2022 was an incredible year for Mitrata. All throughout the year, we celebrated our 20th anniversary. Reaching the 20 year mark is an amazing accomplishment, and truly speaks to the dedication of all the individuals in our Mitrata family.

At the beginning of 2022, most of the world was still social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so our first few events such as Trivia Night and Miles for Mitrata Kids, were virtual. Although it was our third year of virtual events, the Mitrata family ensured they were both a success. Between the two events, we were able to raise almost $50,000 for the Contact Center!

Later in the year, we were finally able to host our first in-person event since 2019! Our 20th Anniversary Celebration was a wonderful way to kickoff our return to in-person events. Our Young Professionals Board held a fantastic Yoga in the Park Event, and we wrapped up the year by once again hosting an in-person December Holiday Bazaar! We were also able to host a sponsor trip to Nepal for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020. Finally being able to visit the children and BSF staff and celebrate their accomplishments was definitely the highlight of 2022 for Mitrata.

2023 is starting off strong. We have a team of four board members traveling to Nepal in March to meet with BSF, graduates from our program, and to hand-deliver the sponsor letters to the children. The spring trip is an important component in strengthening our relationship with BSF and working toward our goal of opening a second Contact Center in 2023.

One of the key goals we established during the board’s strategic planning session last year was increasing the number of children we sponsor in Nepal. Opening a second Contact Center is an important step in enabling Mitrata to continue to grow.

Another major focus in 2023 is expanding Mitrata’s board. Last year, our board members participated in a ‘friend-raising’ training designed to enhance our ability to bring new individuals into the Mitrata family. This year, we will be recruiting new board members, child sponsors, committee members, and volunteers.

If you are looking for new ways to get involved in Mitrata, you’re in luck! In 2023, we are looking forward to multiple in-person events. To get us started, the best trivia night event in St. Louis, will return as an in-person event on Saturday, April 15th! If you would like more information on this event, or how to get involved in Mitrata, contact us here.

Thank you for your continued support. We have a lot to look forward to this year and in the next few years as we continue progressing through our five-year strategic plan. And, as we work towards these objectives, we are keeping our ultimate mission and vision in mind: to lift the children we serve out of the terrible cycle of poverty and enable them to reach their unique potential as productive citizens of Nepal. Our passion and love for what we do will continue to govern our work, as we aim to serve more children and build our capacity to touch more lives. We hope to see you at our upcoming Trivia Night and other events in 2023, and will continue to keep you informed as make steps towards opening our second Contact Center and fulfilling our other strategic goals.

Jim Craig

Mitrata Board President, president@mitrata.org

Farewell 2022, Hello 2023!

In-Person Trivia Night Returns!

Thank You Connie for Many Years of Service to Mitrata!