19th Annual Food for Thought Tuition Assistance Luncheon
(From left) 1984 Olympic marathon gold medalist and 2012 Food for Thought keynote speaker Joan Benoit Samuelson, student speaker Ellen Patterson '13 and 2012 Food for Thought Committee Chair Mariah Scott
Thank you to everyone who joined us on Nov. 30 at the downtown Portland Hilton for a very moving and successful Food for Thought Tuition Assistance Luncheon. Your generosity and support make all the difference in fulfilling our commitment to providing $1.16 million in tuition assistance to 42 percent of our students this year.
We were pleased to welcome Joan Benoit Samuelson as our keynote speaker for this year’s luncheon. Joan won the gold medal in the inaugural Olympic women’s marathon in 1984, and she continues to serve as an inspiration for female athletes throughout the world. Joan’s message to our Food for Thought Luncheon attendees proved especially compelling during an Olympic year, the 40th anniversary of the passage of Title IX (mandating gender equality in all educational institutions receiving federal funding), and to a school community that has demonstrated success in athletic programs for young women (including earning the 11th consecutive Mt. Hood Conference District Championship title for cross country this fall and the 2012 OSAA 6A Girls Track and Field State Championship title).
Learn more about Joan at her website.
Purpose of the Food for Thought Tuition Assistance Luncheon
Food for Thought is St. Mary’s largest fundraising event in support of need-based tuition assistance for our students. The purpose of this event is at the heart of the school’s mission, allowing us to provide an excellent education to any young woman who desires it, regardless of financial circumstances. Approximately $1.16 million has already been committed this year to 42 percent of St. Mary’s students, and funding for financial aid is one of the school’s greatest needs.
Photos from the 19th Annual Food for Thought Luncheon held on November 30, 2012