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Three Cups of Tea Fundraiser Back by Popular Demand |
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Written by Tara Leonard
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SANTA CRUZ (January, 2010) -- Moved by the community response to their inaugural tea cup fundraiser last February, Santa Cruz artists Steven and Bonnie Barisof are planning a second annual event on February 11 at the Rio Theatre. Inspired by Greg Mortenson's bestselling memoir, Three Cups of Tea, the event raises money for Mortenson's Central Asia Institute to help build schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
"If you educate a girl, you educate a community,” Mortenson writes in his new book, Stones Into Schools: Promoting Peace with Books Not Bombs in Afghanistan and Pakistan. “The
better educated a woman is, the less likely she will be to let her
children join the Taliban…Their greatest fear is not the bullet, but
the pen.” Or in this case, the potter’s wheel!
Clay artists for more than
30 years, the Barisofs came up with a unique fundraising concept that
captured the title and spirit of Mortenson’s first book. “Three cups of
tea” refers to a code of hospitality practiced in Pakistan: with a
first cup of tea you are a stranger, with the second you become a
friend, and with the third you join the family. The Barisofs asked 50
local artists to create sets of three teacups. The cups were then
auctioned off via website, culminating in a live auction and community
gathering.
“There was great response
from the community, which is why we’re doing it again,” Bonnie
explained. “Last year we raised more than $9500 with all of it going to
the Institute. We had no expenses because whatever we needed was
donated. It was truly amazing and exceeded our expectations!”
This year, the Barisofs have
also invited painters, photographers and other artists to participate
with artwork related to the theme. For instance, Westcoast Weathervanes
contributed a whimsical custom weathervane featuring a teapot and cups
gilded with 23 carat gold. Alena Byrnes designed a gorgeous bracelet
with lapis, jade and antique Afghani silver charms.
Contributing artist Liz
Crain, who has extended family members from Central Asia, was
immediately captivated by the project. Drawing on her relatives’
knowledge, last year Crain designed cups that said stranger, friend and family in
calligraphic Farsi script. This year, she’s donating three different
sets of cups. One explores the theme of water, air and fire, while
another is inspired by the Pakistan flag.
“Going into it last year, it
sounded like the most wonderful idea,” Crain recalled. “Then it turned
into this profound gathering of all kinds of people who had a wonder in
their hearts. We were completely blown away by the community’s
enthusiasm for it. The point of repeating it is not only to raise
money, but also to create a rhythm for the event so even more of the
community can get on board.”
Cups by Liz Crain
Interested bidders can log on to 3-cups-of-tea-santacruz.com to
view the artwork and learn more about the Central Asia Institute.
Beginning on January 25, the public can place bids on-line starting at
a predetermined minimum. Bids will go up at set increments and continue
during the silent auction event.
On February 11, participants will gather at the Rio Theatre from 5:30
to 9 p.m.for final bidding. Julia Bergman, Board President of the
Central Asia Institute, will return to speak and provide
up-to-the-moment information about the group’s progress. She will be
joined by local artist and international mountain guide, Lou Renner.
Renner will talk about the route on K2 that Greg Mortenson took in the
failed 1993 summit attempt that led to his involvement with the people
of Pakistan. Tickets to the event are $10 in advance and $15 at the
door. Tickets are available on-line or at Bookshop Santa Cruz and
Capitola Book Café.
“We’re about half-way
through Mortenson’s second book,” Bonnie Barisof said. “It’s even more
amazing and inspirational than the first. This work is more important
now than it was last year with what’s going on in the world. The CAI
can make a difference. They are seeing changes. The people there are
starting to turn away from the Taliban. It takes time, but at least it
feels like they’re going in the right direction. Every penny can make a
difference.”
Cups by Elaine Pinkernell
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