Welcome to 3 Cups of Tea Santa Cruz

The inspiration for this fundraiser event grew out of reading the book Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. The book begins with the story of Greg Mortenson’s attempt to climb K2, the 2nd tallest mountain in the world, his near death experience after getting separated from his team, and being found and cared for by people in a remote area in Pakistan.  It then chronicles his amazing mission to “promote and support community-based education and literacy programs, especially for girls, in remote regions of Central Asia.”  I was struck by Greg’s understanding of the people, whom he was trying to help by learning their language and culture. Furthermore, it did not take huge sums of money to truly make a difference. The first school cost $12,000 to build!  The only way to PEACE in this world is through EDUCATION.  Greg founded the Central Asia Institute, which is the organization that we are supporting with our fundraiser.

Our event will take place on February 14, 2009 at Gault Elementary School, from 1 P.M.- 4 P.M. We will auction the sets of 3 cups contributed by many of our local potters.  The "Online Auction" has begun!  Students from local schools will also be donating cups.  Our business supporters will be at the event to enhance our knowledge of the region, and to add to the festivities. Guest speaker, Julia Bergman, a Board member of the CAI, will share stories of Baltistan and working with Greg Mortenson.  She is a librarian, and helped to create the first library for Korphe.  Her work is documented in the book, Three Cups of Tea.

Click on the left image to see the poster, and the right to see & download the flyer (to print if you like)

         

Click on the map below for further directions: