Community and Generosity: Donor Wall Reveal
Last week, with The EMES Gathering Space’s doors wide open, we celebrated the unveiling of the donor recognition wall (located in the Eastern Mennonite School Elementary building)— the wall is a tribute to the generosity and spirit of those who have supported our school’s mission and the elementary building renovation and The Gathering Space. This preview event was held especially for key donors from the “Let the Children Come” and “We Gather” elementary campaigns, two pivotal initiatives that have shaped our campus. The “Let the Children Come” campaign funded the renovation for an elementary school building on the existing EMS campus. They moved into their new home in December of 2019, fulfilling the vision to create a unified, permanent K-12 campus. The Gathering Space is an age-appropriate addition, completed in spring of 2025. The elementary community uses this space for K-5 gathering, lunch, after-school care and more experiences that enhance learning, promote connection, and support emotional and social well-being.
The new donor wall was designed by EMS Facilities Manager and The Gathering Space Project Manager, Tyler Kauffman. Tyler is an artist in his own right – known for his murals around Harrisonburg. The donor wall in The Gathering Space will surround students and teachers and serve as a daily reminder of the people who care for them. The boxes for the wall were built with the help of the Mennonite Disaster Relief class at EMS taught by Ben Bixler. Numerous volunteers helped with sanding and Tyler painted them and installed them. The donor wall represents an abstract flame, sparking curiosity and reflection among students during its installation. Tyler heard more than one, “What’s that!?”
We owe a great deal of thanks to Tyler’s talent, expertise, and the many willing hands and generous hearts that contributed to making the gathering space and the elementary campus a reality. It was a moment to enjoy, to express gratitude, and to acknowledge a job well done. Maria Archer, EMES principal, led the dedication portion of the event:
Litany of Blessing and Dedication
Leader: We gather with grateful hearts to dedicate this Donor Recognition Wall and to honor the faith, vision, and extraordinary generosity inscribed upon it.
People: We give thanks for every gift, named and unnamed, that brought our vision into reality.
Leader: For our leaders and champions, whose tireless dedication inspired us to dream big and work together:
People: We give thanks for your leadership and commitment.
Leader: For our donors, whose sacrificial giving provided the foundation for our elementary renovation and new gathering space:
People: We give thanks for your faithful support and enduring generosity.
Leader: For our faculty, staff, families, and students, who bring life, warmth, and purpose to these walls each day:
People: We celebrate the vibrant community we build together.
Leader: We now bless and dedicate this Donor Recognition Wall. May it stand as a lasting testament to God’s abundance, the power of community, and the legacy of love established here.
People: May all who pass by these names be inspired to serve, to give, and to walk in gratitude.
Leader: May God bless every donor and family represented here, now and in all the years to come.
All: May it be so.
The evening was not just about celebrating the physical wall but about recognizing the intangible bonds and shared dreams that it represents. Plus, it’s always a treat to be together. As we move forward, may this wall and what it represents continue to inspire and remind us of the power of community and generosity.
Check out some more photos from this story
Eastern Mennonite School is a K-12 private Christian school in Harrisonburg, VA, has been serving students from many faith backgrounds since 1917. EMS aspires to embody the love of Jesus as a learning community where every student belongs, thrives, and joins God’s work in the world. Discover the future of education—register today to visit our K-12 community! Click to explore our admissions page or connect with an admissions counselor for personalized guidance. Start your journey today!
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