Teacher Appreciation Event

On a slightly rainy Friday afternoon, roughly 125 teachers arrived to claim a bag of libations and good tidings from community supporters. Ninkasi Brewing Company, Oakshire Brewing and Thinking Tree Spirits generously donated products for teachers to enjoy.

There is no question that this has been a deeply surreal and challenging school year. But the bottom line is that the best and most important aspect is creating and being in a lively learning environment with students… literally the future of the universe… Thank you to Oakshire, Ninkasi and Thinking Tree for the delightful and generous gifts. It is very tough to make celebrations feel sharp and meaningful in the muffled online/quarantine world. But this goodie bag really hits it out of the park – I feel the love.

– Bobbie Willis, 4J Teacher

At 5pm, all of Lane County’s teachers were invited to enjoy an online concert, sponsored by UOTeach, from Eugene’s own local electro-swing jazz funk sensation High Step Society. The concert footage also included thank yous from Sabrina Gordon (Eugene Education Association, President), Robert Johnson (UO Track and Field, Head Coach), a couple students, Steve Korin (Board Member of Friends of the Children and a 4J teacher) and staff from Ninkasi and Thinking Tree. The concert was hosted by DJ JC (Jason Callihan) on MixCloud and included a raucous chat room where several well wishers were awarded bottles of Thinking Tree Spirits for their eloquent and appreciative elucidations.

Thank you teachers for all you’ve done during these times. We, at Friends of the Children, look forward to working with you in the future.