“Sweet Treats” Northern California's Schools of Africa Fundraiser
Pictured left to right are Hiroko Melosh (chapter member who organized food donations), Monika Kellett (NCA WFWP planning committee), Patricia Fleischman (NCA WFWP Chairwoman), and Anne Carrigan (chapter member who made some awesome peach cobblers.)
WFWP Northern California held its annual Benefit for the Schools of Africa (SOA) as a virtual fundraiser titled "Sweet Treats" on Thursday, November 11 at 5:00 pm. Accompanied by lively African drumming music, the program opened with a slideshow highlighting the various schools supported by the project, featuring the many smiling and hopeful faces of the students who benefit from gaining a quality education. In total, there are currently over 2,000 students attending the schools, from pre-school to adults and there have been over 20,000 graduates since the schools were founded.
After welcoming everyone, Gerlyn Quilates, our MC for the evening, introduced Fannie Smith, Schools of Africa Coordinator as the guest speaker. Ms. Fannie Smith shared how she was encouraged and inspired to help others in grade school and later as a part of the student council and debate team. She said that this laid a foundation for her desire to be involved in SOA. Ms. Smith said that as Caroline Robinson explained last June in our chapter’s virtual program, “How You Can Become the Leader You Are Called to Be,” all of us are called to lead in our own way. She shared her knowledge about the ten schools and that the funds we raise support the schools in the following critical areas:
Educational opportunities
Food programs
Better facilities
Salary for Staff
Fannie Smith, Schools of Africa Coordinator
In addition to watching a video about the SOA, everyone had the opportunity to gain knowledge about the continent of Africa through an informative slideshow. Did you know that Africa comprises fifty-four countries and that it is the second largest continent in size and population, second only to Asia? The eight countries where the schools are located include: Kenya, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Senegal, Liberia, Ethiopia, and Rwanda.
Promotional Flier for the event
The program also included three short videos highlighting those who prepared the treats given out to donors. The desserts and dishes handed out to were homemade by volunteers organized by WFWP chapter member Hiroko Melosh. The volunteers expressed their gratitude to be able to offer something to support the schools. Everyone expressed how delicious the desserts and dishes were. The treats were picked up on Saturday, November 13 at the Bay Area Family Church in San Leandro, CA. Contributions to the benefit were accepted in person on Saturday or online through the end of November. We thank everyone who contributed to the benefit through their donations of money and time.