at the slides!

For the 2012 season.
Water Wizz, 200 Woodville Alton Road Hope Valley, RI 02832
http://www.waterwizzri.com/

York's Wild Kingdom, located in York Beach, Maine has something to offer every member of the family. Each year more than 200,000 people come to visit the largest zoo and amusement park in the area. With exotic animals from around the world, York's Wild Kingdom is recognized for its rare species and knowledgeable curators. We offer a variety of family rides, paddle boats, miniature golf course, a petting zoo, scenic picnic grounds and even a Haunted House. Educational learning sessions take place throughout the day and a special member of the zoo Rewa---Maine's only White Bengal Tiger---will amaze and delight the child in everyone!

Yorks Wild Kingdom
Four VIP Passes
Value $85 ~ $20 Opening Bid
Auction Table

Yorks Wild Kingdom, PO Box 1139 York Beach, ME 03910
http://www.yorkzoo.com/

Franklin Park Zoo is a 72-acre site nestled in Boston’s historic Franklin Park. Located at One Franklin Park Road in Boston. Stone Zoo, formerly known as the Middlesex Fells Zoo, is located on a 26-acre site near the sparkling Spot Pond reservoir in Stoneham, MA. Stone Zoo is located at 149 Pond Street in Stoneham, MA.

Zoo New England
Four Passes for Admission
Value $64 ~ $15 Opening Bid
Auction Table

Expires November 30, 2013

Zoo New England, One Franklin Park Road Boston, MA 02121
http://www.zoonewengland.org/

Princess Birthday Basket for Sixteen Guests

Raffle Table

The basket includes 20 plates, 20 cups, 20 napkins, 16 party favors, an activity book, a Happy Birthday banner, a table cloth, pink balloons, 16 invitations and a Domino's pizza card.

Donated by Gail Amaral

A Handmade Chinese Fabric Table Runner

$20 Opening Bid
Auction Table

Donated by Kathy Paivia

Canvas Picture of Aruba
Raffle Table

Donated by Carla Leite

Christmas Craft Bag

Raffle Table

The basket includes a foam ornament kit, a foam xmas tree scene, a 3D foam candy cane village, a 3D foam Santa house kit and a dog snowglobe.

Donated by Carla Leite

A Spa Basket

Raffle Table

The basket includes a wall flower plug inn, a bath sponge, a muffin man bubble bath, a Crystal Waters body soap, a Crystal Waters body lotion, a sugar scrub from Bodywoks, a body spray and body butter.

Donated by Carla Leite

LaCross Wireless Tempurature Combo Pack
Value: $59.99
Raffle Table

Donated by Kathy Paivia

Chinese Pocketbook

Raffle Table

This Chinese Take Out Box Pocketbook with M&Ms and candy corns inside!

Donated by Kathy Paivia

The Amazing Brownie Pan Basket ~ Two Chances to Win!!

Raffle Table

Includes two boxes of brownies and frosting.

Assorted Harvest Basket
Raffle Table

Donated by Gail Amaral

Christmas Tree with Handmade Ornaments

Raffle Table
Donated by Christine Fernadnes

A Basket of Handmade Hair Bows

Raffle Table

Song's Success Story ~ Paying it Forward

2010-12-19T11:37:00.000-08:00

This is Song. You may remember her from our website. Song lived in a very rural and mountainous area of the Yunnan Province of China. She lived in a one room mud brick home with no running water or electricity. Even though her parents were illiterate, Song was able to learn chemistry, math, physics, history, Chinese and even English. When Song took the high school entrance exams, she received the highest score in the history of her township. She was accepted into the best high school in her county but could not afford the tuition.

At only eight years old, Addie B. single handedly raised enough money for Song to go to high school for all three years. She asked friends and family to sponsor her on her very own bike-a-thon. Because of Addie, Song has now graduated from high school and passed the rigorous national college entrance exams!

Song is now in medical school!

Song is able to attend medical school free of charge because she agreed to work in rural hospitals for 5 years after graduation. It is clear that Song's life has been changed forever but we will never know the true impact of Addie's generousity. Song will now be able to pay it forward by sharing her medical knowledge with doctors in rural communities.

The National College Entrance Examination

2010-12-19T10:52:00.000-08:00

The National College Entrance Examination is commonly known as Gao Kao (“big test”). Each year, high school graduates across the country take the examination simultaneously, over a three day period during the month of June.

According to an English teacher in Guangzhou, "The Gao Kao is the most pressure-packed examination in the world given the numbers, the repercussions, and the stress involved." The examination is essentially the only criterion for college admissions. Because of this, students hoping to attend university will spend most of their waking moments studying for the exam.

In some cities, police cars are barred from using their sirens during testing hours, and taxis are given yellow signs allowing them right of way when delivering students to their test sites. In others, construction is halted at night for fear that the noise might stand in the way of a good night's sleep for the students.

Three subjects are mandatory, Chinese, Mathematics and a foreign language (usually English.) The other six standard subjects are three sciences Physics, Chemistry and Biology and three humanities, History, Geography and Political Education.

Xiongping's Success Story ~ One of Our First Graduates

2010-12-19T09:25:00.000-08:00

This is Xiongping and her family at their home in the Guangdong Province. Behind them is a wall covered with her academic achievement awards. Her family makes approximately $324 per year growing tangerines, but she was able to continue her education because of a Moving Mountains scholarship. She is an incredible girl who was consistently ranked first in her class. After meeting her, it was clear to us that Xiongping is special. She's articulate, confident and charming. We often joked that she was our pick for "most likely to succeed."

Many of you may remember Xiongping. After receiving her scholarship, she wrote a poem for her sponsors called "What If." (See below) It was so touching that we sent out copies of this poem with many of our thank you notes.

Recently, we learned that Xiongping not only passed the very challenging college entrance exams, she received a government scholarship and...

Xiongping has been accepted into law school!

We wish her all the best!

What If

Last night while laying on my bed

I was thinking

Some "what ifs" came to my mind

What if I didn't have their help

What if I dropped out of school

What if I left my parents

What should I do

I will become a migrant worker

Life will become bad

I will lose many good things

And my dream will never come true

But these things aren't true...

I am very lucky

Many people gave their help to me

Here I say thanks to them

What if our earth stopped moving

Didn't have sunshine

Didn't have oceans

Didn't have a moon

Didn't have stars

What if...what if...what if...

Even if all these things come true

I will still remember their help till the end of my life!

Chinese Autumn Moon Auction and Raffle

2010-09-07T13:21:00.000-07:00

This year's Chinese Autumn Moon Dinner Dance Fundraiser will be held on

Saturday, October 2, 2010

5:30 to 10:30 pm

Chinese buffet $30:00 per person
Children’s meal : chicken fingers and fries $10

in the Roseland Function Hall

Hong Kong City Restaurant

174 Broadway Taunton, MA 02780

Thanks to Bea Silvia for all of her hard work!

Featured Auction items include:

Four One Day Park Hopper Tickets ~ $544 Value ~ Opening Bid $175

Fisher Bike from Peterson's Bike Shop ~ $449.99 Value ~ Opening Bid $125

The following is a full list of auction and raffle items available at the event:

$25 Gift Card to Araujo Farms ~ Raffle Table A

Araujo's are growers of quality hanging baskets, herbs, geraniums, perennials, bedding plants, mums, pumpkins, and poinsettias. We strive to bring you the best combinations for every season. Visit us winter, spring, summer, and fall for all you decorating needs. Our seasonal classes are an excellent way to keep up with the new gardening trends and information. Our horse drawn hayrides in the fall have become tradition for many families. We are always growing and changing to meet the needs of our customers and to keep gardening a part of everyday life.

1522 Williams Street, Dighton, MA 02715
www.araujofarms.com

Two All Day Passes to the Cape Cod Runner ~ $50 Value ~ RaffleTable A

At Balls to the Wall Paintball, we offer a unique paintball experience for a diverse paintball community. With a reputation for being one of the cleanest and friendliest fields around, we are working hard to make sure that whatever your skill level, you have the experience you are expecting when you walk in the door. Our Lazer Runner Laser Tag arena is second to none! The action never stops at the Cape's most unique source of family entertainment!

96 Airport Road, Hyannis, MA
balls2thewall.com

$25 Gift Card to Bernie & Phyl's ~ Raffle Table A

Bernie & Phyl’s Furniture is the largest privately owned furniture retailer in Massachusetts. Our company has grown from a small storefront into one of the fastest growing furniture companies in the state with five stores in Massachusetts and one in New Hampshire.
.
www.bernieandphyls.com

Red Adult Helmet
$39.99 value
Raffle Table A

Blue Adult Helmet
$64.99 Value ~ Opening Bid $15
Auction Table 1

Our new location is just three buildings down from the old one. It’s a larger store with 5100 square feet of room for your shopping convenience. We will be able to service you better, and show more bicycles, accessories and skateboards for your best shopping experience. Hope to see you all at the new store.

179 Swansea Mall Dr. Swansea, MA 02777
www.bikeworksma.com

Blissfully Yours Yoga ~ Eight Yoga Classes with Lisa Carmichael
$80 Value ~ Raffle Table A
Enjoy a Relaxing evening at Candlelight Yoga. Classes are held on Tuesday evenings

from 6:30 to 7:45 at Ineda Massage, 104 Charles Eldridge Rd., Lakeville, MA

Blissfullyyoursyoga.intuitwebsites.com
508-596-5100

Two Tickets to Blue Heron Renaissance Choir
$60 to $100 Value ~ Opening Bid $20
Auction Table 1

Ludford: Missa Regnum mundi
Aston: Gaude virgo mater Christi
Saturday, October 16, 2010
The newest installment in our series of music from the Peterhouse partbooks (c.1540).

Two Tickets to Blue Heron Renaissance Choir
$60 to $100 Value ~ Opening Bid $20
Auction Table 1

Christmas at the Courts of 15th-century France, Burgundy & Cyprus
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Celebrate a Heron Holiday on the eve of the solstice, with chant, motets, and secular songs for Advent, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

Two Tickets to Blue Heron Renaissance Choir
$60 to $100 Value ~ Opening Bid $20
Auction Table 1

Music of Tomás Luis de Victoria (d. 1611)
Saturday, March 19, 2011
A program of music by Victoria and other Spanish composers to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the master's death.

45 Ash Street Auburndale, MA 02466
http://www.blueheronchoir.org/

Halloween Basket
Animal House Kitchen Utensils Basket
Raffle Table A
www.bwtc.com

Two Tickets for Sunday Brunch

$95.27 Value ~ Opening Bid $25

Auction Table 1

Enjoy a two-hour train ride to the banks of the Cape Cod Canal while enjoying a sumptuous brunch prepared by our acclaimed culinary staff, aboard our elegant, climate controlled, vintage dining cars. The Sunday Brunch Train departs every Sunday morning, starting May 23rd through October 24th.
www.capetrain.com/train-brunch.php

4 Passes for the Scenic Fun Train, Cape Cod Central Railroad
$84.00 value ~ Opening Bid $20
Auction Table 1

All Aboard For Fun! Climb aboard the Cape Cod Central and feel the thrill as the whistle blows and your fun-filled adventure begins. The rhythm of the train and the spirit of the crew will whisk you away on an exhilarating two-hour journey by rail.

(Not available for upgrades, holidays or special events)
Cape Cod Central Railroad, 252 Main Street, Hyannis, MA 02601
www.capetrain.com/train-scenic.php

Two Concert Ticket Vouchers
Opening Bid $25
Auction Table 1

Good for one Classic or CapePOPS Concert ( 2 section C ) Valid from Sept 2010 to May 2011 excluding December Holiday Pops and Special Events

Each season the orchestra performs for more than 50,000 people. In addition to 5 Classics concerts and three CapePOPS! concerts presented from September through May in the 1400-seat Barnstable Performing Arts Center, the orchestra travels to Mashpee, Orleans and Falmouth to give outdoor performances in the summer months. In 2008, for the first time, a July 4th weekend music and fireworks extravaganza overlooking Hyannis Harbor was added to the schedule.

(Valid September 2010 to May 2011)
Cape Cod Symphony Orchestra, Fiddlers' Green, 712A Main Street, Yarmouth Port, MA 02675
www.capesymphony.org

Two A- Loge Seats for the First Presentation of the 2011 Season
$98.50 value ~ Opening Bid $25
Auction Table 1

Celebrating more than 80 seasons, the Cape Playhouse is proud to be America's oldest professional summer theatre.
820 Main Street, Route 6A Dennis, MA 02638
www.capeplayhouse.com

Two Tickets for a Captain Bill & Sons Whale Watch

Value $56 (children) to $90 (adults) ~ Opening Bid $20

Auction Table 1

We are a well established, family owned and operated whale watching company in Gloucester, Massachusetts, now in our 50th season of Cape Ann boating excursions. Join Us For An Experience You Will Never Forget! Our unique and awe-inspiring whale watching tours offer many great photo opportunities!

24 Harbor Loop, Gloucester, MA 01930

http://www.captbillandsons.com/

Four Tickets for a Charles River Sightseeing Tour

$56 Value ~ Opening Bid $15

Auction Table 1

Enjoy unprecedented views of Boston and Cambridge. Daily sight-seeing and sunset cruises depart from the Cambridge Side Galleria, conveniently located next to the Lechmere Subway Station and discounted parking is available.

Valid for regularly scheduled Charles River Sightseeing departing from Cambridgeside Galleria Mall. (Not valid for the Boston Harbor and Locks Tour, Sunset Cruises, Private Charters or Specialty Cruises.)
100 Cambridge Place, Suite 320, Cambridge, MA 02141
www.charlesriverboat.com

Country Treasures Gift Certificate ~ Value $25 ~ Raffle Table A
302 Broadway, Raynham, MA 02767

Davis Farmland and Mega Maze ~ Day Pass for Four People
Value approximately $55.80 to $67.80 ~ Opening Bid $20
Auction Table 1

A Second Four Person Pass is Available at Raffle Table A

Davis Farmland ~ The Ultimate Children's Discovery Farm ~ Hands on fun for everyone! Come in the Fall and experience the best of autumn in New England with a visit to our orchard to pick apples fresh from the trees, or take a stroll to the pumpkin patch to pick a small sugar pumpkin ...great for pumpkin painting. Make this your pick for delicious fall family fun!

(Expires on the last day of operations in 2011)
Davis Farmland & Davis Mega Maze, 145 Redstone Hill, Sterling, MA 01564
www.davisfarmland.com

Tickets for 10 people for a Sunday to Thursday show

or 6 people for a Friday show or a second show on Saturday

Value $120 to $150 ~ Opening Bid $30
Auction Table 1

Welcome to Dick Doherty's Beantown Boston Comedy Vault- Located in a renovated bank with a 12-foot vault door as backdrop and comedy murals on the walls of famous Boston comedians and Boston landmarks and locations. This comedy club is small, intimate and special. It is open seven nights a week and is touted as Boston's most fun comedy club for over 23 years.

(Expires April 30, 2011)
124 Boylston St. Across from Boston Common & Boylston T- Shop
www.dickdoherty.com

Dighton Auto Salon Exterior Simonizing
$65 Value ~ Opening Bid $20
Auction Table 2

2300 Cedar Street, Dighton, MA
Owner/Proprietor Charlie Boyer 508-272-3347

Four One Day Park Hopper Tickets
$544 Value ~ Opening Bid $175
Auction Table 2

Life gives us so many reasons to celebrate. From little birthdays and big reunions, to true love and personal triumphs. Wrap all your special moments in magic at the place where dreams come true. Celebrate at Disney Parks.

(These tickets are valid during normal operating hours and provide admission to a magical experience at one of our unique theme parks: the Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, or Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park for one day. These tickets cannot be upgraded nor can they be applied towards a package to meet eligibility requirements.)

Domino's Pizza Dollar Card ~ Raffle Table A
Eight chances to win!!

A dollar card gives you twenty opportunities to buy one pizza at the menu price and the second pizza of equal or lesser value is free

(Expires Dec 15, 2010 ~ Dominos said they would honor them after the 15th)

Two Admission Tickets for the 2010 Season at Edaville USA
$36 value ~ Raffle Table B

Less than an hour from Boston and Providence, Edaville USA is your family’s destination for amusement rides, special events and a train ride through the cranberry bogs.

(This certificate is not valid for the Day Out with Thomas Events or Saturdays in December. Expires 1/2/2011.)
7 Eda Avenue, PO Box 825, Carver, MA 02330
www.edaville.com

Four Tickets to Espionage presented by 5 Wits
$80 Value ~ Opening Bid $20
Auction Table 2

Designed for 5 Wits Inc., ESPIONAGE is an hour long, interactive, guided walk-through adventure. A group of guests take on the role of secret agents, recruited to track the enemy, get information, and
destroy stolen blueprints. The new spies experience the thrills of breaking and entry, computer hacking, audio surveillance and laser evasion to successfully complete their mission and achieve the highest score possible. At 5 Wits Productions we were responsible for the entire process from blue sky design, script writing and multimedia content creation to fabrication of all electromechanical interactives and simulations, master show control programming, and operations planning.

202 Patriot Place, Foxborough, MA 02035
www.5-wits.com

F1 Outdoors Arrive & Drive Racing
Two Tickets for a Complete Racing Package
$76 Value ~ Opening Bid $20
Auction Table 2

This Arrive & Drive Track is a nearly quarter mile road course that can hold up to 15 drivers in one race. For Arrive & Drive karting, you just bring yourself, your desire to compete, your enthusiasm, a little bit of daring —and the craving for fun. F1 Outdoors provides all the rest: kart, driver's suit, helmet, race safety briefing, and a 15-lap race on the arrive and drive track.

For Licensed Drivers 18+ years
798 North Bedford Street, (Rt. 18) East Bridgewater, MA 02333
www.f1outdoors.com

Goldstein's Five and Dime ~ Make Your Own Candy Basket ~ Raffle Table B

430 Bay St, Taunton, MA

Handmade Soaps ~ Raffle Table B

This raffle item includes three handmade soaps, a men's shaving soap set with a 10 ounce cup and brush, handmade lip balm and handmade cuticle balm.

Brenda Levasseur ~ 508.992.3401
http://www.handmadesoap4me.com/

$50 Gift Certificate to Heritage Flower Shop ~ Raffle Table B

Heritage Flowers & Balloons has been proudly serving southeastern Massachusetts since 1992. We are family owned and operated. We are committed to offering only the finest floral arrangements, balloons, gourmet baskets, candles and gifts. Our professional staff is dedicated to making your experience a pleasurable one. We pride ourselves in going the extra mile for each and every one of our customers. All of the orders that we take here at Heritage are handled on an individual basis, custom designed to suit all of your individual needs.

237 Main Street, Lakeville, MA
http://www.heritageflowersandballoons.com/

Holiday Inn Brunch for Two ~ Raffle Table B

Our hotel has an award winning Sunday brunch. We are centrally located for easy access to Boston, Cape Cod, & Plymouth, MA. The hotel is located at the entrance to Myles Standish Industrial Park on exit 9 off Rt. 495.

(Not Valid on Holidays)
700 Myles Standish Blvd, Taunton, MA 02780

Four Passes to the House of Seven Gables ~ $48 Value ~ Raffle Table B

When you arrive at The House of the Seven Gables professional guides will warmly greet you for an unforgettable historical experience. Outside, spectacular seaside gardens await you. Inside of The House of the Seven Gables, you will discover a mysterious secret staircase where you least expect it! Built in 1668, this is the oldest surviving 17th century wooden mansion in New England. The House of the Seven Gables inspired author Nathaniel Hawthorne to write his legendary novel of the same name. The museum houses more than 2,000 artifacts and objects, more than 40 framed works, 500 photographs and glass plate negatives, and more than 650 volumes in our research and rare book library.

(Not valid during October)
115 Derby Street, Salem, MA
www.7gables.org

Isaiah Jones Homestead Bed and Breakfast ~ a gift certificate for a night of lodging and breakfast

Value $165 to $185 ~ Opening Bid $50
Auction Table 2

An elegant 1849 Victorian Bed and Breakfast Inn and Carriage House in charming historic Sandwich Village, MA, the inn is furnished almost entirely with wonderful antiques. From the moment you enter our bed and breakfast you will be enchanted by the curved staircase, beautiful woodwork and soft colors. Welcome to "the special place you've been looking for on Cape Cod."

(Expires October 2, 2011)
165 Main Street • Sandwich, Massachusetts 02563
www.isaiahjones.com

Tickets for Four to the Imax Theater
$26 to $46 Value ~ Opening Bid $10
Auction Table 2

Tickets for Two to the Imax Theater
$13 to $23 Value ~ Raffle Table B

www.jordans.com/imax.aspx

The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

Four Passes to the Museum
$55 Value ~ Opening Bid $15
Auction Table 2

(Valid until December 31, 2013)
Columbia Point, Boston, MA
http://www.jfklibrary.org/

Kimball Farm: Four Rounds of Miniature Golf and 4 Bumper Boat Rides
$58 to $68 Value ~ Opening Bid $15
Auction Table 2

Route 110 Westford, MA
www.kimballfarm.com

Lake Compounce ~ Four Tickets for the 2011 Season
Value $139.96 plus tax ~ Opening Bid $35
Auction Table 2

Whether it’s chills or thrills that make you happy, Lake Compounce has the best of both, and then some! Play all day on rides like Boulder Dash, Zoomerang and Thunder n’ Lightning. Chill near the lake in Anchor Bay, Clipper Cove and Mammoth Falls. Little thrill seekers will enjoy Circus World -perfect for ages 3-10, and families can enjoy our newest addition, Zoomer's Gas n' Go!

(Expires Sept 5, 2011)
822 Lake Avenue, Bristol, CT 06010
www.lakecompounce.com

Larz Anderson Auto Museum Family Membership
Four chances to win!!
Value $50 each
Raffle Table B

Larz Anderson Auto Museum Family Membership
Two family memberships available in two separate auctions.
Value $50 ~ Opening Bid $15
Auction Table 2

The Larz Anderson Auto Museum is home to "America's oldest car collection". For over 75 years, the Larz Anderson Auto Museum has been supporting the collector car community through a variety of educational programs, exhibits, and lectures. Today, the museum's primary goal is its continued support of the collector car community through educational outreach and the preservation of our permanent collection of early automobiles. We encourage you to consider becoming a member today and experience all the museum has to offer!

Membership Includes: • Free admission to the museum and museum-sponsored lawn events • Discounts at the museum store• Exclusive invitations to our member only events

15 Newton St Brookline, MA 02445
www.larzanderson.org

Two Riding Lessons at Lucky 7 Stables
Value $50 ~ Raffle Table B

Lucky 7 Stables is a full-service horseback riding stable located in Southern New Hampshire. In addition to guided Western horseback trail riding, we offer full horse boarding, horseback riding lessons, horses for sale or lease, pony rides and private pony rentals for parties, hay, wood shavings/bedding, grain, tack and horse-related gifts and collectibles. With two horseback riding arenas and dozens of miles of wooded trails, there's lots to do for equine enthusiasts and beginners alike!

(Expires October 3, 2011. Call for reservation 603-432-3076)
154 Litchfield Road, Londonderry, NH
www.lucky7stables.com

McDonalds Gift Card ~ Good for One Happy Meal per Month for a Year ~ Three chances to win ~ Raffle Table B

$25 Gift Certificate ~ Raffle Table B

Monster Mini Golf is an exciting indoor monster themed glow in the dark 18 hole miniature golf course that offers a host of family-oriented fun activities at every turn. This is not your average putt putt golf course! You'll feel the excitement and adventure of playing mini golf among scary but cool monster decor with custom and animated props. In addition to miniature golf, we have a family arcade containing many of today's most thrilling arcade games. At the end of your play, game award tickets are redeemable for great prizes.

Locations include ~ Groton and Windsor Locks, CT
Danvers, Fairhaven, Norwood, Webster and Seakonk MA
Warwick, RI
CA, FL, GE, IN, MD, NJ, NY, OH, PA
www.monsterminigolf.com

Two Seats on North Conway's Moose Safari
$36 to $56 Value ~ Raffle Table B

Ride along as we have fun taking a 3 hour mountain journey.

A video about moose is shown as you relax and ride in the 22 passenger moose bus. This is a local adventure to enjoy, with a success rate of 96% - 98% in moose sightings
Good during 2010 or 2011 season. Reservations to be made at least one day in advance by calling 603-662-3159. Season is late May through mid October.

www.mwvmoosetours.com

Six Passes to the Music Hall
$48 Value ~ Raffle Table B

The Music Hall is a nonprofit performing arts center that entertains 100,000 patrons, including 20,000 school children, annually with acclaimed film, music, theater, and dance performances. Its historic 900-seat theater, built in 1878, is the oldest in New Hampshire and designated an “American Treasure” by the U.S. Senate in the Save America’s Treasures Program administered by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the National Park Service.

(Expires June 30, 2011)
28 Chestnut Street, Portsmouth, NH
www.themusichall.org

Two Passes to the New England Air Museum $12 to $20 Value ~ Raffle Table B

While your feet may never leave the ground, your spirit will soar at the New England Air Museum. It's an interactive experience the whole family will enjoy. Check out our website and choose the activities you like best. Throttle up for takeoff in a flight simulator. Test your skills at kid's board or launch a rocket. The fun never stops at the New England Air Museum. Come on and see what you've been missing.

(Passes expire on October 2, 2011 and are not valid on special event days)
36 Perimeter Road, Bradley International Airport, Windsor Locks, CT 06096
www.neam.org

Two One-Mansion Passes to the Newport Rhode Island Mansions

$38 Value ~ Raffle Table B

The Preservation Society of Newport County preserves and protects the best of Newport County's architectural heritage. Its 11 historic properties and landscapes - seven of which are National Historic Landmarks - trace America's architectural and social development from the Colonial era through the Gilded Age. In keeping with its mission, the Society strives to offer its members and the public a comprehensive view of each property's architecture, interiors, landscapes and social history.

424 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI
http://www.newportmansions.org/

Two Tickets on the NY Skyride
$72 Value ~ Opening Bid $20
Auction Table 2

NY Skyride is New York’s one and only virtual tour simulator. It is an adventure tour of New York City narrated by actor Kevin Bacon, who takes guests soaring through Manhattan and the Big Apple skyline, gliding past the Statue of Liberty, dodging city cabs in Times Square, popping over Yankee Stadium, and buzzing past the Brooklyn Bridge, South Street Seaport and United Nations, among the 30+ New York places to see. Guests are seated on a specially designed platform, enjoying an HD adventure synchronized to an 18 foot/6 meter large format screen.

(Open 365 days a year from 8 am to 10 pm)
NY Skyride is located on the second floor of the Empire State Building.
www.skyride.com

Dinner, Play and Cabaret at the Newport Play House for Two
Value $99.90 ~ Opening Bid $30
Auction Table 3

The Newport Playhouse was established in 1983 and has been a favorite with locals and tourists ever since they opened their doors.

(Valid on Friday and Sunday evenings only. Does not include beverages or gratuity on beverages.)
102 Connell Highway • Newport • Rhode Island
www.newportplayhouse.com

Nick's Comedy Stop Gift Certificate for Four People ~ Raffle Table B

Located in the heart of Boston's Theatre District, Nick's Comedy Stop is the longest running comedy club in Boston. It's the perfect place to unwind with your favorite beverage and let the nation's funniest comics take you on a side-splitting ride!

(Advanced reservations required)
100 Warrenton Street, Boston, MA 02116
www.nickscomedystop.com

A $20 Gift Certificate to the Ninety Nine Restaurant ~ Raffle Table C

Ocean State Rock Climbing

Two Free Climbs ~ Raffle Table C

We are Ocean State Rock Climbing, a new rock gym located in Lincoln, RI. We offer instructional classes at all levels throughout the week to teach all aspects of the sport of climbing to children as young as 6, all the way to adults. Our goals include providing you with a safe and friendly climbing environment and introducing you to the sport of climbing in a fun and exciting way. We also strive to challenge and train the more serious-minded climber with professional or competitive aspirations. We have two bouldering caves and a lead wall that arcs over the entire gym for the more experienced climbers. So what are you waiting for? Come check us out!

3 New England Way in Lincoln, RI 02865
www.oceanstaterockclimbing.com

Admission for Two Adults and Two Youths to Old Sturbridge Village
Value $54 ~ Opening Bid $15
Auction Table 3

Old Sturbridge Village is a “must-see” destination to experience early New England life from 1790-1840. One of the country’s largest living history museums, OSV has historians in costume, 59 historic buildings on 200 acres, three water-powered mills and two covered bridges. Visitors can ride in a stagecoach, view antiques, heirloom gardens, meet the farm animals, and take part in hands-on crafts year-round.

(This certificate is valid for daytime admission only and expires on March 31, 2011)
1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge, Massachusetts
www.osv.org

$25 Gift Certificate to Olive Garden Italian Restaurant ~ Raffle Table C

Also good at any Red Lobster, LongHorn Steak House, Bahama Breeze, Seasons 52 or any other Darden Restaurant.

Three Chances to Win One Large Papa Gino's Pizza and One Bottle of Wine ~ Raffle Table C

Wine Donated by Oakland Variety, Taunton, MA

Fisher Bike from Peterson's Bike Shop $449.99 Value ~ Opening Bid $125
Auction Table 3

Fisher bike size 15.5 Med. frame wheel size 26 - Gold Series 6061 T6 Aluminum Genesis 2.0. This bike can be traded for another bike of equal or lesser value or applied to the cost of a bike of greater value.

Peterson's Bike shop has been serving the community for the past 30 years. This year at Peterson's we are proud to announce that we are now a TREK bicycle dealer. We will carry everything from their top of the line Carbon OCLV bicycles to comfort series bicycles and children's bicycles. We have also added to our clothing department ~ Nike jerseys and shorts, as well as spinning, road and mountain shoes.

421 Route 44, Raynham, MA
www.petersonsbikeshop.com

Two Passes for Admission to Plimouth Plantation ~ $36 to $56 Value ~ Raffle Table C

Plimoth Plantation, a bicultural museum, offers powerful personal encounters with history built on thorough research about the Wampanoag People and the Colonial English community in the 1600s. Our exhibits, programs, live interpreters, and historic settings encourage a new level of understanding about present-day issues affecting communities around the world.

(Valid through November 2011)
137 Warren Avenue, Plymouth, MA
www.plimoth.org

One Half Day Kayak Rental at Portsmouth Kayak Adventures

Value $45 ~ Raffle Table C

Portsmouth Kayak Adventures specializes in bringing the adventure and the fun of kayaking to everyone. Our professional guides will instruct you in the basics of the sport and escort you through the diverse seacoast waterways. The lush New England ecosystem provides a unique setting in which to explore kayaking in an area rich with natural beauty and nautical history. Our kayaks are stable and safe... ideal for novices, no prior experience is necessary.

Everything included. Please call for reservations at 603-559-1000.
Witch Cove Marina, 185 Wentworth Road, Route 1B, Portsmouth, NH
www.portsmouthkayak.com

Oil Change ~ Raffle Table C

284 Winthrop Street off Rt. 44, Taunton, MA

http://www.proteamquickoil.net/

Five Passes to the Providence Children’s Museum
$42.50 Value ~ Raffle Table C

Over one million people have visited the Museum since its relocation in 1997. The Museum has become an integral part of Rhode Island life, a place where children are nurtured and celebrated.
(Expires October 31, 2011)
100 South Street, Providence, RI http://www.childrenmuseum.org/

$15 Gift Certificate from Readmore Books ~ Raffle Table C

Our selection of over one hundred thousand titles nestled into 3500 square feet of retail space offers the area's largest and most diverse selection of reading material for all ages. Whether your interests lie in the newest releases, timeless classics, special interests such as cooking or bird watching we should have what you are looking for. If you don’t find it on the shelf, let our special ordering service take care of that. Countless titles are available for next day delivery.

330 Wintrop Street, Taunton, MA
http://www.readmorebooks.com/

$20 Gas Card from Reese's Auto

Raffle Table C
Good at any Citgo Station

A Package for a Family of Four to Ryan Family Amusements
Raffle Table C
Three chances to win!!!

This package includes two games of bowling, shoe rental, one round of mini golf and four game room tokens for each person. Ryan Family Amusements offers a clean, healthy environment. Our family entertainment centers feature candlepin and/or ten pin or duckpin bowling, and huge game rooms with the hottest, newest, coolest arcade games.

Locations include Millis, Hyannis, South Yarmouth, Buzzards Bay, Raynham, Oak Bluffs and Newport
http://www.ryanfamily.com/

Salem Witch Museum Passes for Two Adults and Two Children
$28 Value
Raffle Table C
Two chances to win!!

She afflicts me! She comes to me at night and torments me! She's a witch! Words such as these struck terror into the hearts of Salem townspeople in the early spring of 1692 as hysterical young girls called out names.

The Salem Witch Museum brings you there, back to Salem 1692. Visitors are given a dramatic history lesson using stage sets with life-size figures, lighting and a narration.

(Not Valid in October)Washington Square North, Salem, MA
http://www.salemwitchmuseum.com/

Seekonk Speedway Six Tickets
Value $72 ~ Opening Bid $20
Auction Table 3

Seekonk Speedway Four Tickets
Value $48 ~ Raffle Table C

Good for adult admissions to any regular Saturday night event during the 2011 Race Season. Centrally located on Route 6 just off 195, exits 1 or 2, the Speedway is situated between Providence and Fall River.

1710 Fall River Avenue, Seekonk, MA
http://www.seekonkspeedway.com/

Two Tickets to Shear Madness
$84 Value ~ Opening Bid $20
Auction Table 3

Discover for yourself why over 9 million people around the world have seen Shear Madness, the uproarious whodunit where the audience gets to solve the crime. A mixture of improvisation and up-to-the-minute spontaneous humor. The play is delightfully different every time you see it.

(Reservations must be made no earlier than one week prior to performance date by calling the office at 617-426-5225. This voucher must be received by the box office prior to performance to guarantee reservation. Not valid for special holiday performances. Expires August 31, 2011)

(Expires August 31, 2011)
Charles Playhouse 74 Warrenton Street, Boston, MA
http://www.shearmadness.com/

Simmons Homestead Inn Bed & Breakfast Gift Certificate for One Night
Opening Bid $55
Auction Table 3

The entire house has been designed to be a Cape Cod bed and breakfast providing a warm, friendly, relaxing, and romantic atmosphere. It is a place to meet new friends, to feel at home, and relax. A pleasant haven to retire to after a day of exploring, it is situated where you can wander around Cape Cod, enjoy the beach, or take a day trip to Nantucket or Martha's Vineyard. At the end of the day, you will return to the Inn, sit on the porch with wine, and relax. Then go to some of the best restaurants on all of Cape Cod, which are less than a mile away. We take dogs of all shapes and sizes and same with kids, have handouts on what to do and see, WiFi Internet connections, discount coupons for restaurants, ferries to the Islands and much more. Just Perfect!

(Valid until June 2011 except Saturdays in the summer, holidays based on availability)
288 Scudder Ave, Hyannis, MA
http://www.simmonshomesteadinn.com/

Two One Day Passes to Six Flags New England
Value $89.98 plus tax ~ Opening Bid $25
Auction Table 3

Six Flags New England has just about every kind of ride for every kind of rider. So, whether you want to take to the air on Bizarro the #1 coaster on the planet, spin head-over-heels on Catapult, cool off in the new Mr. Six's Splash Island or experience the magic of our classic Carousel, you'll find what you're looking for right here.

Springfield, MA
www.sixflags.com/newEngland/index.aspx

Two Round Trip Tickets for Two to Martha's Vineyard
$30 Value ~ Raffle Table C

Since 1818, the vessels of the Steamship Authority and its predecessors have been traveling the waters of Woods Hole and Martha's Vineyard as well as Hyannis and Nantucket. Both islands are wonderful destinations for visitors. Whether you're traveling to Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket, Transit Authorities provide island-wide bus service, plus there are plenty of taxis, car rentals and bike rentals available.
This season or any season, traveling to Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard with the Steamship Authority is The Way To Go!

(Good for the 2011 season)
www.steamshipauthority.com

Two General Admission Tickets to Southwick's Zoo
$25.50 to $37.50 Value ~ Raffle Table C
Come discover over 100 species of animals at New England's largest zoological experience. Spend a fun filled day of amazing animals, great food, entertaining shows, rides for all ages and more!

2 Southwick Street, Mendon, MA
http://www.southwickszoo.com/

Split Ends Hair Salon One Hour Massage from Imagine Massage
$50 Value ~ Raffle Table C

3 Burt Street, Berkley, MA
Call Karen for appointment at 508-577-7822

One Family Admission to The Sports Museum
$30 Value (assuming two adults and two children)
Raffle Table D

At The Sports Museum, we celebrate the character of Boston sports -- the unique brand of teamwork, determination, responsibility, courage, fairness, and other qualities of character possessed by our teams and athletes that make Boston "The Greatest Sports City in America."

Causeway Street, Boston, MA
www.tdbanknorthgarden.com/sportsmuseum

Stoneforge Tavern and Publick House ~ $25 Gift Certificate ~ Raffle Table D
Stoneforge has established a reputation for signature steaks, quality seafood, inventive sauté and premier customer service. All of our menus maintain Stoneforge consistency, each reflecting its own personality. Our locations offer a unique atmosphere for your dining experience.

http://www.stoneforge.net/
90 Paramount Drive, Rayham, MA

$25 Gift Certificate from Stop & Shop ~ Raffle Table D

Two Hours of Bowling at Taunton Lanes
$80 Value ~ Opening Bid $20
Auction Table 3

Includes two hours of bowling, shoe rental, popcorn and soda for up to six people in one lane.

555 Wintrop Street, Taunton, MA
www.amf.com/tauntonlanes/centerhomepage.htm

Four Gift Cards for Appetizers or Desserts at
TGI Friday's for up to $8 each
$32 Value ~ Raffle Table D
Two Chances to Win!!

(Expires July 10, 2011 one ticket per party)

Tower of $100 Worth Scratch Tickets
Value Priceless!!!

Separate Raffle ~ 10 tickets for $5

Donated by Carol Welch

Two All Day Passes to Water Wizz
$60 Value ~ Opening Bid $15
Auction Table 3

The beach was never this exciting! Make a splash this summer at our 35 foot high Giant Waterslides and our 50 foot high Super Speed Slides. There is over 1,000 feet of spills and thrills, tunnels and dips that twist and turn into two treated pools of refreshing fun for all. We are located right across the street from the picturesque Misquamicut State Beach. Water Wizz is the perfect way to refresh the entire family on a hot, summer day. See you at the slides!

(Expires on Labor Day of 2011)Misquamicut Beach, Westerly, RI
www.waterwizzri.com

World of Golf Automatic Putting Cup and Anti Slice Tees
Approximate value $20 ~ Raffle Table D

Practice your putting year round. Automatically returns ball every time! Portable for easy use and battery operated.

Four VIP Passes to York's Wild Kingdom
$79 Value ~ Opening Bid $20
Auction Table 3

York's Wild Kingdom, located in York Beach, Maine has something to offer every member of the family. Each year more than 200,000 people come to visit the largest zoo and amusement park in the area. With exotic animals from around the world, York's Wild Kingdom is recognized for its rare species and knowledgeable curators.

We offer a variety of family rides, paddle boats, miniature golf course, a petting zoo, scenic picnic grounds and even a Haunted House. Educational learning sessions take place throughout the day and a special member of the zoo Rewa---Maine's only White Bengal Tiger---will amaze and delight the child in everyone!

(The passes are good anytime the park is open but do not include the Go Kart Rides or Live Animal Rides. Those items can be purchased at the park upon arrival.)
Route 1, York Beach, Maine
http://www.yorkzoo.com/

Four Passes to Zoo New England
(Franklin Park Zoo or Stone Zoo)
$56 Value ~ Opening Bid $15
Auction 3

Franklin Park Zoo is a 72-acre site nestled in Boston’s historic Franklin Park.

Located at One Franklin Park Road in Boston.

Stone Zoo, formerly known as the Middlesex Fells Zoo, is located on a 26-acre site near the sparkling Spot Pond reservoir in Stoneham, MA. Stone Zoo is located at 149 Pond Street in Stoneham, MA.

(Expires June 30, 2011)

http://www.zoonewengland.org/

Loch Lomond Golf Club 94 Tee Shirt ~ Medium

Hat ~ One Size Fits All

Raffle Table D

Donated by Tom and Jean Avila

Delaveaga ~ Santa Cruz,Ca

Extra-Large Tee Shirt

Hat ~ One Size Fits All

Raffle Table D

Donated by Tom and Jean Avila

Handmade Quilted Pocketbook

with inside pockets and an outside pocket for a cell phone. Snap front closer.

Raffle Table D

Made and donated by Kathleen Paivia

YN 002 - Leili

2010-01-19T14:14:00.000-08:00

Dear Holly,

How are you? I’m very thankful for your help! I am also very surprised that you’re a 9-year-old girl. I am now a happy high school student. School is very intense here but I will work hard. You should, too! I am hoping that you are having the time of your life!

Last summer, we only got about 20 days to rest but I did a lot of meaningful things. For example, I went rock climbing with my friend, helped my dad with the farming and taught my little brother to play Chinese chess. I had the most fun when I entered a singing contest with a friend from my village and won second place!

This semester, we already had half of the classes and will be having a winter break very soon. That break, unfortunately, will be our last break. It has been really cold lately so no one really wanted to get out of their rooms so we just stayed in their dorms. When it gets sunny in the morning, my friends and I do lots of activities such as playing badminton, biking and hiking. I feel so free when I do these things!

Our school is beautiful and big. It has the most students. My favorite part of the campus is the willow tree, reading my book under it makes me feel so serene. We also have a lake that is filled with colors under the morning sunlight. It is unfortunate that the lake doesn’t have any fish.

Unlike your family, I have no sheep, rabbits or horse. Instead, I only own a cat and a dog. I bet it is always fun to live under your roof! You are so fortunate that you have the opportunity to go horseback riding. I have always wanted to ride a horse but never had the chance to. However, I know I will in the future!

Christmas is almost here, Merry Christmas! I hope your life is filled with joy and laughter!

Sincerely,

Leili

YN 003 - Xinghui (Song)

2010-01-19T14:13:00.000-08:00

Dear Addie,

I’m really happy that I am able to send you this letter right before Christmas and I would like to take this opportunity to say Merry Christmas!

You have supported me financially for two years already and again this year and I can’t begin to express my gratitude toward you. Every time I’m feeling down, I always think of how you’re supporting me from the other side of the Pacific Ocean and that compels me to pull myself together, cheer up and continue to study hard.

Addie, you are the person who supports me the most in life. Although we have never met, I will always think of you as an angel - an angel who has stepped out of her everyday life to help a girl from a completely different country. I would like you to know that this girl has stepped onto the road to a beautiful future. You have helped me to seize the opportunity to create a beautiful future for myself.

On campus, I’m known as a jokester. During the leisure time we’re given, I like to play games with my friends. When I’m feeling stressed I like to sing or draw in order to relax. What do you like to do when you’re stressed?

As I have told you, I like to play jokes on others and I have just thought of a funny incident that happened to me. I remember one afternoon I was walking down the stairs with my friends. Because there were so many people on the stairs, I put my hand on the shoulder I saw in front of me and assumed that the shoulder I put my hand on belonged to my friend. However, that person lifted my hand off his shoulder. I thought that was strange but I still reassured myself that the person in front was my friend and I put my hand on his shoulder again. Soon, I heard a voice say, “Hey, could you get your hands off of my shoulder?” It was then when I realized that I had mistaken the stranger in front of me as being my friend. That was such an embarrassing incident. Every time I think back to it, I relive this awkward moment!

For summer vacation, we only had a week or two for holiday. Even though the holiday was short, I was still very happy because during this time I was able to be with my family again. My family has a lot of things to do in. Each morning at the crack of dawn, we must go dig up the yams and harvest the crops. While I do this with my family, I can’t help but feel a sense of happiness and belonging.

Do you like animals? My family owns cows, pigs and a small dog. I think they’re all cute, especially the dog. I’m a lot closer to the dog than the other animals at my house.

I understand that Christmas is nearing and I cannot give you a present except words to wish you the best of luck! I understand that if you want to wish your friend peace you can give them an apple and that is the best present you can give them! So here’s an apple that I drew for you!

Merry Christmas!

Best Regards,
Xinghui (Song)

YN 004 - Wei

2010-01-19T14:12:00.000-08:00

Dear Gracie and family,

How are you? I was really happy to receive your letter the other day!* Since it’s December, that marks the fact that Christmas is coming closer and closer, so I would like to extend to you my early wishes of good luck and health to you and your whole family.

Right now, I am a senior in high school and since it’s already the start of December, this marks a very important time for me. I need to work hard to finish all my core classes in order to prepare myself to work in the city. Thus, I spend all my time in classrooms, the cafeteria and my dorm room to study. However, instead of feeling stressed, I feel happy because I have been given the opportunity to discuss issues with my fellow classmates and teachers. These discussions lead to the broadening of my knowledge and my view in life.

Being in school for such a long time, I get bored at times. However, I often go and enjoy the views when I hike in the mountains behind my school with my best friends. While hiking, we listen to music and enjoy the light breeze on the nape of our necks. It is during those moments in time when I feel the most calm and relaxed. Another good way to de-stress myself is when I go to the basketball courts and just fool around with my friends. After some fun and games with my friends, I feel as if I’ve dropped a lot of stress from myself.

Just a few months ago, during October, I went back home to my village for the National Day of the People’s Republic of China. Arriving home, I realized that there were some big changes that had happened in my village. However, the sun still shone brightly and the rays still sparkled in the sky – it’s as if everything were still the same.

When I’m not studying, I go to my aunt’s restaurant to help out. While helping out in her restaurant, I gain new experiences and insights on life. I feel that this is an important experience for me to have as it prepares me for work.

Studying aside, I believe that the most important thing in life is maintaining my health as it is the basis of my life. Thus, I also like to go running. At night, I usually go running to release all of the stresses that I have in life. Most nights, I go to the field and I run around it a few times. Because of this practice of running at night, when there was a race at school, I got first place out of all the girls in my school! But, the thing that still bugs me is that, nowadays, my long jump skills have deteriorated and now I can’t jump as far as I could before.

I can’t express how thankful I am through just words in this letter but, from the bottom of my heart, I’d like to wish you and your family all the best. I hope that your Christmas is fun and being filled with laughter. I understand that Christmas is a major holiday in America, just like Chinese New Year is a major holiday in China. Chinese New Year is not only a holiday, but marks the ending of a year and the beginning of a good year to come. This date brings us new hope for a better future.

Thank you so much for your help!

Best Regards,

Wei

* We told her a little bit about your family.

YN 005 - Zhouyan

2010-01-19T14:11:00.000-08:00

Dear Debbie and Fran,

Greetings! I really appreciated your care and concern through my illness; it made me feel endlessly happy. I remember that this time last year I was in the hospital. My father was working out of town and my mother was at home alone. Although she was not with me in the hospital, I knew she was worried about me day and night. Although she wasn’t with me, I didn’t resent my mother at all because I understood her very well. She was at home caring for me.

When my sickness was still undiagnosed, they checked me twice and the doctor couldn’t find the reason for my sickness! Mother’s family did not want to take me to the hospital for another check up because it was so expensive. Now, I have finally gotten through the suffering from the sickness. My body recovered well and I will always be thankful for my health. I will always remember you as well.

During the summer, our family was very busy. We didn’t go to any other places. Basically the entire summer was working with the soil or doing chores for our family so, I did spend the summer in a satisfying way. When I was working in the soil, I had blisters in no time. I truly understood the feeling of working hard.

I must study very well because of our hard life. I think that education is the only path to change our lives. My dream is to become a doctor. I hope to erase the pain from patients who suffer from it. That dream is my goal. It is what I think I will be happiest doing.

However, sometimes things don’t go the way we think they will. As long as I do my best and fight for it, even if I fail, I will not have any regrets because the more I know, the better I will become. If I were to work in a factory, I would like to be a technician. But first, I would start from being a basic worker and keep on working hard. If I were to work on a farm, I would plant fruit trees.

Now, I feel that I’m not good at every subject. I love math, chemistry and biology, but my English and Physics are not strong enough. My goal is to be perfect in every subject. At the end of the semester I hope to be one of the top 50 students.

In school, I like to make friends and play basketball. I was naughty when I was very small. I fell three times from high places. When I was studying in junior 2, I fell from the upstairs when I went to collect a piece of wood because the floor was not well-nailed. But, I only hurt my hand. My grandpa said this was a miracle. As a result, I feel that heaven is fair to me. My family is poor but they are warm. I’m happy to receive your support. I can give back nothing to you but my thanks. What I can do is study hard, but this is also for my benefit.

I wish you happiness and health forever. I wish that your work is good and that everything is under your control. Be happy every day!

Merry Christmas,

Zhouyan

YN 006 - Weng Jiao

2010-01-19T14:10:00.002-08:00

Dear Woodland Street Kids,

I'm extremely happy to be writing to you. My holiday was very enjoyable and fulfilling. During my summer vacation, I took extra lessons for four weeks, so I had two weeks of real vacation.

When I am at home with my grandparents, I usually help out with chores, but sometimes it can be boring. One day, some friends called me and asked me to go to the mountains. I decided to go with them because I have wanted to go to those mountains for a while now. When I arrived, it was a bit chilly but I was mesmerized by the beautiful green grass fields, the blowing wind, clear sky, clean water, sheep and horses. On the grass, we ran wildly and screamed like children. We also went horseback riding and climbed the mountain too. I was so happy. During these few days at the mountain, I forgot all about the pressure and stress from school. Just like that, my break was over and I had to go back to school.

Did you know that my hometown is called the village of apples? I love to eat apples because they're big, red and crispy. This week, the apples will ripen. All of the people in my village will pick the ripe fruit from the trees. I usually help to pick out the best apples. Let me tell you, picking apples gives me ten dollars a day. I help eagerly so I can use the money to do whatever I want.

Life at school is happy, but also busy and a little frustrating. Sometimes in class, I daydream about ridiculous thoughts and then I laugh to myself. I always think, “What if I won the lottery? Then I'd buy a house, a car and go play on the beach.” These thoughts are just too funny! But my real dream is to become a famous doctor. I dream about graduating from college, wearing the gown and taking my graduation photo. That would be a dream come true.

It's almost Christmas now. I hope you will have a wonderful holiday. In fact, over here, we give apples to each other as a way to say that we hope they will be safe during the holidays. I hope you will be safe and happy too!

Weng Jiao

YN 007 - Hongqiong

2010-01-19T14:10:00.001-08:00

Dear XXX Family,

Hello! I was very excited to receive your letter. Time passes so quickly when you’re not paying attention. In the blink of an eye, I’m already in my senior year at high school. This past year, I have often had conflicting feelings. For example, I am reluctant to leave my high school and will miss it very much. At the same time, I am also looking forward to being in college. Every time I feel this way, sharing my feelings with my friends and hearing theirs makes me feel better.

I am curious about how Katie, Jillian and Emily get to school and about their school life in general. Could you tell me about it? I never would have thought that your eldest daughter and I would share an interest in history. I love history because it allows me to understand my country’s role in the past, allowing me to have a better grasp on the present and be able to create a better future. Does she share my opinion?

Though I enjoy history, math is a challenge for me. But I know that if I cultivate my interest in it, find the best learning method for me and work hard at it, I will be able to do well. Right now, I’m trying my best at school. My family is also well.

I feel very lucky to be able to share my life with so many people. I really enjoy making friends and will share your stories about school with my classmates. During summer break, I still go to school for classes. I only go home once a week now and spend most of my week on my studies.

I hope all of you are well too.

Hongqiong

YN 008 - Wang

2010-01-19T14:05:00.002-08:00

Dear XXX Family,

I am very happy to have this opportunity to write you a letter. Time passes quickly. I am already in my third year of high school! This year should be an important turning point of my life. Sometimes the pressure is so heavy that it feels like I can’t breathe. Then, I think of my parents’ eyes full of expectations, my teachers’ encouragement and all the people like you who have cared about me and helped me reach my life’s goal. Then I become brave enough to confront the college entrance examinations again. It is really a huge challenge.

Last week, something happened that I will always remember. I understand how valuable life and family love are, but I didn’t pay much attention to them. It was last weekend that I happily came home and my little brother was around me calling me sister. Suddenly he went into a coma. He was sent to hospital to get medical help. I watched the doctors who were rushing in and out. At the same time, I didn’t know if my brother would die or not. Staying with my mother who was too distressed to stand, I finally knew that life and family were so precious that it was beyond my imagination.

At last, my little brother went through the dangerous period peacefully. Now, I realized no matter how busy I am, or how far away I am from home, I should take time for my family and treasure the wonder of being alive.

Wish that everything goes well for you and wish you all the best.

Yours,

Wang

YN 009 - Wen

2010-01-19T14:05:00.001-08:00

Dear Grace, Rachel, and Ashleigh,

I am very happy that I received your letter and your bracelet. It’s beautiful. First of all, I hope you are in a happy mood every day and have healthy bodies.

Just out of curiosity, I would like to know about your school life and how you spend each day. I always liked English and chemistry because they are very interesting. But now, chemistry is not a class I can take anymore because I am not doing science or math related subjects anymore. As I am studying language arts now, English is my favorite subject and I want to be an English teacher in my hometown. I also like physical education such as basketball, badminton and running. Every morning, I wake up at 6:30 to run because I need a healthy body in order to do well in my studies.

I am in my third year of high school now and the pressure that comes with studying is very great. My time is also very tight. I can only see my father twice each school term because he is away working and I do not know how his life is. I love him the most and he is the most important person in my life so it pains me that I cannot see him.

My school is in the countryside. In the spring, the fields turn into a beautiful scene full of vitality. In the summer, the fields are still full with greenery and at night, you can hear the frogs croaking. The fields in the fall are a crisp brown and it is the harvest season. You can feel the vastness of the fields in the winter and smell the fresh soil. Our school is also very beautiful and our school spirit is great. My classmates are humorous and friendly; I love everyone at my school and I am so happy to have everyone in my life.

Thank you for the opportunities you have given me,

Wen

YN 011 - Chen

2010-01-19T14:03:00.002-08:00

Dear Zoe,

How are you!

I am happy to be able to write to you. I wish to share some things about my life with you. I spent my summer holiday at my grandmother's home. There are a lot of things I like to do over there. Every day I helped my grandma to pull the weeds in the corn fields. Sometimes, I would carry a bamboo basket to pick ripe peas. The feeling of the heavy bamboo basket always makes me feel very satisfied.

There are many new things happening there. This area is a poor mountain village where access is difficult and therefore there are very few inhabitants. Sometimes, I am able to see strange animals. My grandmother has a very big dog but one day the dog disappeared. When it came back, it held in its mouth a baby hawk which had just cracked open its egg. We saved the baby hawk from the egg shell and I carefully fed it until it grew older. Then I sent it back to the forest. The moment we watched the hawk fly away, both my grandma and I were smiling. Those happy times passed by very quickly and now I am back in school.

Back at school, although our studying is intense, I am also able to do some very happy things. Sometimes we can do something special on the weekends. I like to go with my friends to climb the mountain very near the school. There are lots of pine trees on the mountain and, in autumn, the leaves that have fallen on the ground make it soft and comfortable for us to step on. In the mountain’s open areas, we would pick dry twigs from trees to make a fire and barbecue the local peas while we chat. Sometimes we also collect the autumn leaves to make them into bookmarks for our favorite books.

Thank you for your help.
Yours,

Chen

YN 012 - Dahong

2010-01-19T14:03:00.001-08:00

Dear Melina and Talia,

Hello! It’s been a while since we last wrote, how are you? My life here is great. I get along with other students pretty well. Although there is a lot of pressure from school, my life here is full of happiness.

You have asked me about a book named “shehua.” I am very sorry, but I have not read this book before therefore, I do not know what it is about.** However, if I have a chance, I will look for the book and read it.

At school, I like to take a stroll and talk to my best friends. Sometimes, I will listen to music alone. Life at school is tough because of the pressure of the college entrance exams, but learning is also interesting because I am getting a lot of new knowledge from school.

You said your favorite animal is a dog. I like dogs, too. My favorite animal is a rabbit but I have never raised a rabbit. I am a few years older than you. If you don’t mind, can I call you little sister? I have seen your picture, you are gorgeous and cute. I wish I could have a brother too because I only have a sister. I am the youngest in my family and all my friends say I am very lucky. Certainly, my family and friends are all very nice to me.

How about you? You must be lucky too! You have a lovely family as well. I like all kinds of colors. Of the two colors that you mentioned, I like white because it is pure like some innocent people.

You asked me about where I would like to travel and I have thought about it. If I had the chance, I would love to travel around the world, like you. I would go and see all kinds of places. I have not seen the Great Wall, but I have seen it on the TV and in books. If there is chance, I hope you can come to the Great Wall and other places in China. As for languages, we only know Mandarin and English but not fluently. Honestly, I want to learn Korean because it sounds good. And the writing in Korean is interesting, too. But I wonder if I will ever have the chance. Do you like Chinese? If you do, I can teach you. But it is hard to teach you because of our distance.

How was your vacation? Did you have fun? Did you do any interesting things? Nothing interesting happened during my vacation. We took extra classes during our summer vacation, so I didn’t have time to go out and play. I stayed home for this vacation.

I should stop now, I will talk to you next time. I hope the best for you and please be a happy girl. This wonderful life belongs to us and let’s all work together for our future.

Remember, give yourself a smile every day.

Dahong

**We apologize, this must have been lost in translation.

YN 014 - Wang Mei

2010-01-19T14:02:00.001-08:00

Dear Charlotte,

How are you? It has been a while since I last wrote to you. Are you doing well in the far West? Have you ever been to China? Probably not. My village is a great place. The main products here are apples and corn. In addition, there are a lot of beautiful travel spots. The black-necked cranes are our country’s animal and they live in our village. I love my hometown. Although you have probably never been here, if you do ever visit, I believe you will like it here, too.

I remember once during my summer holiday, my English teacher, my friends and I went mountaineering. We were especially happy and we all came back with joyous smiles. It was my happiest outing. I don’t usually go on outings, so that experience left me with the greatest memories. In the remaining time, I helped out my family by doing house chores and I would do other things that I like.

We have a lot of festivals here and I like New Year the most. Each year, we have a big meal with our family. The second day, we hang out with our friends. Most of all, the unity of my family makes me happy. My brother and I also get to be together. The thing we like to do the most is shopping.

We spend most of our time at school studying. There is not much time to play. In my school, one of the things that I like the most are the tall trees and when the winds wave the leaves. That makes me feel great! Speaking of school, I should mention about my learning objectives. During this year, I want to learn about communication. I hope I will be able to use language better to express my thoughts and ideas.

Lastly, I wish you the best every day.

Wang Mei

YN 016 - Hao Run

2010-01-19T13:59:00.004-08:00

Dear Susan,

I am so glad to be able to write another letter to you. I am currently a Senior and will be graduating from high school. When I became a Senior, I realized that my life has changed and it is not the same as before. As I reminisce about my first two years, I remember that I had more time to finish my work and to study for my tests. I would even have some leisure time to allow myself to relax and relieve my stress. However, when I became a Senior, I realized that a life of a Senior can be hectic. Sometimes work piles up and I have lost the leisure time I had previously. I truthfully feel that a Senior experiences more challenging obstacles, but these obstacles are what allows us to get more and more out of our lives.

During our last holiday, I did not have a lot of time to rest because I spent most of my summer holiday at school. I used more of my time studying and I left a very small portion of my time to relax. As odd as it may seem, I actually had quite a fun time at school because I learned and experienced a lot. At times, I would only return home after a couple of weeks to help my parents with their farming or doing chores around the household. Our special product of agriculture is corn, potato and apples. Needless to say, we will welcome you as a guest at any time.

In this semester, I feel that my English has improved because in the past I would not do as well in English at school. However, I have seen a significant improvement. I have developed an interest in English class especially when my teacher gives us lectures.

On another note, a beautiful and breathtaking environment surrounds our school. I like to enjoy every minute outside when I am outside of a classroom. I also like to relax myself by playing badminton with my friends.

For the rest of the year, I will prepare for the “End of Term” exams (the college entrance exams.) I will make use of my time to fully prepare myself. I wish to do well on these exams and have set this goal for myself. As hard as the process may be, I will never give up and will keep studying until the end. Christmas is arriving soon, so I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Yours Sincerely,

Hao Run

YN 018 - Zhiqi

2010-01-19T13:59:00.001-08:00

Dear Iris, Laurel and Elise,

Let me tell you a little bit about my life. My hometown is really pretty. There is often sunshine in my village but sometimes we have continuous rain. There is a large meadow and flowers blossom on the slopes of the hills in the summer. It snows a lot in winter so we can make a snowman. We are able to see black-necked cranes every day. I still remember when we skied one winter.

I used to fly a kite near the lake in the spring time. I always enjoyed the beautiful landscape in our village during summer vacations. I used to catch bugs on the flowers… these are my memories of childhood.

I am no longer a child so during this summer vacation, I helped with housework most of the time. In my spare time, I like to play basketball or sit down alone in a corner quietly listening to music or reading novels. I like the chrysanthemums at my school. They give me a feeling of peace. I like that feeling.

This year, my biggest hope is that I can get a high score on the English and math exams. My English and math are not good enough, so I hope I can make some progress this year.

There are a lot of stories I can tell you, but they are all about petty things so I don’t want to tell you now. I would like to draw a picture of them when I have time. Please forgive me for not having time to draw a picture to share with you. Life is colorful. I hope I will have time one day to write a letter telling you all I want to tell.

I wish you happiness,

Zhiqi

YN 019 - Zang

2010-01-19T13:57:00.002-08:00

Dear Ava and Allison,

How are you? I’m really happy to have received another letter from you. It’s been quite a while since I last wrote. I hope you’ve been well!

I’m so grateful to you for all the help and care you’ve given me. I know there are no words that can fully express the amount of gratitude I feel, so instead, I’m hoping that I can show you my thanks by getting good results in school. I’ll be graduating in a mere six months and I’m hoping that I can get good grades to show my appreciation to all the people who have cared for me and helped me.

During the summer, we had an extra month of classes so I didn’t have much free time. When I did have free time, I helped my mother with housework and work on the farm. Even though it was tiring, it was rewarding. My family grows potatoes, vegetables, corn, rice and other crops. We’ve had a good harvest for many of the past years.

Also, my sister was accepted into university! Even though it’s a second-tier school, it’s still so exciting that she got in. Our relatives came to congratulate my sister. This was my happiest memory of this summer because I’m so happy for her.

Ever since my sister was accepted into university, I’ve really looked up to her and I’m determined to become a university student just like her. My plan is to work extra hard this year in school in order to do that. Our school is also taking very good care of our grade in particular. We get to use the nicest classrooms and the best desks and chairs in the school - it’s really nice! I’ve heard that our school is planning to renovate and build a new building in the near future. I’m really looking forward to it and I hope that maybe you can come visit our school again sometime soon!

Once again, I hope you know how grateful I am for all the care and support you’ve given me, and I hope that someday you can be guests in my house.

From,

Zang

YN 020 - Kailei

2010-01-19T13:57:00.001-08:00

Dear Emily,

I was very happy to receive your letter. I hope you are well. After entering my senior year in high school, I have been very busy. Our final exams (college entrance exams) are only six months away and I plan to use this time well to improve my studies.

During summer break, I mostly stayed at home helping my parents with household chores. I have one older sister, one younger brother and two younger sisters and getting to spend time with them is always lots of fun. I also love being with my friends and being able to share our thoughts with one another. Basketball and badminton are my other interests. Whenever I’m feeling down or bored, playing sports make me feel more cheerful.

Since I was little, other than working around the house for my parents, I’ve never had a job. I would really like a chance to experience life with a job. Nowadays, I can’t go home every day because it is too far away from my school so I spend most of my time at school only returning home once in a while. It is winter here and I hope every day that it will snow. I love snowy weather because it makes the whole village very beautiful.

Your pets are very cute and I like them very much. When they grow up they’ll be even cuter.

I hope your studies are going well.

Kailei

YN 021 - Shuanglan Liu

2010-01-19T13:56:00.002-08:00

Dear XXX Family,

I am very happy to write this letter and share my life’s happiness with you. My summer holiday was greatly anticipated. The sunshine was wonderful and the light summer breeze always made it very comfortable. Every morning, the birds and the cicadas woke me up and I fixed breakfast for my family. After we finished eating, we would begin our work so we could have a great harvest in the fall.

My family always works together. For all we give, we get something back. After helping my parents with their work, I like to go to the forest to read books and listen to the birds chirp. In the forest, there is a floor full of flowers and butterflies everywhere. I also pick some wild fruits to eat. Sweet and sour; this is the taste of life and this life makes me feel so content. During my holidays, I always go to the forest. I take off my shoes and soak my feet in the water.

Before I know it, my holiday is done. I pack my things and go back to school. At school, I love the cherry blossoms, particularly in the spring when they are full in bloom. I like the fall even more. Even though it is cold and there is a slight air of sadness, I like this feeling. The trees are full of crisp brown leaves and when the wind blows, the leaves scatter. This is the weather in Yunnan. One day it can be sunny and bright, the next day it can be cloudy with light showers. This affects our mood as well. Perhaps this is because I am sentimental.

In this cold winter, it is even harder to study. However, in order for us to get into the college we want, we are all working very hard so we can finish our studies with no regrets. We will bring with us all the beautiful memories from our high school life when we leave. Of course, there is also you to whom I am extremely grateful. I do not know if I may continue to write you after I graduate?

Your country is definitely entering the snowy season and the extravagant decoration on the Christmas trees must be very splendorous. I really hope to see that kind of beauty someday. You have your Christmas trees and I have the old pine trees of my hometown. As you decorate your tree with beautiful lights, I see the powdery snow on the pine trees. As you have Santa Claus, I have the great mountains. Although the mountains bring no gifts, they are themselves a wonderful gift in providing such marvelous scenery.

Finally, I wish you a merry Christmas, a happy family and success with work!

Shuanglan Liu

YN 022 - Huamei

2010-01-19T13:56:00.001-08:00

Dear Carolyn,

I am very happy to be writing to you. To begin with, I want to thank you for all the support and help you've given me by allowing me to finish my studies in school. Now, I'm in my third year of high school, so there is a lot of pressure to do well. Every day I must wake up at 6 to do morning exercises but I know that high school is supposed to be hard. I'm not afraid though, because I believe that with determination, I will succeed.

My home is quite far from school, so it takes about two hours to get home. Because of the work load, I am only able to go home once every three weeks. Whenever I go home, I first take off my school bag and have a good dinner with my family. Afterwards, I will wash my mother, father and grandmother's clothes. After dinner, I start to work. That's the schedule every time I go home. Anyway, let's not talk about school anymore!

My hometown is beautiful, because there's a lush forest and some very famous apples. The apples don’t have a nice appearance, but the taste is amazing. My school is also beautiful and this peaceful serene environment helps me to study. Even when I'm away from home, I do not feel alone at school.

I'll tell you about my school’s summer break. During that time, I was very happy because I had four weeks of vacation. When I am home, I help my father with his work on the farm. I also help my mom sell some food and from this, I am able to earn some money. Besides taking advantage of the time to rest, I spent a lot of time chatting with my grandmother. She's aged quite a bit and she's always ill. I think I will buy her some medicine in the city soon. These types of holidays are very exciting and fulfilling to me.

My father's eyesight is terrible and at times he will do things that are not to the best of his ability. This angers my mother and so she will scold and blame him. When this happens, I try to calm them. After all, my father's eyesight is not perfect. When I do this, I am able to bring the family together and live in harmony. I work hard for good grades and do my best to help out at home too. I'm thankful that my parents love me. While studying at such a faraway school, I still have dreams and goals. I am working hard towards my goal and one day I hope to succeed. I'll end here now, talk to you soon!

Huamei

YN 023 - Yan

2010-01-19T13:55:00.003-08:00

Dear Ali and Julia,

How are you?

Time is like flowing water. Almost three years of my education have passed already. The hard days of preparing for the college entrance examinations will soon come to an end. I am so grateful I had you to help me. It was you who used the warmth of an honest heart to melt away the cold of the winter. It was you who used the most sincere of affection to move us. With your help, I can finally successfully complete my high school education.

My summer wasn’t all happy. During the holidays, I took extra classes so I had to prepare homework and review my lessons every day. However, my holidays in the past were spent working. In my working life, I also acquired a lot of life experience and common sense. I hope if there comes a day when I am working in a factory, I will also get more work experience and develop skills. I like my life in this rural area and I hope someday I can create a tool that will help save labor and time to make life easier here.

But, our life in school is quite colorful. Even though it is difficult, it is full of happiness. I have so many good friends and the school is full of the sounds of cheerfulness. Every weekend, my friends and I like to go hiking. We tour the riverside and enjoy the marvelous views. After all this relaxation, we feel that the schoolwork is not so stressful.

Out of all the classes, I like English the most. I am working very hard on it because I hope to do well so I can come to your beautiful country to vacation. My teachers and classmates say that your country is very beautiful and full of prosperity. On the other hand, I hope you can come to my hometown in China. In this small place in Yunnan, the scenery is wonderful and the apples are very tasty. We are prepared to have you come here any time.

I wish you happiness and good health!
Your beneficiary,

Yan

YN 024 - Xingyun Duan

2010-01-19T13:55:00.001-08:00

Dear Lilly and Oliver:

Are you both well? Right now I am in the third year of high school. My college entrance exams will come soon. The pressure I feel is very large, but I believe I will succeed. I am the happiest when I am with my classmates. Every day they talk with me and make me laugh until I am very happy. This helps me succeed in my classes.

During this summer vacation, my teacher took us to climb a mountain. At the start of the climb everybody was very excited because teachers rarely take us out. As we climbed and climbed we suddenly felt that we could not go any more. Eventually, everyone helped each other climb to the top of the mountain. When we were on top of the mountain, we took pictures, ate snacks, drew pictures. Everyone was very happy. This was a time of great delight during our period of intense studying.

My home is in Yunnan. The climate here is really clear and the people are friendly. Here, the most important farming crops are apples and potatoes. Because potatoes are all grown on the mountain, we use a horse to carry them. This way it saves our hauling energy.

People harvest the apples because we need to be sure that the apples do not bump each other. If they get bruised, they are hard to sell. Furthermore, it is not easy to preserve them. During harvest season, we are very busy and tired but we are also happy.

Because I like to draw in school, I hope to study my teacher’s drawing methods and improve my drawing skills and my knowledge. On my exams, I want to get the most excellent results.

Finally, I hope that you all are happy every day and I thank you so much. Because of your help my life has added brilliance. Thank you!

I wish you a Merry Christmas!

Xingyun Duan

YN 025 - Dedan

2010-01-19T13:54:00.000-08:00

Dear Parker and Cian,

Hello! How have you been lately? Christmas is coming up so I wish you all a merry Christmas.

We had a break for a couple of days so I went to work with my mom. During the holidays, there was one really memorable event that happened. My friend and I went to a lake and the water there was extremely pure and clear. We were having a lot of fun along the side of the lake but just when things seemed to be going perfectly, my friend fell into the lake! I didn’t know what to do then, but luckily there was a man passing by and he helped pull her out of the water. When she got out, she said to me, “Wow, I am so lucky!”

When I am free, I like to venture into the fields of a small nearby village because it has such a peaceful atmosphere. Despite the village being old and poor, it has amazing scenery. In these beautiful fields, you can hear birds chirping and singing their songs. There are many different kinds of crops and plants such as corn and onions. The field is like the mother of these crops and it nourishes all the plants that are grown on it as if they were her own children.

I am now only a few months away from my college entrance exams so I am preparing myself for a long journey. I wake up at 6:20 every morning and go to sleep at 12:30 every night. Every day, I review all the things I have learned over and over again just so I can do well in this exam. I believe that only those who push hard will do well because they are not afraid to try and overcome any obstacles in their way. Also, I think it is a privilege to be given the chance to fight for something like this.

Three years have passed in a blink of an eye but time will never wash away the deep friendship that exists between us. I would like to say thank you very much one more time and wish you peace and happiness.

Dedan

YN 026 - Jinfeng

2010-01-19T13:53:00.001-08:00

Dear Iris, Laurel, and Elise

Hi! The new semester has begun. I have a new English teacher who is nice and generous. My favorite subject is history. I really have a lot of fun learning about my country’s past. At school I get along well with my classmates. After the new semester started, I met more friends. I share my interests and problems with them. They also try their best to help me. We learn, play and talk together. I am becoming more and more outgoing!

During my summer vacation, I continued to study. In addition to reviewing my lessons, I also did my best to help my parents and I really enjoyed hiking and reading during my vacation.

My home is in a remote countryside village surrounded by huge mountains. My home is right at the base of one of the mountains. There are endless green farms and beautiful scenery. My home is in a village where the people are friendly. I like to chat with them and listen to their stories of ancient myths.

My parents are farmers. Even though we raise animals, we mainly eat corn and potatoes. My parents work hard so that is why I did my best to help them during my vacation. I cannot go home frequently unless there is a vacation because my home is so far away from school. However, my school life is good, so I don’t feel sad being miles away from home. I am self-confident enough to turn myself into an independent person.

New school year, new challenge! I am not doing as well in math as I would like. I would like to use this year to build up my skills. Being at this school is important. My school offers not only a good atmosphere, but also humorous and experienced teachers and passionate and energetic classmates. Our class is just like a big family full of happiness. When I have free time, I usually play basketball or badminton with my friends. My teachers and classmates give me the faith to believe in myself.

Life at school is lovely and meaningful. I learn a lot here and make a lot of friends. With my teacher’s help and your help and care I am always ready for tomorrow.

I wish you good health and happiness!

Jinfeng

YN 028 - Chen Jiao

2010-01-19T13:52:00.001-08:00

Dear Rosle Family:

Thank you for all your support. You are supporting me not only physically, but also spiritually. Yunnan is a beautiful place. Although I live in a small town, it is not lacking in charm. I really love it! If you can come here, you’ll like it, too! In addition, there are some famous scenic areas. Here we have a comfortable climate and many animals. There is kind of a sense of a tropical rain forest.

From my house to school is a little bit far, so I am a boarder. I only return home on weekends. At school, I love all the activities. I’m not a shy girl, so I really have fun with all of my classmates.

There are many differences between America and China, right? If I have an opportunity, I’ll go and see for myself. Ever since I was little, I’ve dreamed of being a traveler and traveling all over the world.

Although I am not rich, I can still to use my hands to help others. I hope there will be more and more kind-hearted people just like you who are willing to help others.

The air here is very fresh and natural beauty is everywhere. If you have the chance, I really hope you can come and have fun.

By the way, my favorite teacher is our English teacher. He is strict, but kind.

Best wishes,

Chen Jiao

YN 030 - Ling

2010-01-19T13:50:00.002-08:00

Dear Olivia and Julia,

I haven’t written for a while. Everything here has been good recently, so let me tell you something about my hometown. I come from a place that is surrounded by mountains. There is a river in front of my house, too. The environment is very good and all of the people around me are friendly. There are flowers everywhere. It feels very relaxing to be there amidst the trees. In autumn some nice plants show their beauty, it becomes colorful all around. It seems like every corner is talking aloud in this natural landscape and there are many animals too! You are welcome to come visit some day.

The only problem for me is that my hometown is too far and I can’t go home that often. I can only go home once or twice a year. When I see all the students going home to their families on Saturday, I feel really homesick. The school becomes a really lonely place, as only about a dozen of us stay on the weekends. I am really happy that this semester will soon be over, so I can go home and stay with my parents for a while!

Here is a little poem for you:
So near and yet so far
A silky rain is falling down
As the flowers wither
Nobody around me
Only a starling in the sky

The wind is blowing softly
While leaves fall down, back to their roots
The autumn wind is merciless
As our worries become spirits

The cuckoo lets out his cry
Turns his head gazing far
At the lotus that sounds like a harp
The lonely cries of the spirits
The snow fell down and the dust can’t move

It doesn’t matter
On whose strong shoulder we lean
In my dreams I kissed the sleeping beauty
So near and yet so far

I’ll write back again, goodbye!

I wish you all the best and a healthy life!

Merry Christmas!

Ling

YN 031 - Li

2010-01-19T13:50:00.001-08:00

Dear Gimre Family,

Hello! First, I want to thank you for caring for me and helping me. I am a second year student in high school now. The biggest pressure I face now is that my grades are not ideal. Sometimes, I feel frustrated and empty in my heart. When I am having these feelings I always think of you and the situation gets better.

I’m doing well in my school now. I joined the student association and the literature club of my school. They occupy most of my free time. Even though I am so busy, I’ll continue to be active in these clubs.

As for my schoolwork, my politics class is my favorite because I can learn about the law, economics and about philosophy. I like these things very much. The most difficult for me is math. It’s really hard for me. Do you have a good way to learn math?

Our school holds basketball games for the school teachers. I am the scorekeeper. I can work and watch the ball game at the same time. If you can come to our school to have fun, it would be great!

There are mountains surrounding of our school and there are pine trees in the mountains. There is also a highway nearby our school. Every day when we go to school, we must ride on the highway. I spend two hours riding my bike to school. It would only take one hour if I go to school by car. Beside the highway is a wheat field. It is bright green when it is springtime. It becomes gold when it is autumn… it is awesome!

We live on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau. The altitude is very high and the temperature difference between day and night is large. Hence, we produce apples abundantly. Supposedly, apples here are the sweetest and the best. If you can come to China someday, you have to come to my hometown. I will give you the sweetest apples to eat and lead you up the mountain to pick fresh mushrooms.

I am an optimistic and generous girl. I have many acquaintances in my school. I also have some best friends. All of them have strength and special qualities.

By the way, Gimre family, are you okay? Is everything going smoothly? I hope you can live happily every day!

Li

YN 032 - Yongcui

2010-01-19T13:49:00.002-08:00

Dear Shannon, Alan, and Mirlan:

Hello! It has been a long time since I wrote you a letter. I miss you so much! I am so glad to get your mail. The picture you attached was wonderful. I love it so much. Your child is very cute. I hope that he will grow up happily and be a good boy.

I have a good relationship with my friends. We talk about everything and help each other with our schoolwork. I really have a good time with them but I still have stress. I feel sad when I think, “What if I disappoint these kind people who care about me?” My sister told me, “The more you think of this, the more you should work hard.” I believe this is what I should do now.

I used to want to become a doctor, but now I have changed my mind. Even though I still have no idea what job I should do, the most important thing for me is to enter a university. To reach this goal I will carry on, no matter what happens.

I’m very appreciative that you are continuing to support me as I go into spring semester. I really feel your love and encouragement. I know that you are also busy with work. Please take care of yourselves. Thank you for your support. I will use my time well and I won’t stay up too late. If I do that, I feel like I will have the best chance to succeed. Please keep in touch with me.

Sincerely,

Yongcui

YN 033 - Dongmei

2010-01-19T13:49:00.001-08:00

Dear Soleil,

It’s nice to write to you again! First, I want to express my appreciation to you for helping me. Truly speaking, I’m really very grateful for it. I had a nice time during the summer helping my parents do housework and doing homework to enrich my education. I felt glad while doing both of them.

I have an ordinary hometown. I especially love the vegetables and fruits in my hometown. However, my home is far from the school. It is about one hour away by car so I seldom go home. Anyway, I love my school, my classmates and teachers. The atmosphere at my school is both nice and friendly. My classmates and teachers help me get along.

On the path of my life, I wish to improve slowly and steadily. What I expect for this year is to study as much as I can, be a good student and do my best to get along with others. It goes without saying that I will work hard in every subject, especially English, the one I love best. I regard English as an important language and that may be the reason why I have an interest in it. I hope that I can be fluent in English or even master it in the future.

What I really love to do in school is to discuss issues with my classmates. Solving problems gives me a sense of achievement and pride. I really like my conscientious and humorous teachers.

Oh! I forgot to tell you, my grades have been improving during this semester. What’s more, I even feel happiness while I study. I understand that nothing is impossible if a teenager puts her mind to it. As a Chinese saying goes, “The more bitter the struggle you face, the better person you will be.” I deeply believe that the future is in my control, so I need to be hardworking in order to avoid any regrets later on.

During this semester, I met a new friend. She is a girl that is humble and friendly. We have a good friendship. We even help each other solve academic problems. I really like her, not only because of her beauty but also because of her personality. I’m wondering, would you like to be friends with her?

Finally, I wish you will be happy every day, have a healthy body and enter the school that you want.

Dongmei

YN 034 - Tai Zhou

2010-01-19T13:48:00.001-08:00

Dear XXX Family,

Hello! I am the student you are helping in Yunnan. My name is Tai Zhou. My home is in a small city in northeast Yunnan. I really thank you for helping me. I am in my second year of high school now and will be graduating next year.

Last year, when the high school entrance exam results were sent to me, I was extremely excited. At that time, my mood was really golden. My neighbor told me that this high school is very hard. It made me shiver, but I wasn’t afraid. I just decided to focus on my heart’s goal.

I was excited to go to this school, but when I thought about taking my parents’ hard earned money, it really affected me. I was really very heartbroken. I needed to overcome this difficulty. I knew I must somehow use my achievements to pay back my parents.

When I learned of this scholarship program, I was quite relieved because a large burden had been taken off of my parents’ shoulders. But now, it increases your burden. My heart thanks you. With your help with tuition, I have self-confidence and a new life to look forward to.

From now on, I want to work hard toward my goals. In the future, I want to pay back my parents and pay back all the people that helped me. When I have the ability, I would also like to give someone a helping hand like you have given me. I want to give warm sunshine to those people that I help.

Thanks to you all!

I wish you good fortune, beauty and happiness every day.

Tai Zhou

YN 035 - Ze Jian

2010-01-19T13:46:00.002-08:00

Dear Oyster River High School Students,

How are you? I'm honored to be able to write to you. Since there hasn't been anything new happening in my high school life, having the chance to write this letter to you has helped me cheer up. Thank you for taking good care of me. I was surprised that you are high school students like me.

I'm just a girl with a poor family, but school has made me aware of many new things. Before, I could only see my life in my small village. There, I would never be lonely or sad. But in this new life, this school has shown me news paths that I can follow.

My hometown is located among the hills of Yunnan. Even though summers are hot, in my village, there is always a cool breeze. I like to listen to the birds sing at dawn and to the nice sound of the rain. It is a wonderful place to be. It might be not as beautiful as a fairyland, but it is not as bustling as a town either. That is why people can still enjoy the peacefulness.

At school, I like the extracurricular activities the most. They are very good for lightening the weight of our responsibilities and taking the worries out of our minds. Studying is really important, but physical activities are not to be undervalued. We need to study but we also need to enrich our souls. Sometimes this is easier said than done.

My highest hope now is to be able to enter university, not as a goal per se but as a means to enrich my knowledge. This achievement would cast light on all of the pathways I could choose to walk in the future. Finding happiness in studying and keeping your dreams high are also very important factors to success.

How about you, can you tell me about your study environment? Take care of yourselves and be careful during the hot days: find yourself a nice and cool shelter. As for the colder days, try to wear warmer clothes. Please write back to me. I want to hear from you, no matter how long it takes for your letter to get here. This way I will be able to share your joy and happiness. Could you send some pictures of you too?

Wish you a merry and happy life, enjoy your time studying!

Ze Jian

YN 036 - Zhou Zeling

2010-01-19T13:46:00.001-08:00

Dear Elyse and Luran,

Hello!

I hope you both have had good health and hope that everything has turned out as you wish. In the blink of an eye, I am in senior two now. My senior two life is very busy. During this past summer, my elder sister and I did housework at home. Although it was tiring, we were very happy. I played with my sister and we talked together. Time flew by and soon it was time to return to school.

I live at my school because it is very far from my home. I go home once each semester. After Saturday’s classes are done, I always feel lonely. When I see my classmates go to their homes, I can’t help but miss my own home. Maybe it is because of the stress from my studies. Anyway, I am better now.

In my school, I love the summer mornings the most. I love to watch the sun rise. It makes me feel warm. When the sun shines, the school is covered in golden light. It seems like I am in heaven. I don’t have the words to describe how it makes me feel. I like to play basketball, table tennis and badminton in school. I always play these sports to help me relax.

I should also tell you about my home! My hometown is a beautiful place. There, I find my favorite sky and mountains. The most beautiful thing is the mountains. There is a special mountain. I don’t know how it got its name. However, it is very tall and grand and magnificent. The mountain breaks through the sky. Looking down from the mountain amazes me. It is very beautiful. If you can come, I would welcome you to my hometown. You must come and see how beautiful the mountain is!

Previously, my dream was to become a teacher. However, when I see the pain of so many sick people it makes a deep impression on my heart. As a result, now I want to become a doctor to do my best to give them at least a little strength. I must study harder to achieve my dream as quickly as possible.

The weather is colder now and I must wear more clothing.

Finally, I wish you that you have happiness every day.

Zhou Zeling

YN 037 - Meng Huifang

2010-01-19T13:45:00.002-08:00

Dear Katie,

I’m glad to have a chance to write you a letter. During these holidays, you are surely having a good life! Are you having a nice winter vacation?

My life is varied and colorful. My life at school is especially meaningful. In order to enrich our after-school time, the school held a gymnastics competition, basketball competition, debate competition, etc. These activities help us all to relax in the midst of our hard study time.

My home is not far from the school. On the weekends, I like to chat with my parents and help them do some housework. There is a pond in front of my home. During the summer, the fish swim freely in the clear water. There are different kinds of flowers around the pond. During my free time, I love to sit by the pond and quietly watch the fields. In the fall, the fields turn yellow. The crops are then gathered through the efforts of the farmers.

I love my hometown. Not only does it have beautiful scenery, but it is also filled with hard-working people. My mother often told me, “If you don’t plant a seed then you can’t reap a harvest.” As a result, I study hard. I know that my future is in my hands and I don’t want to disappoint my parents who have supported me for so many years.

Considering all of the subjects, I like language the most. Language gives me a lot of happiness. When I feel bad, I like to read some nice articles. During my free time, I like to read poems. I am happy that I have a genuine friend. We have the same interests. I believe that our friendship will be eternal, just like the stars in the sky. His home is near to school, so during the weekend I often invite him to come to my home. It takes him only half an hour to get to my home by car. We plant flowers in my garden. We both like flowers, especially orchids. While we are at school I like to invite my friend to take walks with me beside a pond surrounded by lotus.

The pressure to study is absolutely huge. Sometimes I feel exhausted, but I will never give up on my dreams. I have a teacher who is very responsible. I really respect him. He wakes up early to guide us in morning exercises. He says that “To live well you need physical activity.”

Winter here is especially cold. We still wake up early in the morning to exercise, but sometimes my roommates and I argue about getting up. Last year, our class had a field trip during the springtime. We went to the top of a mountain and sang. The sound of our singing will remain there forever.
I hope to get better grades this semester in order to fulfill my dream of going to college. I hope that you will get better grades, that you may become even more beautiful, that your wishes may come true and that your family is always happy.

Merry Christmas!

Meng Huifang

YN 038 - Long Mei

2010-01-19T13:45:00.001-08:00

Dear Ellen,

Hello! I was overjoyed to receive your mail! How are you now? I think of you so much. I hope that someday I can travel to the USA to see you.

Now, I like to daydream a lot. If I had a farm, I would live there and call it “The House of Happiness.” From the house, I could see lots of meadows. In my home there would be animals and a pavilion. Beside it, there would be lots of flowers and grass as well as a clean stream with some little fish. This is what I dream for, my happy house.

During the past summer, I was full of joy every day. Because the weather was hot, I stayed in my home during the day listening to music. One time I went to the zoo with my friends. The most joyful night was the torchlight festival on June 24th. On that night, everyone took a torch, gathered and danced together. Everyone talked together for a long time. When it was time to leave, we used the remaining fire to heat water for washing our faces. This is the Chinese torchlight festival tradition and that night was my happiest night.

The short summer passed by quickly and a new semester began. I wanted to excel in my studies, review all the things I forgot over the summer, put away all my worries and have a fresh start.

At first, when I began at this school I complained, but now I enjoy studying here. My home is near the school so I can ride my bike to school. During the summer, I enjoyed the scenery by the river. During fall, I saw lots of crops. Every time I go home, I am happy. When I reach home, my mother is usually done making dinner. This gives me happiness and also motivation to study. In school, my favorite subject is English, but I really dislike math. I feel it is very hard and not interesting. My favorite teacher is my English teacher. He is funny. Even though he gets frustrated with us sometimes, we still like him for our teacher.

Since two weeks ago, it has been wintertime. The weather was terrible and the roads were covered with snow. Outside our school, there was some kind of accident. Now many places have people who have the H1N1 virus, including some of our classmates. The cold was serious but nobody gave up. Instead, we became more hard-working. Now the weather is getting a little warmer. During the weekend, I play basketball or badminton or soccer. I love soccer the best because it helps me relax.

Now, we are preparing for a Christmas party. There will be a lot of shows, including Chinese comic dialogues, dramas and games. Everyone will participate in it. I believe it will be a successful party.
I think that if I have the opportunity, I would like to go to the USA to learn more, especially about medicine. I’d like to be able to help more people. I don’t want to see people who have no money give up treatment. So, my dream is to be a doctor.

Finally, thank you for your encouragement and help. I will study hard and won’t let you down!

I wish you a Merry Christmas!

Long Mei

YN 039 - Wen Ju

2010-01-19T13:44:00.002-08:00

Dear Kelley and Katie,

How do you do? I am Wen Ju, the student you sponsored. I am glad that I can write to you. I am a girl who lives in a village in Yunnan. I grew up in this village. I love my hometown. Although it is ordinary, it has the beauty of a nice village. As the different seasons change, people wear different clothes in my hometown.

Every summer vacation is varied. There is happiness, but there is sadness, too. My vacation was hard, but I was happy because I worked with my parents and we went home together. No matter how tiring it was, I didn’t grumble. I felt joy because I have the care and support of my parents. Since I was little, I have learned many things in my village. There are many benefits. Some people say that country girls are rustic, but I think that country girls are cute and brave.

The beauty of my hometown not only lies in the fruit, but also in the sweat of the farmer. Walking in the wide fields you can hear the singing of the birds and laughter of the children. How wonderful it is! The local products are pears, apples, and peanuts, etc.

I am studying in school now. I know my lessons well. My home isn’t far from the school. It takes about 30 minutes to walk to school. Although it is tiring, I am very happy because I can strengthen my body and enjoy the pleasures of school. I hope you can do this, too.

There is a big farm in my village. The farm was built a few years ago and it increased the standard of living in our village. I will work hard and contribute to my hometown and make it rich and colorful.

There are some unforgettable things that happen every year. This year, I hope I can have a good life, learn how to interact with different people and look upon everything with an optimistic view. Learning is important, but life must be sufficient as well.

Originally, I hated everything about school. As time goes by, I gradually began to like it more and more. I really like the style of this school and the kindness of the students. But the thing I like most is painting. Painting has been my dream since I was little.

Right now, the most important thing in my life is learning. I like physics and chemistry. They make my thinking more open. I like the responsible teacher as well. I really admire him. A good teacher is like a light that leads me forward.

I have made many good friends this year. They make my life full of happiness. But, I was hurt one time. It wasn’t sad, it was like an alert. It made me understand what is good and bad. As I keep growing, my thoughts change a lot.

I hope you can tell me about your hometown and keep in touch.

Thank you!
Wen Ju

YN 040 - Yan Hong

2010-01-19T13:44:00.001-08:00

Dear Gould Academy Students:

Hello! How are you doing? Since I learned that you sponsored me this year, I have been thinking about you a lot from far away. Time has passed so quickly, another semester is about to end and it seems like it just started. Although the road is not easy and indeed it can be very rough, still, I will never give up on my education.

The cool wind of winter has started. Every time when summer starts, the whole village seems so alive and even more wonderful. I love summer and I also love my village, where we have so many special times. In the summer each year, we celebrate a special festival, the Dragon Boat Festival (端午节). It is as big as our Spring Festival (春节) celebration. During the festivals, the village is so crowded and lively. The traditional customs are interesting. The people worship God and direct their hearts to rely on God that their next year will have good luck. The people around town say, “The bigger the celebration this year, the better harvest we’ll get next year.”

Every time I need to go to school, I walk along the roads between the fields for about two hours. I live in the dormitory at the school but I am able to return home every weekend. When I am at home I help out by doing chores or farming in our field. I love my parents. I think they are the greatest people. Their love for their child cannot be described with words.

I also enjoy my life at school. I like to participate in activities such as playing badminton, ping-pong, jumping rope, etc. When I feel down, I always chat with my friends. That is how I relax the most. I love History the best. It gives me pride to learn about the old great Chinese culture. But, the teacher I like the best is my Politics teacher. He is funny, kind, and also optimistic. Finally, I really want a good ending for this semester as a gift for my parents.

In order to achieve my dream of going to college, I will work harder. Although I have very little material things, I will keep on moving forward and will never give up. My life is a lot better now and this gives me confidence.

“You must scatter the seed to reap the harvest.” Therefore, I’ll work harder to get a wonderful life. Last, I wish you all good health and that everything goes as you have planned.

Yan Hong

YN 041 - Qian

2010-01-19T13:43:00.002-08:00

Dear Hannah and Olivia:

Thank you for your letter. I’m very happy that you wrote to me. I am very touched. I have seen your photos and you seem like two beautiful and energetic girls. Your pictures remind me of my own childhood. I was so pure at that time.

The things that give me strength and keep me studying so hard are the unconditional love of my parents and the encouragement and expectations of my friends and relatives. I think that I am very lucky because I know there are many people in this world who care about me. So, I’m not only working hard for myself but also for my family and for society! Actually, when I first began to attend high school, I was curious about everything. I also thought that high school was a bit difficult. Now I have fallen in love with my new teachers, my new classes and my classmates here.

If I wasn’t able to receive a full education and wasn’t able to finish high school, I think I would have been very depressed. This is because I love life. I love to learn. I don’t want to be “blind” in this new era. Just like you said in your letter to me, I am China’s future, so I will dedicate my actions and efforts to my country and society!

As for my scholarship, I think that if I didn’t work so hard for it, then I would feel guilty to receive it. But I did work hard for it, so maybe I deserve it. When I learned that I received the scholarship, I was very happy. Thank you for your love and support. Thank you for your encouragement. I sincerely give you my thanks. I think that education defines a person and a country’s destiny. Higher education can raise a person’s morale. Without education, a person is incomplete.

Since I was little, I have dreamed of attending college and of becoming a scientist. If I can graduate, then I would help my parents earn money, help my little brother and little sister achieve their dreams and raise the level of science and culture in my county. If I earn a lot of money, I will help people in need.

I want to tell you, “Thank you! I love you!” I wish you health and happiness.

Qian

YN 042 - Ji Mei

2010-01-19T13:43:00.001-08:00

Dear Drees Family

How have you been lately? I think you must be very busy! I am very thankful for your concern and support. I hope that I can learn more about your family. Can you tell me some stories about yourselves? I’m very glad to share with you some information about me.

Do you want to know how I was able to test into this high school? Let me tell you about it! When I was still a middle school student, I really wanted to study in high school so I could get more education. The only conviction in my heart was to test into this high school. No matter how difficult it would be to be accepted, I would never give up. Because of this faith, I was always hard working. I believed that one day success would be mine.

When I received the notice about my test, I was so excited that I couldn’t speak. I knew that on the road of life I had taken a big step. As I thought about high school, I was filled with yearning. Since that day, I have worked even harder because I now I am filled with confidence.

When I learned about the Moving Mountains’ scholarship, I felt so full of blessings. Now, I am resolved in my conviction that I will definitely test into university. Again, I am full of yearning. Because I have so many people who have concern for me, I will not lot them lose their hope. I look forward to seeing how my studies will change my life’s path and my parents’ lives. I hope their lives will be more abundant.

My dream is to test into university. I will strive to get a lot of money to help even more children who need help. After I graduate from the university, I have another dream. I want to meet you face to face and tell you, “Thank you.” Afterwards, I want to travel to many places around the world. But, my utmost goal is to work my hardest to help those people whose lives are the most difficult. I want to plant the love you have given me and pass it on. I want to accompany more people in this activity. This will make the world brim with love and harmony.

Finally, I wish the Drees family a Merry Christmas and hope that your work goes well. I wish that you have happiness every day and that you don’t have any worries.

Yours,

Ji Mei

YN 043 - Mao Li

2010-01-19T13:42:00.003-08:00

Dear Reilly Family,

Thank you for your help! Although we do not know each other yet, I am grateful for your financial assistance for my school studies. Because of the kindness of your hearts, I can study in school comfortably and my family can worry less about the charges for my tuition.

In the past, I didn’t like to study and my grades were poor. During that time, I even got into trouble and my parents worried about me. Sometimes my mother couldn’t help but cry for me. As time went by, I gradually understood that my parents made many sacrifices for me. They worried about my future and were afraid that I would waste my life. As a result, when I was in the sixth grade, I began to study hard. When I played, I would keep in mind that my parents were working hard in the fields. When I would almost fall asleep in class, I would work to have energy again quickly. I was able to enter middle school smoothly and I continued to keep this frame of mind.

After three years of middle school, I entered this high school. When I first began here, I was not accustomed to the workload. I studied every day, but it seemed that my hard work made no improvement and my grades were not great. Now, I have gradually become used to it and now I feel that high school is not as hard for me.

One thing that touches me deeply is that not everyone can receive an education. Everyone should have access to education, because knowledge can change one’s destiny. Knowledge will help me achieve my dreams and bring about a beautiful tomorrow.

I don’t want to allow anyone to suffer harm so, when I grow up, I want to become a policewoman. I will protect my country and everyone around me. When I have the ability to help others, I will try my best to help the people who need my help, just like you have done. I would like to be a philanthropic person and dedicate myself to helping others.

I will work even harder on my studies than before. Thank you again for your help. I wish you good health and wish that you may have all of your wishes come true!

Mao Li

YN 044 - Xing Lin

2010-01-19T13:42:00.001-08:00

Dear Lili,

Hello! I really appreciate your help! It allows me to make it through all of my difficulties and continue my education. For us, education is very important. When I was young, I had a dream. My dream was to leave my poor village with my parents and move into a big, bustling city. In order to go to a better high school and to make my dream come true, I tried really hard during my junior high school years. The results turned out just the way I hoped. I got into the school I always wanted to be in! That made me feel really excited. It is very significant for a child who lives in the mountains to attend such a great school.

Now, I am already a senior one student and I have another big dream. Take a wild guess. Do you know what it is? Well, I think you can keep a secret. This big dream of mine is to go to college and become a teacher in the future. I have always wanted to do this job. After I graduate, with my education, I can lead the people in my hometown so they can walk out of illiteracy and poverty.

You really have no idea how deeply grateful my family and I were when we received the news that you would help me continue my education! It made us all cry… really! We don’t know how we can ever thank you!

Although we have never seen each other, I know that you must be a very kind and lovely girl. Finally, I give my best blessings to you and your family and wish you happiness every day, good studies and a joyful family!

Best wishes and lots of love,

Xing Lin

YN 045 - Wan Mei

2010-01-19T13:41:00.000-08:00

Dear Nina,

Thank you for writing me a letter. I was happy to receive it.

I want to tell you that when I was little, my family was poor. As a result, I didn’t begin going to school until I was eight years old. When I was in middle school, I could think of nothing but going to high school. As time went by, I learned more and more and I felt the real pleasure of learning. I was extremely happy when I was accepted into this high school. I could feel the joy of my dreams coming true.

But, in the middle of my happiness, there was some concern. I worried about the tuition charges. I wondered if after high school I could pay back a loan. Your help allows me to not worry, to have no anxiety – to beam with joy and smiles. I want to really tell you “Thank you.” Because of your help, I’ve decided to try to go to college. No matter if I have success or failure, I am willing to take a chance. Even if one day I have failure, still I will not feel bad because I know that I had your encouragement and I will feel content. It will take a lot of work, but I still hope that will succeed. If there is a day in the future that I can complete my education, then I can grant my hard working father some rest and I can use both of my hands to help more people.

My dream is very simple. I want to go to a good university so I don’t disappoint my father and waste the nurturing he has given me. If I have the opportunity, I would like to try my best to transform my hometown and make it a place where people want to stay, a united, peaceful and affluent town that people don’t want to move from once they have lived there.

Thank you Nina.

Wan Mei

YN 046 - Da Qiao

2010-01-19T13:40:00.000-08:00

Dear Careen,

Thank you for giving me help and caring for me. Because my family did not have enough money to support me they felt immense pressure to make ends meet. To try to get me into school, they put all their efforts into earning money even when it was painful and exhausting. Our life in the farming village has been poor. Your help is like offering us fuel in snowy weather. It makes me hopeful for the future. When I was young, I enjoyed learning new things. Because my family isn’t rich, I worked hard in school and my future was full of hope.

When I was in middle school, I looked at a college student from my hometown and thought about the education my parents had. I decided that I should study hard to fulfill my dream of going to college. In return for the pain and pressure my parents were suffering, I gave them my good grades hoping that they can eventually have a better life in the future. When I experienced problems with my studies, I would think of my family and what they have sacrificed for me. That is the power that keeps me going.

When I received notification of my entrance to this high school I was delighted, but also sad. If I were to continue studying in high school my parents would have to work even harder and they would have even more weight on their shoulders. When I thought about not being able to continue studying, I didn’t know what to do. I was convinced that learning would be my life’s companion. If I lost the opportunity to learn, what would I do? I was unsure of what to do.

After I received the scholarship from you, I became full of hope again. For me, this scholarship plays an important role in my life and fills my future with hope. My goal is to finish high school and enter an ideal university. Afterwards, I hope that I can contribute to my community and dedicate myself to helping there. Also, I hope that after graduating I can find a suitable job so that my parents will be happy and be proud of me. I also hope I can be like you – helping people who need help.

Here, I would like to present you with my heartfelt thankfulness again. With my whole heart, I wish you blessings of happiness and peace.

Sincerely,

Da Qiao

YN 047 - Yong Chun

2010-01-19T13:39:00.002-08:00

Dear XXX Family,

First of all, I want to thank you very much for your support and help. Your assistance helps reduce my family’s burden.

When I was in junior high school (junior 1 and junior 2), my scores weren’t good. When I reached junior 3, I realized that if I didn’t study hard my life would be spoiled. Then all I would be able to do is live like my parents and become a farmer. Therefore, I decided to strive in my studies. That is why I went to the school that is far from my home. I studied hard in order to be admitted into this high school. After I finish university, I hope to find a job with a stable income so I can let my parents have an easy and relaxed life.

When I was admitted into high school, I was so excited. I knew that I did not disappoint my parents and teachers. Before I studied in high school, I looked forward to high school life. However, when I really began to study here, I discovered that high school is very different from junior high school. High school has more subjects and I didn’t know anyone here. It was hard to understand what the teachers said in class. It made me feel disoriented and I didn’t know what to do or how to do it. I think that was the main reason why I didn’t have a good grade on my first test. However, it is better now. I have become accustomed to the new environment here and my relationships with my classmates are better now, too! This has given me more confidence to catch up.

I never thought about what would happen if I couldn’t go to school. My parents always told me that if I was accepted to this school, then I could go no matter how much money they would need to earn. They said that they would work hard to enable me to study. What they told me really encouraged me. If I faced a difficult situation, I still completed my schoolwork. But when I received the tuition notice, I knew that the financial burden would be too hard on my parents.

I had no idea that I could receive a scholarship. I had never heard about it before. My teacher told us that there is an organization that helps people who need help in Yunnan and other areas. When I heard that, I knew that the love in this world never stopped. Some things are hard to put into words. This financial help has made a big effect on my future. I know that in the world, there are still many poor people who need to help. After I grow up, I hope that I can do what you are doing – passing on the love and selflessly helping others.

For me, poverty means nothing. True wealth is in the heart. Because of my poverty I know how to cherish the right things and I know that money has no power. There are some things that can’t be bought. There are many famous people who have poor childhoods, aren’t there?

My dream is to become a doctor. Being a doctor would not only help people, but it would also help me take care of my family. But, my dream may change in the future. Even if it changes, I will still work hard. I hope that after I graduate, I will have the ability to help my hometown and make it better. I can help it look more beautiful and I can allow my family to have a happy life!

Finally, I wish you happiness and joy every day,

Yong Chun

YN 048 - Li Ping

2010-01-19T13:39:00.001-08:00

Dear Doug and Amanda,

First, thank you for helping me continue my studies. I live in a village in Yunnan province. There are six people in my family. I have an older sister who is studying in high school, a younger sister studying in junior high school and a younger brother studying in elementary school. I love studying and hope that I can keep studying in a university. Studying at a university has been my dream since I was a child. I love my parents and all those people who helped me handle difficulties. I will study hard these three years in high school to achieve my dream.

When I was studying in junior high school, I studied very hard so that I could continue to study in high school. But, since my family is so poor my parents could not afford the tuition. I could not study any more. I was so sad and cried at that time. When I learned that you would help me continue my studies, I was so happy. I am determined to study hard in return for your great help and so that I can change my life and have a shining future.

My class at school is united. My classmates are all working hard to pursue their dreams too. “I work hard so that I can be outstanding. I have confidence that I can succeed.” This is my class’ motto and it is also mine. In order to pay back your kindness, I will become an excellent person and change my life.

Every day is a new beginning. I am grateful to have this new beginning when I face the changes in my life. You have changed my future. I hope that I can meet you myself some day and say “Thank you!” face-to-face. Although it is impossible now, I will study hard to make you feel proud and happy.

I want to tell you some good things. I am obedient and I honor my parents at home. I study so hard, that I know I will never disappoint my teachers at school. In their eyes I am a good student.

Christmas is coming and I wish you a Merry Christmas. Although I am in China, I really wish I could meet with you at Christmas. When I am admitted to a university, I think you will be happy, won’t you?

Finally, I wish you blessings of feeling happiness every day and that your work goes smoothly. I won’t fall short of your expectations for me. I will study hard to get even better grades and realize my college dream.

Best wishes to you.

Li Ping

YN 049 - Yong Ju

2010-01-19T13:38:00.000-08:00

Dear Julie and John:

Hello! I deeply appreciate your care and support. It makes me feel really happy.

When I was little, I especially envied those children who could carry their school bags to high school. Now, I am honored to have the opportunity to study in this school. I cherish every moment that I can study here and I think that studying is enjoyable.

Unfortunately, my family isn’t wealthy. The only thing I could do was to take every opportunity to learn. I knew I faced the danger of leaving school at any time. When I was in middle school, I studied hard to learn new things. When I reached high school age, I wasn’t happy because I knew I might not have the opportunity to continue my studies. My parents tried to borrow money to allow me to study in high school. This really concerned and troubled me. When I learned that I received your financial support, I gained confidence and felt very happy.

Deng Xiaoping once said this, “Scientific technique is the first productive force.” I think becoming educated is the most important thing I can do if I want to change my life. A person can enrich herself through knowledge and the result is a more successful future.

I think that in the future, I should use my time and efforts to search for more knowledge. And, I should be brave in facing all kinds of problems in my life. I also want to become a person that can help patients and children to ease their pain and to help them grow healthily beneath a sun of love. Becoming a loving doctor has always been my dream. I hope that I can use love to warm people’s hearts.

I wish you will always be healthy.

Merry Christmas!

Knowledge can change destiny.

Yong Ju

YN 050 - Long Juan

2010-01-19T13:37:00.002-08:00

Dear XXX Family:

Thank you very much for sponsoring me!

When I was studying in junior high school, the only thing that encouraged me to keep learning and to do my best in everything was that I wanted knowledge to change my destiny. Born into a poor family, I did not complain about anything. On the contrary, I thought it was a blessing because I know that heaven gives challenges to those who have the strength. Maybe heaven is testing my patience and perseverance and I think that this is a priceless treasure to me. Now, I face challenges bravely and try to make myself stronger.

When I received the acceptance letter for senior high school I was glad, but also a little distressed about the tuition. I planned to drop out and make some income for my family, but my parents stopped me and tried to borrow money to pay for my school fees. With all of the difficulties my family has faced, I felt full of contradictions inside.

When I learned that I was one of the people who won a scholarship, I was moved and full of appreciation. This is really significant for a poor student like me. I think I can finish my education and with the support of all of the people in my community, I can break away from poverty and change my family and my village. After the three years of high school, I hope that I can test into an ideal university and return the care you have shown to me by helping others in my community. If everyone can dedicate a little love, the world will be as beautiful as heaven.

May your wishes come true and blessings on your family.

Yours,

Long Juan

YN 051 - Cai Xian

2010-01-19T13:37:00.001-08:00

Dear Lily

Hello! I am deeply grateful for the help you have given to me. You have given me the chance to continue studying and allowed me to continue to pursue a fine future full of opportunities. You spread love to humanity and gave aid to others when they were in distress. I will continue to flourish in the spirit you have shown me.

I am from a family with many economic difficulties so I have always had a great desire to learn. I hope that I can graduate from college and reach my goal. During junior high school, I studied and learned things with all of my strength because I wanted to attend this school. It was what I hoped for, so I became well-educated.

When I received the admission notice for this high school, I was glad but also worried that my parents couldn’t afford the tuition. Now, because of your assistance, I can go to this senior high school. I believe that I will study diligently and get into an excellent college with my brilliant grades. I will not disappoint you and waste the support you have shown me. When I graduate, I will use my abilities to make my hometown wealthier and give my aid to those who need my help, just as you have done.

I want to thank you again with my sincere heart and wish you a Merry Christmas!

Cai Xian

YN 052 - Xun Lian

2010-01-19T13:36:00.000-08:00

Dear Bill, Karen, Ryan and Corrin,

I’m really thankful for your support. Because of your support, the economic burden has been lifted from the shoulders of my aged parents. I won’t need to worry about whether I have to drop out of school because my father and mother cannot pay for my tuition.

I tried very hard in junior high school because I wanted to improve my family’s situation and contribute to my family who has given so much to me. Through my effort, I was finally admitted to this senior high school. When I got the admission notice, my family members and I were all happy.

Even though we were all happy, my parents worried about whether my family could afford this expensive tuition. Then, all of my family fell into gloom. I thought that I should give up my school work to reduce the burden on my family. However, I didn’t want to do that because if I gave up going to school because we are poor, then I would also be poor for the rest of my life.

No matter what happened, I knew I must keep on working hard. I believed that with effort, I would succeed someday. My parents also agreed that I should keep on studying but we didn’t know what to do about the tuition. Not long after I got accepted to this school, I learned that I would receive your help. I was really touched. I will study hard to repay your kindness with my grades. I want to become a person that has a great heart and that contributes to society just like you. I won’t fall short of your expectations! I will prove it by my actions!

By the way, I want to tell you that my biggest dream is to be admitted to one of the top universities. After I finish college, I am sure I can get a good job. Then, I can contribute more to my family and improve their poor situation as well. I will then fulfill my dream to help people in need and to become a person who spreads love.

Christmas is coming soon. I wish you a Merry Christmas from the bottom of my heart. I also wish your family health. I hope that everything will go well in your life, that your whole family is happy, that work goes smoothly and that you do great in your studies.

Thank you for your concern and help.

Xun Lian

YN 053 - Xing Yu

2010-01-19T13:35:00.002-08:00

Dear XXX Family,

I was pleased to see the letter you wrote to me. Thank you very much for your help, not only for the financial assistance, but also for teaching me how to help others. I have now learned that there is a great happiness in helping others. At the same time, I also understand that the only thing I can do to repay your kindness is to study hard and to become a kind person like yourselves.

I have studied hard since I was young. Because we live in the mountains far from the city, studying is the most important thing we can do. If we don’t study hard, we could lose the chance to succeed in this society. People in China are not as open-minded about poor people as the people in America, but I still tried hard to fit in. I worked hard and finally got into this high school.

Although life in high school is hard, I won’t give up. I will study harder. I have a dream that will never change even if I am grown up. I want to have my own company and help more students that are poor like me and help them finish their educations. Right now, it may seem very hard to reach this goal, but if I want to do something, I need to push through many difficulties.
I hope someday I can meet you. It would be wonderful for me. Because of your help, things are easier when times get hard. I don’t need to worry about my school fees. Thank you very much! I will never forget all of you! Your children are very cute. I wish them a fabulous life and all of you happiness and health.

Christmas is coming so I wish you a Merry Christmas. My hope is that one day I can say thank you to you with my own voice.

Xing Yu

YN 054 - Wei Yan

2010-01-19T13:34:00.002-08:00

Dear Stephanie and Paul,

Greetings! I greatly appreciate your financial support. Because of your support, I am able to complete my high school education and I have gained more confidence. My family has been funding not only my tuition, but also my little brother’s and little sister’s education. But the tuition costs for high school are much higher than the fees for junior high.

Life has been very difficult for my poor family. The only reason I was accepted into this high school was because my parents supported me all the way. Although life is very tough for them, not once did they ever complain. Instead, they often encourage me to study hard and not worry. Therefore, no matter how many obstacles I encounter, I will find a way to overcome them. When I found out that I was accepted into high school, feelings of joy swelled up within me because I was one step closer to achieving my goal. However, the economic state of our family worried me greatly. At times, I wanted to give up. Yet, my parents continued to support me. With the help of my teacher, I found out that our high school had this kind of scholarship and I worked hard to obtain this precious scholarship.

I hope that through earning a complete education, I will be able to change my destiny and let my family experience a better life. I understand that the road before me will be long and difficult to travel. However, with the support of my family and you, I believe that I will have the courage to press on. My current goal is to be accepted into an ideal college. Maybe I will be able to become a doctor or teacher some day. I look forward to college.

After I graduate from college, I will seek a good job that will be able to change the situation my family is in. I will help my parents fulfill dreams they once deemed impossible. If I get the chance, I will establish an elementary school in my hometown so that the children there will be able to fulfill their dreams through a better education and live a life without regret.

Once again, I thank you for all of your help. I wish you and your family health and happiness.

Wei Yan

YN 055 - Zheng Rui

2010-01-19T13:33:00.000-08:00

Dear An-Li,

Hello! I am a girl who comes from the mountainous countryside of Yunnan. My family is not well-off. When I learned that I received your financial help, I was very happy and thankful. My father and mother bear a great economic burden. Because of your financial help, I am able to continue to study in high school. I am now eased in my studies. My father and mother are both farmers. From their birth, they were not able to study in school. They are both illiterate. My older brother and older sister both left our home to find work. I have a little brother who is studying in primary school. Our school fees and living fees are a burden for my father and mother because they are farmers. Our life only comes from what they grow in the ground.

From the time I was small until I became big, I have only wanted to study hard. At the same time, I established a resolute goal – I definitely wanted to test into a good university. Because my home county is exceptionally poor and the education is really limited I hoped that studying could change my destiny. I studied in the city for middle school. When I was there, I experienced the feeling of life in the city and it is a big contrast to my home village. At that time, I decided in my heart to study even harder. When the future comes, I will build up myself and leave my village behind.

When I took the high school entrance exam my excellent score allowed me to enter my county’s number one school. When I knew that I had tested into the number 1 school, I was so excited. I also felt matchless pride. My father and mother were excited about my score and yet at the same time were worried about the tuition because the tuition is very high.

At that time, I was scared. If my father and mother could not bear the responsibility for my tuition then what could I to do? But, as I said, studying is the way out. No matter what, I knew I must continue my studies.

I’ve studied for many years and I’ve never before received any assistance. So, I don’t really understand how I was able to receive your gift. Now, my goal is to test into a good university. My dream is to find work that pays well in order to help my teachers, people who helped me and my home village. I most want to help my home village build itself up to be the most beautiful.

There is a phrase “Education is the only way out, Education is the best way out.” I hope that studying can change my destiny and can make my future successful. I will definitely study hard and won’t disappoint the people who support me. I want to thank you again for helping me. I am eternally grateful. Because of your help I will study hard. I wish you a Merry Christmas and wish that your work will go smoothly.

Zheng Rui

YN 056 - Mei Lin

2010-01-19T13:32:00.002-08:00

Dear Munslow Family,

Thank you very much for your help. I really appreciate it.

When I was very young, my father passed away. So my mother brought me up alone. No matter how hard the life was, she tried her best to give me what I needed. Deep in my heart, I really know that I must try my best in my studies for my mother, for my small home, for myself and for a wonderful life. So I work harder and harder.

When I passed the high school entrance examination, I was happy because I knew I had made it. But I worried because I would have to leave my home and my mother. What’s more, my education would bring much more pressure to my mother. She would have to work much harder to earn more money for me. My heart was full of conflicts.

Now, I received a scholarship from you and I am in high school. In my mind, I know if I work hard, I will be successful so I don’t care how rich my classmates are. The pressure to succeed is also another kind of driving force for me. I just study hard to fulfill my dream of going to college. Having the scholarship also encourages me a lot. Thank you again.

I don’t need too much. I just need a school where I can focus on my studies and some nice teachers. I really hope that I can go to a nice college and meet some good teachers and friends. I like Hunan province, so I hope I can be a student at the Hunan University. When I graduate, I hope I can find a stable job. For now, I will work harder and harder for my dream and my home.

Thank you again for everything.

Mei Lin

YN 057 ~ Fei Yan

2010-01-19T13:32:00.001-08:00

Dear Jennie and Anna,

I am very happy to receive the letter from you. Seeing your beautiful smiles has given me enormous encouragement. I am truly grateful for the help you’ve given to me. It arrived when I needed it the most. It is you who relieved my family’s financial difficulties and made it possible for me to learn in the best high school.

Even when I was little, I had seen enough of the poverty in my village. I promised myself that I must use my future success to improve my hometown, help my family and change my destiny. This is the notion that acts as the propeller to keep me striving for the best.

In junior high school, I worked really hard to get into this high school. I had always wanted to go to here but, when I was accepted, I realized that my tuition and living expenses were almost impossible to shoulder. My dad went down into neighborhood and pooled together all the money he could get, but it still wasn’t enough. Thankfully at this time, you appeared like a savior and helped with the financial burden.

I believe that knowledge changes our destinies and education helps us achieve a better future. I know it’s no one’s fault that I was born into such a poor family, but it will be my fault if I don’t try my best and help my village. My goal is to go to the best university specializing in finance and economics in Shanghai. Although it is a long way to go, I am confident that I will make my dream come true.

“Never be afraid of failure, only fear not working hard enough.”

Lastly, with a grateful heart, I must earnestly say, “Thank you!” You are the ones who allowed me to focus on my learning and to strive for my dream!

Sincerely,

Fei Yan

YN 058 ~ Mei

2010-01-19T13:30:00.002-08:00

Dear Carmen,

I really appreciate receiving your help. It’s your compassion that allows me to feel humanity’s warmth and greatness. I am eighteen years old, I live in Yunnan and I am in my first year of senior high school.

Because of my family’s poor financial situation and the poverty in my village, I made up my mind to study as hard as I could so that I could change my destiny. I studied really hard in junior high school so I would be able to go to this school.

However, after I was accepted to this senior high school, I saw how hard my parents tried to work to try to pay the expensive tuition. I was so sad that it made me feel pangs in my heart. When I received your scholarship, I was really touched. I appreciate that you not only gave me financial assistance but also your love and concern.

If the day came when I wasn’t able to go to school anymore, I can’t even imagine what I would do. I really needed to receive a good education. I hope this education can provide me an opportunity to work to improve myself. I hope I can study hard in this environment and pass through life in senior high school successfully.

My aim is to be admitted to a top university. After I realize this dream, I will work hard to earn money and help others who are in need. I also hope I can see you one day and say thank you to you in person. You have really helped me a lot.

If I realize my dream one day, I will use my ability to help my fellow citizens. To help get rid of poverty and to help people walk into happiness. I will also do my best to help those who are excellent in character and learning but are poor teenagers.

Christmas is coming and I hope you have a happy Christmas time and live happily and abundantly.

Yours Sincerely,

Mei

YN 059 ~ Lin

2010-01-19T13:30:00.001-08:00

Dear Hannah,

Hello! I am very thankful for the financial help you gave me. With your help, I can tell that love and warmth are omnipresent.

When I was in junior high, my motivation for learning was the poverty of my family. For a kid from the countryside, the only way to rid yourself from poverty is to study hard. It’s also a way that I can repay my parents. I want to honor my parents by studying hard. I want them to know that their sweat didn’t flow in vain. For all of these reasons, I had the motivation to get into this high school.

Fortunately, just when I first got into this high school, I learned of your financial help. Because of your help, I’m more confident in my life. I know that there are some kind-hearted people silently supporting and encouraging me. Maybe this is the most genuine love in the world! I will cherish and preserve this love carefully and use it to repay the people who helped me in the only way I can - by getting good grades.

If I had not been able to go to school anymore, I would have been very upset because I had such a strong desire to go to school. I wanted to learn a lot of information, meet a lot of new people and enrich my life by going to school. If you saw others at the same age as you going to school happily but you can’t, you would be overwhelmed with sorrow.

I always believed that knowledge changes destiny so I’ll make this a motive and continue to strive for success. Now my goal is to be admitted to a good university. My dream is to become a teacher and pass my knowledge to many students and foster many competent people in my county.

After I graduate from school, I’ll change my family and village if I have the ability. I will never forget the people who have helped me and I’ll try my best to repay them.

May I get a photo of you and your mother? Thank you for your help.

I wish you and your family have a nice day and that you live happily ever after.

Sincerely,

Lin

YN 061 ~ Li Mei

2010-01-19T13:29:00.000-08:00

Dear AiLi,

I feel very grateful for your support and concern. You’re the one giving me the chance to fulfill my dream of studying in high school. It would be impossible for me to enjoy the life in high school without your help. Therefore, I will definitely grasp the opportunity and try my best to learn. My goal in finishing my education is to not only to fulfill my dream but also to pay this kind of caring forward.

In junior high, I studied with effort because of the great encouragement from my grandparents. They are my emotional support. I still remember the time when I attended an athletic competition. Although I was so tired that I could barely move, every time they showed up in my mind I accelerated my steps.

When I received the notice that I was accepted into high school, I was half happy and half worried. The good news was that I made it, my effort wasn’t in vain. On the other hand, the tuition and living expenses were too much money to spend and I couldn’t find any way to obtain such abundant money.

If I was not able to study, I would be a nobody. I would be just like a broken-winged bird not knowing where to go. I would be like a kite with a broken string floating without a clue. I could only wish that the spirit of love would appear to help me.

My dream is to be enrolled in a good college so that I can learn more about things like culture and at the same time expand my horizon. I hope to be a useful person by doing my best helping others. If I become successful in the future, I’ll never forget how my family and country nurtured me. I’ll absolutely give back to those people who helped me.

I really appreciate this opportunity and I will cherish it. No matter how difficult the hurdle is to overcome, I will persevere and never get beaten up. A storm finch gets tougher after rainstorms and a plantling grows higher after heavy rains. I firmly believe that nobody achieves a goal without hard work and that belief makes me fight for my goal at all times.

Thank you again for your support and help. I wish you joyfulness and blessedness in your family.

Sincerely,

Li Mei

YN 062 ~ Xiu

2010-01-19T13:28:00.002-08:00

Dear Kyle,

My name is Xiu. My home is in a small village in the mountains. Since I was little, I’ve lived far from home. Although my family isn’t complete, the love I get is quite complete. My mom loves me a lot and it is her love that gives me power. Thinking of her makes me more self-confident and makes me stronger when I feel down or as I’m facing difficulties. Even though she is not beside me right now, her love will not be blocked by the distance between us. It is her love that gives me energy to move on. When I continue learning and I am trying hard, she is glad.

When I took my high school entrance exam, I was extremely busy and I was very anxious. I felt pressure because my mom wanted me to attend a good high school. I was nervous while I waited for my grades after the test. I was very glad to receive the score report which said, “Pass.” I was so excited to immediately tell my mother the good news. She was extraordinarily joyful too. At the same time, I understood that high school would be the start of a different time in my life. I would need to try to study even harder.

Everything has been busy since I began attending this high school. It takes a lot of energy to deal with the daily routine. I almost can’t pull myself away from the sea of books. Just like many classmates, I put all my energy into studying.

I have experienced a metamorphosis because of this scholarship. I felt responsibility and encouragement as I received it. I knew I shouldn’t waste the money given from you, from the other side of the ocean. I should try harder. I shouldn’t be beaten up by failure! I swore to myself that I would learn well because I know that nothing but knowledge changes fate.

Since we are still growing, we need education to reinforce ourselves. Because we are still naïve, we need knowledge to fill ourselves up. Since we only understand a little about the world, we need to be educated to enhance our knowledge.

I’m a self-confident, optimistic girl. I have self-confidence in my future. I hope to be an engineer and to build the highest and the warmest homes for the homeless, as a shelter to soothe their minds. I also want to be a rich person who earns her own wealth by her hard work. If that’s the case, I could be more powerful. I could have more energy to help those in need. I could use love to help those facing obstacles, just like you have done.

Xiu

YN 063 Meng Juan

2010-01-19T13:28:00.001-08:00

Dear Root Family,

How are you? I am Meng Juan and I am in the first year of high school. Thanks a lot for the help you have given me. Your help inspires me immensely. It gives me confidence to finish high school and makes my life full of hope. Love is throughout the world and my heart feels warm.

Both my mother and father are disabled. Besides, my mother suffers from serious illness and has to rely on medicine every day. Only my grandmother and grandfather are able to look after and take care of me. My elder sister is in high school as well, so the burden of tuition was too heavy for them to breathe. At first, my grandparents planned to let my elder sister drop out and go to work to support me. But then I got the scholarship. So now, my sister can stay in school, too!

When I was in middle school, my Chinese teacher talked deeply with me. She got to know about my family and encouraged me to study relaxed, rather than with a heavy load in my heart. It is she who encouraged me for the first time and motivated me to go on working hard and made me full of confidence. So, in the future, I will study harder and harder to show myself that I can do it.

Hearing that I was accepted into this high school, I felt joy and sorrow mixed. But sorrow was bigger, for my family’s pressure was obviously heavier. That is to say, my grandparents had to support my sister and me, so the burden became double. As a result, the possibility for me to continue studying was uncertain.

After I was informed that I had got scholarship, I was wild with joy. It was a kind of inspiration stimulating me to study harder than before. With a family like mine, only knowledge can change our fate. Nothing but perseverance can make success. I am a dreamer and I have so many dreams. I dream of traveling abroad, but I don’t know if that can be realized or not. I understand the way to make it come true is making every effort.

I wish you all the best.
Thank you very much!
Yours Sincerely,

Meng Juan

Age Fifteen
Annual family income 3000 RMB = $439
Favorite class English, Chinese, biology, PE, chemistry
Favorite sport Running, long-jump, playing basketball
Free time activities Painting, listening to music
Summer holiday activities Helped with harvesting corn, picked mushrooms
Future goals To enter Yunnan Normal University and go to study and travel abroad

YN 064 Mei Ling

2010-01-19T13:27:00.000-08:00

Dear Alirose and David,

My name is Mei Ling and I’m a student in the first year of high school. I’m writing to say thank you for your generosity. I am so happy that I can go to this high school and what makes me even happier is that I have gotten your help.

When I was in middle school, I had a kind of unconditional love from my parents. That is what inspired me to study so hard. No matter how hard life was or how tired my parents were, they always supported me to go to school to receive more education. Usually, when my father and mother came home from working on the farm, they had sweat and dirt on their faces and muddy pants and shoes. I would help them unload their baskets and hoes from their shoulders. That is why, I made up my mind to study hard to repay them and give them an easy life in the future.

When I got my high school entrance offer, the whole family felt glad for me. I could see the happiness shining on my parents’ faces. But I also understood the complicated feelings deep inside their hearts that they didn’t show me. They were happy at my good news but also worried about my tuition because it was more than my family could afford.

Once I heard the news that I received a scholarship from you, I was so excited that I couldn’t help jumping with joy! With your help, my parents have no need to worry so much about my education and their burden has been relieved to some extent.

I really want to express my thanks again for your support, your encouragement, your help and your understanding.

Yours sincerely,

Mei Ling