Fundraiser will be held Friday, March 7 at Nashville Farmers’ Market Want to eat some good grub for a great cause? Join friends, family and fellow foodies for an unforgettable culinary collaboration featuring local restaurants and chefs who are combining efforts to cook up something special in a benefit event to raise friends and funds for Benton Hall Academy (BHA). Food For Thought — the second annual “foodie” fundraiser to raise awareness and funds for BHA, a school for unique learners — will be held at Nashville’s famous Farmers’ Market on Friday, March 7, from 6 – 8:30 p.m. The Benton Hall Academy environment is unique, offering an educational opportunity for students who don’t flourish in traditional learning environments.  The perspective of students says it all:
  • “BHA is different from other schools because they will make any effort to help you and can adjust things so you learn the best way possible.” (Julia*– 7th grade)
  • “I like BHA because the teachers really want to help you out. They don’t just slap a bunch of work on you and say, ‘Do it yourself.’” (Bill* – 7th grade)
  • “BHA has helped me in unbelievable ways … the school is different than other schools because everyone is special at Benton Hall Academy.” (Gregory* – 8th grade)
  • “I am most grateful for my friends and teachers at Benton Hall for accepting me for who I am.”  (Amanda* – graduating senior)
  • “My best friends are Gavin and Evan because they love me even if sometimes they don’t get along with me.” (Andrew*– 3rd grade)
  • “I am special, but everyone there (at Benton Hall) is special in their own way which makes nobody different and nobody better than the other.” (Calvin* – 9th grade)
To date, restaurants and chefs participating in Food For Thought event include: Catering by Suzette, Chef John York, City House, Edley’s Bar-B-Que, Mad Platter, Mafioso’s, Margot’s Café and Bar, Monell’s, Provence, Smiley Farms, Smoke Et Al, Tamale Pot, and Zumi Sushi. “We are very blessed to have such an amazing outpouring of support for our school, our students and our second Food For Thought event,” said Veronica Paradis, Headmaster, BHA. “Our teachers and administration are focused on helping others craft new beginnings.  As a haven for students who may have struggled elsewhere, we are truly thankful to everyone for their collaboration in helping us raise awareness of the school.” “Benton Hall has provided a nurturing environment for my son where he feels safe and he no longer feels isolated from the children around him.  Small class sizes and teacher’s understanding of my son’s individual needs provide a wonderful platform from which he can grow both as a student and socially.  I feel confident every day when I take him to school that he is well cared for,” Ondrea Harrison parent. Donations for Food For Thought and tickets may be purchased at the event or in advance at http://www.tinyurl.com/BHA2014FFT.  Proceeds from the evening, which includes a wine selection and silent auction, will be used to expand and enhance BHA’s classroom technology and electronic network.  Tickets are $50 each and can be purchased online or by calling the Ms. Paradis, at 791-6467. About Benton Hall Academy BHA offers students a learning environment that is as individual as they are.  Founded in 1977 in Franklin, Tenn., the teachers and administration of Benton Hall Academy understand and celebrate that all human beings are different: in the ways they perceive the world, express feelings, relate to others and have distinct learning styles. Accredited by SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) and approved by the State of Tennessee, Benton Hall Academy students in grades 3–12. For more information, please visit: http://www.BentonHallAcademy.org