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AUGUST 4th, 2010
We enjoyed a Silpada Jewelry Party hosted by Kathy Tate (Asante dada, thank
you sister) and enjoyed sangria, cheese and crackers and wonderful
conversation about, amongst other things Tumaini House and our children!
Silpada rep Dianne Deloose (our cousin!) and her sponsor displayed some
gorgeous jewelry, she and hostess Kathy donated their proceeds from the
event, and Tumaini House benefited by almost $1,000!
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All I can say is “Wow!”, what a night!! The afternoon began
with monsoon rains (reminiscent of the rainy season in Tanzania, February to
April), but things calmed down just as we headed out to set up.
Lisa, David and the staff of the DolMor Salon, our hosts had the place
shining and ready to go! I arrived just after five, with cheese trays
donated by Jensen’s Cheese (thank you again for that), and toted in my
personal favorite, white chocolate popcorn (and peanuts) from Kernel Peanuts
. . . thank you for that Nancy!!
Tia McGraff (check out their music at www.TiaMcGraff.com ) and Tommy Parham
were already there and busy with sound checks and makeup and hair (for Tia,
not Tommy), and the DolMor staff were bustling around doing last minute
preparations. Tia and Tommy have adopted Tumaini Children’s Foundation as
their charity of support and we couldn’t be more grateful for that.
My partner, Cindy Pichette of SilverParrotStudio.com and hubby Kal Commodore
arrived with our story boards, new banners and art photography, all fresh
from the printers and within minutes the salon was transformed into our
“studio”.
Tia and Tommy performed two sets last night and their sound is amazing,
truly, check them out . . . they rocked the audience and we all enjoyed wine
and cheese, and appetizers from The Belworth House, thank you so much Tracy
and staff! Tia and Tommy’s last song before I spoke was “Hope is
Everything”. You will remember that “Tumaini” means “hope” in Swahili and
the room permeated just that . . . hope for our children, hope for our
future and hope that we can continue, with your support, to grow Tumaini and
provide the best of care for our little ones. Tia and Tommy have given us
permission to use “Hope is Everthing” as “our” song for Tumaini. It was then
my turn to share some stories about Usa River, Tanzania, Tumaini House and
some of our children and when I looked around saw some tissues and tears. .
. pole (sorry) for that, but I was so happy to see that you heard, and felt,
the plight of these special little people.
When we chose our children, we went into the very worst situations in the
village of Usa River and gave the children and in some cases, the mamas, a
real chance at a future. The emotions are indescribable when reminiscing
about from where some of our children came, and to where they have come
already, in less than a year. WOW!
But we need more help folks. I was fortunate to announce to
our attendees last night that we are “this close” to being granted five
acres of land from the Tanzanian Government for Tumaini House . . . “this
close!” Please pray for us. And please continue your support. Read about our
children (we have seventeen new ones you know) and choose a child you’d like
to help and then commit to a regular, monthly contribution towards the care
of that child. You don’t have to support an entire child . . . give what you
can afford. . . What about getting a group together to co-sponsor a child?
Visit our photo gallery. Cindy has been BUSY, assembling that and nina
hitaji sema “asante”, (I must say thank you) to her for that. Host a house
party where you invite guests and serve wine/cheese/dinner/your
grandmother’s favorite cookies/whatever and I’ll make my presentation to
your guests, and ask for donations. Most importantly don’t forget us . . .
don’t forget these little ones. They need us, they need you. Come and visit
us in Tanzania and meet them in person (they are even more beautiful).
Volunteer at Tumaini (but hurry because February, March and April 2011 are
beginning to fill). . . We can arrange discounted safaris to the Serengeti,
Ngorongoro Crater, even Mount Kilimanjaro . . . just ask!
In closing, Asante Lisa, David and Staff – Asante Tia and
Tommy, and Asante to The Belworth House, Jensen’s Cheese and Kernel Peanuts
. . . what a night! For those who missed it, we’ll be bringing them back so
stay tuned! To all of you who attended and so very generously contributed –
we made almost $3,000 last night and 100% of it is going to Tumaini House
and the care of the children . . . most importantly of all, Asante kwa wewe
. . . (thanks to you!)
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