The Tomato War

"Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is a success."
— Henry Ford

A walk in the park

I had no idea that fundraising was such high-intensity work! To recharge a bit before the big event, we went for a walk in nature. We drove to a park with a lake in the middle. We saw beautiful flowers, crossed a bridge, and walked in a pine forest. We sat down near the lake for a minute and watched nature do its thing. The trees across the lake were changing, creating a beautiful palette of autumn colors.

After a while, we had to get going; duty called. We went to P.'s house and reviewed the 'game plan' for the evening, strategizing how to raise funds that evening and planning accordingly.

The Millbrook Dinner

We helped move tables and ready the house for the guests, changed clothes, and not for long did the first guest arrive. There was a lot of chitchatting and getting to know the guests, trying to leave a good first impression. Once everyone arrived, we gathered in P.'s office to give a similar presentation as yesterday. This time, G. and P. felt more comfortable and talked, and talked, and talked. Leaving almost no time for the Q&A or for us to tell the people about the students. After the presentation, there was another auction. When the auction finished, the dinner started.

The living room was beautifully decorated with a stunning view of the valley below. The tables were set in lines, and all the seats were reserved with a nametag. This was our opportunity to talk about the school, tell them about the wonderful organization Kulen Outreach, and make a good impression on the sponsors.

Overall, it was a fantastic evening with the lovely company that made everything possible, a good atmosphere, and delicious food. After dinner, most people went straight home. Others stayed longer to talk and ask questions, but not for long. We went home to get some rest. Tomorrow, there was another big event planned, the one everybody talks about: the Tomato War.

The Tomato War

The following day, we helped everybody prepare the field for the tomato war, putting up the tent and tables, sorting the bar system, etc. It was a cloudy morning, but that didn't temper the spirits. Everybody was looking forward to this main event! D., R., and D. were strategizing already, whilst A. and I cracked open a beer—fluid courage before the battle.

The war was everything I expected and more! People watched from the sideline to the field covered in hay rolls and barrels, which provided cover for the participants. All the players received a color-coded scarf and toad bag, marking the red and black team. I was part of the Reds, the best team, of course! Before every game, people restocked on rotten tomatoes by grabbing the provided tomatoes alongside the field in cardboard boxes, putting as much as they wanted, and carrying them in their toad bags.

We played multiple games, from Capture the Flag to Team Deathmatch. It was sooo much fun! After the games, I showered at P's and changed into a less smelly, not tomato-drained outfit. Not only was it more comfortable, but it was also warmer on the grey, chilly day.

There were food stands, a bar, music playing, and a picture slideshow of Kulen Outreach School during the event. I talked to many potential donors and people I had met in Cambodia. It was an enormous success; people were having a lot of fun.

After the event, we helped clean up and returned to I's to relax for the rest of the late afternoon and evening. Taking a nap and playing some board and card games. The last day of the fundraiser came to an end.