21st Anniversary Celebration & Fundraiser: Thank You!
Thank you to everyone who made our 21st Birthday celebration a night to remember! On November 16, folks gathered on Zoom screens around the world. Among the guests were 28 alums and former staff, 3 Executive Directors, 1 friend from the very first year, and many others! “I can’t stop smiling” said one person. We all agreed!
Our charming emcee was Alum Khyree Smith (OWN Student 2010-2012, Leadership Staff 2017-2019). A panel of OWN students from three generations shared their reflections on what they learned from OWN and what global citizenship has come to mean to them. Panelists included Michelle Moises (2006), Kevin Ng (2008-2011), and Delainie (current student). Highlights of the evening’s reflections:
- “I learned the fruits of stepping outside my comfort zone”– Kevin Ng
- “Humanity called to my curiosity to understand”– Michelle Moises
- “You become a global citizen from the effort you put in” – Delainie
- “We need your visions. Especially now. OWN is living proof of the difference a vision can make.”– OWN Founder, Kristin Hayden
A personal testimonial from current OWN student Delainie (check it out to see the 4 year old Delainie practicing her Chinese!)
A moving part of the program was applauding the leaders who built this program: past staff, board, families, and students. And recalling the friends and students who have passed on.
Board member Cherie Wong shared a challenge to us all: collectively making 21 gifts for each of OWN’s 21 years, which she matched. We made the challenge together! This event launched our year-end giving. You can join the celebration! Make your OWN solidarity gift to launch the next 21 years of students embracing a world of possibilities through OneWorld Now.
Share your support here: https://bit.ly/OWN21YEARS
Or text OWN21YEARS to 44-321
A special shout out to the groups who provided prizes that night:
