Earlier this month we had the pleasure of putting on another wonderful Girls’ Valentine’s Day Tea. We hosted the Tea in our Community Service Center building and were treated to a visit from Miss Montana, Lauren Scofield.
Lauren Scofield, Miss Montana 2016
Lauren Scofield graduated in May of 2016 from Carroll College with a degree in Biochemistry-Molecular Biology and a minor in Gender Studies. Soon after her college graduation she entered the Miss Montana Scholarship Program Competition and was crowned Miss Montana America 2016. During her year of service, Lauren has been promoting her personal platform of STEM throughout the state. Her goals through this program are to create a pipeline of innovate leaders by encouraging the creative and critical thinking required by STEM.
Lauren shared a message with our girls about beauty being something that we can think of as being part of minds, bodies, and spirits! Each girl and woman in attendance was asked to compliment the person to their right and left on something OTHER than their appearance in order to draw attention to the ways we focus on outward beauty instead of the beauty that comes from within.
Tea sandwiches, scones, and other supplies for the tea were provided by the ladies of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and First Presbyterian Church, both of Helena. Many staff members helped with preparation, set-up, service, and clean-up, but the greatest assistance came from our resident wonder-woman, Anne Wilmoth! I was especially grateful, too, for the help that our Jewish Educator, Janet Tatz, provided in chasing down great deals on chocolate dipped strawberries from Van’s. Occupational therapist, Lisa Drown-Sommers, made dozens of amazing cookies for the girls and guests in attendance. I was blessed to see our young ladies in residence truly feel special and honored by the fuss made over them. It warmed my heart to see how deeply the love of God has touched the children in our care and the difference it is making in their lives.
Chaplain Chris gets in on the “photo booth” fun
I had a special gift for each of the girls—a little stuffed animal cat holding a heart that reads, “God’s love is PURR-fect”—as a reminder of God’s love for them. And, of course, our girls all received a personalized Valentine and an autographed picture of Miss Montana after donning their own tiaras and goofy photo props for fun pictures with their staff and friends.
Intermountain is thankful for all the support shown to us by the community and churches across the state. Your gifts allow for the care of very special, but hurting children who need to know the love and care of a God that loves them no matter what. This year, I am especially thankful for the $250 “Action Team” grant I received from Thrivent in order to make the Tea extra special. Everyone had a wonderful time, and as one adult attendee said, “Each of these I come to seems like the best one yet!”
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