Faces of Hope: Reflections from the 10th Annual Mary’s Meals Silent Auction and Fundraiser Dinner
Mary's Meals USA Executive Director, Terry Bonet, shares her experience as the keynote speaker at the 10th Annual Mary's Meals Silent Auction and Fundraising Dinner
On October 9, 2025, I had the honor of serving as the keynote speaker at the 10th Annual Mary’s Meals Silent Auction and Fundraiser Dinner, hosted by Debra and Wayne Waldera and the dedicated Minnesota Ambassadors. The evening was a beautiful celebration of compassion, community, and the simple solution that continues to change lives around the world: a daily meal served in a place of learning.
More than 230 community members gathered for the event, filling the room with energy, laughter, and a spirit of generosity. The meal itself was delicious, the auction tables overflowed with thoughtful donations from local companies, and Wayne, whom I quickly learned has quite a comedic flair, kept the night moving with humor and heart as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies.
During my keynote, titled, “Faces of Hope – The Children of Malawi,” I invited guests to travel with me through images and stories from my recent visit to Malawi. Together, we witnessed the joy and resilience of the children Mary’s Meals serves — children who, despite unimaginable challenges, now have the chance to dream because they no longer sit in school hungry. I shared the story of how Mary’s Meals began with one simple act of love and grew into a movement now reaching more than 1.3 million children across Malawi each school day.
The most moving moment of the evening came when we watched a short video of the children singing the Mary’s Meals Song, their voices rising in gratitude and hope. It was a reminder that behind every bowl of porridge is a story of transformation, and behind every donation is a life changed.
The audience's engagement deeply inspired me. Their thoughtful questions, heartfelt reactions, and genuine curiosity showed how deeply this community believes in the power of hope. That sense of connection, between hearts in Minnesota and classrooms in Malawi, is what makes Mary’s Meals so special.
As we celebrate 10 incredible years of this annual gathering, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Debra and Wayne Waldera, who have poured so much love and dedication into this event year after year, and to the Minnesota Ambassadors, whose tireless efforts have built a legacy of generosity that continues to feed minds, bodies, and spirits.
Together, we are proof that small acts of love can truly change the world; one meal, one child, and one hopeful heart at a time.
