Celebrating 20 Years of Mitrata
On Sunday, September 11, 2022 many of the friends of Mitrata gathered together to celebrate Mitrata’s 20th Anniversary. The celebration lasted from 1:00-5:00pm and was a wonderful open house that allowed Mitrata supporters to catch up with one another. Many of our out-of-town supporters flew in to St. Louis for the event. Some individuals were able to spend time with those they had not seen for years.
Mitrata’s very own Director of Development and Operations, Alexis Mead, and her partner, Ken McMahan, were kind enough to host the celebration in their home.
At the open house, there was a large selection of Light Nepali Snacks, Hors D'oeuvres and Dessert Bites. Our fantastic Mitrata Board Member, Urmila Panthi and her husband, Balram, assisted us in utilizing local restaurant, The Himalayan Yeti, to cater the event. A few of the Nepali snacks available were Vegetable and Chicken Momos, Vegetable and Chicken Pakora, Aloo Chop (Potatoes), and hot Nepali tea.
Urmila and Balram were also kind enough to utilize their connections in the Greater St. Louis Nepali Chautari and arrange for a group of Nepali singers to perform at the open house. Yogesh Satyal, Board President of our Partner in Nepal, Bhuvaneshwori Satyal Foundation (BSF) was a good sport, and joined the singers during their performance. Balram and Gushil even performed dance that was quite the hit!
After the singers and dancers had finished their performances, Mitrata’s Executive Director and Founder, Dr. Christine Schutz, spoke briefly on the importance of the work Mitrata has done in Nepal and how important it continues to be.
Next, BSF Executive Director Leena Satyal and BSF Board President Yogesh Satyal spoke on the uniqueness and strength of our partnership. They also shared a snapshot of the impact our work has made in the lives of children of Nepal.
Dr. Christine Schutz, went on to thank Mitrata’s founding advisors for the role they played in setting the building blocks of Mitrata. Without them, we would not have been able to make it through the first year, much less 20. She also thanked Mitrata’s staff for the work they consistently put in. She gifted them all with a beautiful Nepali scarf Leena and Yogesh brought with them from Nepal.
Mitrata’s Board President, Jim Craig, along with Leena and Yogesh also thanked all the Board Members for their dedication and support. They were also given the gift of a Nepali scarf.
Mitrata’s first child sponsor, former board president, and longtime board member, Nancy Williger took a moment to announce Mitrata’s Planned Giving program. Announcing a new Legacy Circle for those who wish to include Mitrata in their estate planning. She also thanked Christine for her 20 years of dedication to Mitrata and gifted her with a painting of some of the first Mitrata children.
Click the image above to watch a slideshow of photos from the 20 years of Mitrata!
Overall, the 20th Anniversary Open House was a fantastic time full of reminiscing, laughter, friendship, and excitement for what the next 20 years will bring!
