The KPM Institute's third annual Open Doors Luncheon, held November 2, 2006, started with the school song — "Look to this day, the world is shining" — sung by students and parent Bill Robertson.  The room at the Austin Country Club was filled with guests, and it was a beautiful day in Austin.

This luncheon is a fundraiser, the mainstay of the Annual Fund that supports operations: the running of the school, functioning of the KPM Institute, and maintenance of the grounds and its buildings. 

Supporters of the school and Institute host each table at the Luncheons.  The hosts' personal invitations to family, friends, and colleagues bring new and known faces to the Institute to hear about its programs, experience its vision for educational transformation, and have the opportunity to join in making the vision a reality.

The stars of the show each year, are our own students.  At the 2006 event, Veronica Camera (10th grade), Katy Pyle (12th grade) and Marianne Shea (12th grade) spoke of their experience with and feelings for the KPM Approach to Children.   Katy and Marianne, members of the first class in the Austin school in 1995, were in its first graduating class in May of 2007.  KPM Institute board member Law Watkins spoke about the vision of the Institute and Peter Hobbs talked of what it's like to be a KPM teacher to round out our guests' glimpse of the school.

An equally strong expression of the KPM Approach to Children's impact was the slide show, assembled by students, Alex Pulido and Walker Pyle, largely photography by parent Viviane Vives and accompanied by Bob Livingston's music.  Music and pictures together gave a feel for the richness of the school experience for both children and teachers.

The program's final speaker was Wayne Morgan, owner of The Austin Institute of Real Estate and new supporter of the Institute, who guided guests through the pledge sheet.  Our thanks go to those who were able to join us, those hosting the tables, those participating in the program, the event organizers and volunteers, and to all well-wishers of the KPM Institute.

To participate in our current Annual Fund campaign, as part of your year-end giving, you may donate online or via mail.  All gifts are tax-deductible.

* To be a table host for the next Open Doors event, please contact Suzanne Pitman at 512-689-6109.

 * For more information about the KPM Institute or Sri Atmananda Memorial School, please contact Suzanne Pittman at 512-467-2820 or visit the Institute's website at www.kpminstitute.org.

The KPM Institute is a 501(c)3 organization.  It operates the Sri Atmananda Memorial School, Austin, where the KPM Approach to Children is practiced.