GRAWA holiday gathering includes charitable theme

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The Dec. 12 holiday party for members of the Greater Rochester Association for Women Attorneys brought a revolving door of guests to the home of past GRAWA President Denine Carr, and many of the members came bearing gifts of pillows and blankets for distribution to students at Rochester International Academy.

GRAWA President Katie Courtney has a friend who teaches at this school and shared, “This is a school that simultaneously facilitates acquisition of the English language, content knowledge, and academic skills to refugee and immigrant children.”

“My teacher friend explained that these children were not asking for toys or electronics for Christmas, but necessities. Pillows, specifically, are viewed by many to be a luxury item, and many families do not have adequate blankets,” Courtney said, as she collected incoming donations and stuffed her van full.

The drive to collect blankets and pillows was dubbed: “And to All a Good Night.” And perhaps the influx of visitors with pillows and blankets had Carr’s neighbors wondering if this was one big pajama party.

A lovely spread from Madeline’s Catering was set up in the dining room and the kitchen was flush with liquid libations, while a separate desserts table offered plenty of holiday treats.

Nora A. Jones is a Rochester-area freelance writer.

Photo credits: Nora A. Jones