You Dine They Shine

Since the late 1940s, Morningstar Children’s Home, known then as Boys Estate, has been serving children in need of special care. Whether for a few months or a few years, it has been providing a safe haven and warm, caring environment to help children heal and grow. The community is invited to visit the campus and learn more about how having Morningstar as a place to call home truly makes a difference in these children’s lives during their annual Dinner Under the Stars on Saturday, October 15.

Artist Mary Semmelmayer working with a student on original artwork for the Dinner Under the Stars auction

hosting several former residents around the tables in October. “Families often pull up at our gates seeking permission to ride though, fathers wanting to see and remember their childhood years here,” said Beth VanDerbeck, CEO. “These men have wonderful stories of life on campus, riding the bus to school in Darien, and getting into mischief as boys sharing life together,” VanDerbeck continued. Their presence at Dinner Under the Stars will offer a unique opportunity to hear the history of the 350-acre property and children’s home.

Today, Morningstar Children’s Home is the only residential campus in the state which solely serves developmentally delayed youth, ages 12-20. The children are on campus to receive counseling for the trauma that brought them into care, typically caused by abuse, neglect, or abandonment. Morningstar staff show up every day to meet their mission of helping create brighter days for each child. Lindsey Crawford, new to the Morningstar Development team, shared her joy in seeing the children have fun. This summer, Crawford shared, “it has been heartwarming to watch the boys from Albany Cottage, the younger boys with additional physical challenges such as autism, laugh and play together. From slip-nsliding on their front lawn, riding new adult sized tricycles, and hearing their excitement

Youth mentor Vanessa Placencia

about a trip to the zoo, these boys are just like every kid, loving bubbles, lollipops, and balloons – just in need of our love.”

Friends and supporters of Morningstar Children’s Home will have a chance to show their love for Morningstar and the children they serve by attending the 5th Annual Dinner Under the Stars event. For the last two years, dinner has been delivered to homes of sponsors and ticket holders, a creative concept twist which allowed the event to go on, despite the pandemic. This year, however, the Board of Directors and staff are delighted to announce that the event will be returning to the beautiful oak-tree lined campus on Saturday, October 15. Tables will be set for 250 friends and supporters to enjoy a night of dinner and fellowship under the stars in support of Georgia’s foster children.

“This event is a perfect opportunity to enjoy time with friends while helping to create opportunities for brighter futures for the children served at Morningstar Children’s Home,” shared board member and event chair, Cherise Cartwright.

The evening will begin at 6:00 p.m. with appetizers on the courtyard lawn, with popular local band Suzy & The Bird Dogs returning to provide entertainment as they have in years past. Guests will be seated for dinner around 7:15 p.m. to enjoy a five-course feast highlighting fresh and flavorful offerings from land and sea, prepared by Halyards Catering. Based on the delicious dishes they served for dinner in previous years’ events, your tastebuds are in for a treat!

In addition to music and dinner, the event will again include a Silent Auction, featuring art from Georgia artists, chef dinners, trips, and handmade items from local artisans. A new tradition will begin this year with a special piece of art, painted by the children, included for bidding.

An idea of committee member, Ann Marie Burley, the finished piece is bright and colorful, something anyone would be proud to display in a home or office. Discussing the student art, Ann Marie noted how much the kids enjoyed creating something

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together. With help from local artist Mary Semmelmayer, the children each painted one square of the chosen picture. Over the course of several hours, giving everyone time to brush paint on the canvas, the picture came to life. “We expect this original artwork by the children will be the highlight of the silent auction,” noted Burley. While the original painting will be featured in the auction, select event sponsors will also receive a print of the children’s artwork. Sponsorship details can be found on the Morningstar website listed below.

For more than 80 years the Morningstar campus has been providing a home to children in need, whether for few months or a few years. It has been a place for children to heal, feel safe, and loved again. “But,” Beth VanDerbeck stresses, “it takes all of us to create a home.” She expresses her gratitude to our very generous community for continuing to wrap arms with the board and staff around these special foster children and hopes that you’ll join them for this special evening.

Tickets for Dinner Under the Stars are $150 per person or $1200 for a table of 8. To purchase, learn more about sponsorship packages, or make a donation, call Lindsey at 912.267.3700 ext. 2140 or visit morningstarcfs.org.

Morningstar CEO Beth VanDerbeck, Development Specialist Lindsey Crawford, Board of Directors member Cherise Cartwright

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