AEISD alumni, students, and friends gathered for Tea in the Afternoon on Sunday, October 19, 2008 at the Church of the Beatitudes, UCC. Mistress of Tea, Gail Hartman presided over a delightful afternoon that included the pouring of tea, inspired table conversation and raffle drawings. Brent and Sara Smith contributed a delicious and exquisitely presented tea-time buffet including finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, cookies, and truffles.

Cathy Olds, AEISD President, presented Sr. Marilyn Bever, CSA with the AEISD 2008 Anam Cara award. Marilyn was honored as a true anam cara or spiritual friend for her work in the Institute and her commitment to ecumenical spirituality. She has been a gentle guiding force for AEISD
Since 2002 when she was hired as its first director. She has implemented the vision and mission of the Institute and challenged students, general council members and colleagues to live the spirit that founded it.

AEISD alumni Joan Bordelon, Marlowe Sorenson, John Shetler, and Shea Darian provided tea pots for the tea pot raffle. Valley businesses including Harkins Theatre, AZ Museum of Natural History, Alltel Ice Den, AZ Cardinals, AZ Diamondbacks, Heard Museum, Dolly’s Steamboat, Inn Suites,Phoenix Art Museum, Desert Botanical Garden, Valley Youth Theatre, Childsplay Theatre, Polar Ice and The Phoenix Zoo contributed “goodies” for our basket raffles. Volunteers Michelle Jereb , Steve Hartman, Mike Barrera and students from Xavier High School helped keep things running smoothly.

We are sincerely grateful to all those who made the fall 2008 AEISD Benefit Event a success allowing us to honor Marilyn and to continue the good work of the Institute.

Blessings,

Gail Hartman	Brent Smith	Vivian Barrera
Co-Chair	Co-Chair	Co-Chair