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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

EWU tea party supports child care scholarships

At Eastern Washington University, HOME stands for “helping ourselves means education.” The program helps student parents by, among other things, awarding child care scholarships.

On March 7, HOME is hosting a fundraising tea at Monroe Hall on EWU’s Cheney campus to help raise money for this year’s scholarships.

“HOME does many things, but this event is specifically for child care,” said Carol Vines, manager of EWU’s Women’s Studies Center and adviser for the HOME program.

This is the 15th fundraiser for child care scholarships and Vines estimates as much as $67,500 has been awarded in child care scholarships during that time.

“This helps the students so they don’t have so many loans to pay back once they graduate,” Vines said.

The theme for the fundraiser is “Tea at Tiffany’s” and participants are encouraged to dress up in pearls, tiaras, long gloves and other glamorous clothing.

“We have some dress-up items available, too,” said Vines, adding that teagoers can have their picture taken. “We send the photos to you after the event.”

Nadine Arévalo, wife of EWU President Rodolfo Arévalo, will co-host the event.

Vines said the annual tea usually collects between $1,800 and $2,400.

“Child care is expensive for two working parents and it can really break the bank for a student who is living off student loans,” Vines said.