Mandarin students ramp up fundraising for trip

As the departure date for their July, 2012 trip to China approaches, Sisters High School Mandarin language students are redoubling their efforts to help fund the journey.

"The kids have been working hard raking pine needles this spring to raise money, and I'm very proud of them," said David Perkins, a former resident of Taiwan, who is in his fourth year of teaching Mandarin in Sisters.

The students are now gearing up for the busiest two weeks of their fundraising.

A round-robin table tennis tournament and raffle/silent auction is planned for Sunday, May 20, at Earthwood Homes, 148 Sisters Park Dr. Warmups begin at 1 p.m., with formal competition starting at 2 p.m. Competitors can pre-register at Common Threads in Town Square, or call Rosie or her staff at 541-549-5648, or email [email protected]

Pre-registration is $20/player, and late registration at the door is $25/player. Registration includes refreshments. Non-competing spectators will be welcomed at no charge, and food and drinks will be available for purchase. Players of all levels are invited to experience the excitement of Central Oregon Ping Pong.

On Saturday, May 12, the students will host a yard sale from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Sisters Community Church parking lot by The Hangar on McKinney Butte Drive.

"We'll have many wonderful items for sale at very reasonable prices," said Perkins. "This is a great opportunity to get your Christmas shopping done early."

Also on May 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the group will be washing cars in the Ray's Food Place parking lot, and selling emergency first-aid kits at the entrance to the store.

On Monday, May 21, Dr. Todd Sheldon of Central Oregon Eyecare, at 304 W. Adams Ave., is hosting a trunk show of the latest eyewear and accessories. Dr. Sheldon is particularly supportive of the work the students will do during their visit with the Bethel China Foundation for blind and visually impaired orphans, and is donating a percentage of the sales from the event to help fund the SHS China trip. The trunk show runs all day, beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Perkins, who will act as tour guide, sees the trip as an opportunity for the students to expand their knowledge of Chinese history, culture and language while providing Chinese students at the YuCai School in Beijing the chance to learn about our culture and practice their English with American teens. The Sisters students will then spend a week working at two orphanages for special needs children.

"This trip will show our kids a world they've never seen before," Perkins explained. "They will come back with a new perspective, and they are very grateful for the support the community is providing to help them reach this goal."