BLACK-TIE EVENING FOR SCHOOLS OF AFRICA

Examining the beautiful silent auction items

On November 15, WFWP's Connecticut chapter hosted a record-breaking benefit for the Schools of Africa project at the University of Bridgeport's Schelfhaudt Gallery. The theme of this year's benefit was "Women of Africa." Over a hundred people were present, from University of Bridgeport students and faculty to friends and family members. It was a lovely sight to see guests dressed up in their gowns and tuxedos. The evening included presentations on WFWP's schools in Africa, live music, artisan noshes, and a silent auction.

Mrs. Lena Yasutake, the Connecticut chapter's chairwoman and a full-time University of Bridgeport student, coordinated and planned this classy event with the help of several Connecticut Chapter members and various members of the Bridgeport community. There were 43 sponsors from around Connecticut, including big and small businesses, that contributed to the culinary delights and the silent auction donations. A lot of hard work and preparation went into making this benefit as elegant as it was. Everyone was determined to make this benefit a memorable evening for all.

Mrs. Lena Yasutake, coordinator of the Women of Africa Benefit

It started off at 7 p.m. The guests were warmly welcomed and registered for the evening. Scrumptious hors d'oeuvres were served by smartly dressed, well-groomed young men from the University of Bridgeport community who eagerly volunteered to serve for the night. Guests were given a chance to mingle and look at the diverse creations of women artists.

Around 7:15, Mrs. Yasutake gave her official welcome to everyone, followed by vocal and dance performances from Bridgeport Hope School and Bridgeport International Academy in collaboration with the Student African Association.

Mrs. Angelika Selle, WFWP's national president, spoke about the role WFWP plays as an NGO in General Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. Afterward, Ms. Virginia Orman, the UB student body president, elaborated a little more on what the Schools of Africa Program is all about.

Some of the WFWP Connecticut Chapter ladies

Since 2001, WFWP USA has financially supported schools that WFWP International established and developed in Africa since 1994. Through the years, WFWP has supported schools located in Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Guinea Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mozambique, Rwanda, Senegal, and Uganda. WFWP USA chapters have been holding various annual benefits to raise funds to help maintain and expand these schools. Types of benefits have included concerts, fashion shows, dinner programs, afternoon teas, and raffles. Approximately $185,000 has been raised over the past six years.

At 8:15, there was an hour break to give guests a chance to browse through all the silent auction items. There were over 150 different items up for sale, all donated from various artists and small businesses. This was the time when desserts and mocktails were served, and where people signed up for the raffle that would be held at the end of the evening.

Around 9:30, everyone gathered back for an exceptional performance by the New Jersey indie band, Sail the Boat, which has consistently performed throughout the years to raise awareness of WFWP's projects and events on the East Coast.

An example of the care and effort put into this black tie benefit

The evening ended with the announcement of the silent auction winners and raffle victors. It seemed as though most people took advantage of getting all their holiday shopping done at this silent auction, especially as the money was going to a great cause!

After the announcements, Mrs. Yasutake gave final thanks and acknowledged those guests who had given particularly large donations. As a result of this event, Connecticut's WFWP chapter was able to surpass their $4,000 goal, and break the record for the highest level of donations ever collected in any WFWP Schools of Africa event!

It was truly remarkable to have a whole community come together, young men and women as well as elder members, to make this benefit not only successful but also glamorous and fun, all to support a wonderful cause.