A DINNER FOR CHILDREN'S FUTURE
WFWP Westchester's Ninth Annual Benefit for the Schools of Africa Project
Women in Westchester County, New York, gathered for a dinner to promote and raise funds for WFWP's Schools of Africa project.
On December 1, 2012, emcee Kristi Mas opened the program to a packed room, acknowledging and thanking Mrs. Motoko Sugiyama for initiating the development of the WFWP's Schools of Africa project 20 years ago. Ms. Mas also recognized Mrs. Alexa Fish Ward, the former WFWP USA president and WFWP International vice president, also pivotal in the success and further progress of WFWP's African schools. Renate Sato, chairwoman of Westchester WFWP, gave an informative introduction to WFWP. The attendees' hearts were warmed by a beautiful song, "I Won't Let You Go," sung by Miss Julia Pickard with the piano accompaniment of her father, Kevin Pickard.
Following the introduction, Charmaine Singer presented her tantalizing silent auction tables.
After everyone enjoyed a delicious Indian dinner buffet, Ms. Mas presented a pictorial report of the successes of the Schools of Africa project. The photos of happy African children at the WFWP schools moved the hearts of those in attendance with how much the money donated to the schools truly changes the lives of these beautiful children.
The main speaker, Mrs. Abayashi Asrat, an Ethiopian national and founder of the Nation to Nation Networking organization, opened our eyes as she described the shocking reality of young girls in Ethiopia suffering not only poverty and the lack of basic needs but also the devastation of human trafficking and the debilitation caused by untreated enterovaginal fistula, a condition in which there is an abnormal connection between the vagina and intestine. Because of the stigma and unpleasantness of this form of fistula, when girls are left untreated they are often abandoned to die in the forest. Mrs. Asrat's organization supports hospitals that rescue and treat women with this condition.
This event not only raised funds to promote the education of African youths but raised our hope and determination as women dedicated to peace and the well-being of others.
