HSSCF fundraiser ‘thanks’
Dear editor:
I wanted to share news with your readers about the wonderful cultural international exchange program that we have right here in Hot Springs. The Hot Springs Sister City Foundation was founded 25 years ago this year and has grown into a great civic, cultural and educational international exchange with our sister city of Hanamaki, Japan. Each year students, teachers, artist, community leaders and others participate in programs here locally and by visiting Hanamaki and surrounding areas to experience its unique and beautiful culture.
This year, the HSSCF held its first annual student scholarship fundraiser, the Cherry Blossom Festival. All funds raised through this event will be used for student scholarships to assist in travel to Hanamaki, Japan, this June. The student delegation is comprised of 14 students from seven different schools in the county. The students will be able to experience life in Japan by staying with host families and visiting schools, gardens, museums, government meetings and more! This is a life-changing experience for the students and it would not be possible for some without scholarship assistance.
On behalf of the HSSCF board, I wanted to say thank you to all the wonderful people in our city and county that made this fundraiser a huge success by surpassing our monetary and attendance goals. Special thanks to Dorothy Morris and the Morris Foundation, KYE-YAC Foundation, Arvest Banks, Weyerhaeuser, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Chartwells and Chef Jon — Lake Hamilton School District, ACTI program, Ben Bell — sake master, the Bon Odori dancers and all of those that participated in some way with this event. Also special thanks to Sabrina Jordan and Terry Payne for their hard work in assisting me. Without all these generous supporters and our community, this event would not be possible.
For more information about the Hot Springs Sister City program and how the community can become involved and aware of events that will take place as part of our 25th anniversary celebration, please follow Hot Springs Sister City Program on Facebook or email hot springs siste rcity @ yahoo.com to sign up for updates.
Thank you, Hot Springs and surrounding areas, for supporting this program that spotlights our city and county internationally, while providing great cultural and educational opportunities for our local community.
Many thanks, Caren Dodd HSSCF Cherry Blossom Festival chairperson