Live Auction SNEAK PEEK!!
For those of you who will be attending our Orphans Africa Benefit Dinner and Auction on February 11th, from 5-9pm at Emerald Downs, Auburn, WA, here is a sneak peek at the live auction items.
(NOTE: For those of you who can’t attend, we accept bids by proxy! Simply email us at oabenefit@orphansafrica.org with your bid and the item name by Thursday night. If you wish bid by proxy via phone during the live auction, please make arrangements with the OA office at 253-549-0089 at least 48 hours in advance. Immediate payment required upon winning item.)
1. Southern BBQ Dinner Value: $150.00
Enjoy an authentic Southern BBQ dinner for six. Feast on smoked ribs, chicken, and brisket, tasty side dishes, and scrumptious “down home” dessert! Prepared and served by Kim & Rick Naten in their home or yours.
DONATED BY: Rick and Kim Naten
MINIMUM BID: $70.00
2. “Up the Creek” — Steel and Glass Fish Sculpture Value: $499.00
Stephen Weldon has been a working artist all his life. After receiving his MFA in 1988 he taught painting, drawing, art history, batik and sculpture while producing his own art. He now works from a studio in Tulalip, WA. His sculptures are now shown at the Blackfish Gallery in La Conner, WA. Sculpture stands 18″ high and 27″ wide.
DONATED BY: Stephen Weldon and Francine Wight
MINIMUM BID: $220.00
3. Puget Sound Luxury Yacht Cruise Value: $250.00
Enjoy a 3-4 hour Puget Sound cruise for four guests on board the 39 Ft luxury yacht, Aquaviva, captained by Fox Island Yacht Club Commodore, Bill Marcy and his wife, Melanie. Lunch and drinks are provided. Kayaking is available from the on-board kayaks, if desired. Don’t miss this opportunity to take in the beautiful Puget Sound scenery with your family or friends from this amazing yacht!
DONATED BY: Bill and Melanie Marcy
MINIMUM BID: $110.00
4. Still Life in Oils Value: $950.00
Beautiful original framed oil painting featuring fruit bowl and vase & flowers by award-winning artist, Donna Trent (16″ X 20″ original, 22″ X 26″ with frame). “Painting with oils and pastels allows me to put down on a painting surface wonderfully brilliant colors and contrasting values . . . When one views my images, I hope they can feel the emotion and excitement that emanates from the flat surface of the painting, making it an interesting and believable three dimensional work of art” — Donna.
DONATED BY: Donna Trent — (Visit Donna online by clicking here.)
MINIMUM BID: $300.00
5. Snowshoeing Adventure Value: $80.00
Breathe the crisp winter air at Snoqualmie Pass, and enjoy the beautiful scenery as you snowshoe through the tall evergreens, surrounded by mountain vistas. This snowshoeing adventure is for two people, and includes snowshoes, poles, and lunch.
DONATED BY: Penny Kay
MINIMUM BID: $50.00
6. Cap’n Carl’s Crabbin‘ Cruise Value: $250.00
AHOY! Join Cap’n Carl aboard his boat for a day of crabbing in Puget Sound (during crabbing season which is usually August and September). Everything is provided for four lucky people! Tour beautiful Gig Harbor and motor under the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. The cruise includes an on-board lunch plus a dinner at the end of the day (hopefully an all-out crab-feed!). Departure is from Fox Island.
DONATED BY: Cap’n Carl Gann and First Mate Michele Torrey
MINIMUM BID: $110.00
7. “Little Brother” Value: $300.00
This original framed drawing called “Little Brother” has been beautifully, yet subtly rendered in colored pencil by author/illustrator, Andrea Torrey Balsara (11″ X 14″ original, approx 16″ X 20″ framed). For her subject, Andrea used a photograph taken by Liza de Guzman (OA Co-Founder) during a trip to Bujela village in Tanzania. The original photograph is also available in digital format for free to the winning bidder.
DONATED BY: Andrea Torrey Balsara — (Visit Andrea online by clicking here.)
MINIMUM BID: $125.00
8. Eight days/seven nights in Maui Oceanfront Condo Value: $1660.00
Enjoy 8 days and 7 nights accommodations in an upscale condo in Maui. Located on beautiful Maalaea Harbor, this oceanfront condo boasts two bedrooms, two baths, and is loaded with amenities! During whale season, you can watch humpback whales while you relax on the lanai. A short five-minute walk takes you to shops and restaurants, a world-class aquarium, plus a marina with daily snorkeling and diving excursions. A seven-minute walk in the other direction takes you to Sugar Beach — a three-mile stretch of undeveloped sandy beach, protected as a bird and wildlife sanctuary and perfect for those early morning walks. Don’t miss this opportunity to have your fun in the sun! (View photos and virtual tour by clicking here.)
DONATED BY: Carl Gann and Michele Torrey
MINIMUM BID: $750.00
RESTRICTIONS: Airfare not included. Six guests maximum. Must be used within 18 months.
9. Original Artwork by Jeanne Davis Value: $200.00
Framed, original watercolor by award-winning artist, Jeanne Davis (approximately 16″ X 16″, including frame). Jeanne’s paintings are graceful, serene, and full of vibrant color. Her scenes include landscapes of rolling hills, old farmsteads, country meadows, nearby creek beds, and West Coast beaches. “My paintings reflect where I have lived. I find beauty in the landscape and I am inspired to paint. . . .” — Jeanne
DONATED BY: Jeanne Davis — (Visit Jeanne online by clicking here.)
MINIMUM BID: $90.00
10. African Photo Safari Value: $3,950.00
Zulu Nyala Game Lodge in South Africa is offering a 6 day/ 6 night African Photographic Safaris for two people. Six days / six nights luxury accommodation at Zulu Nyala Luxury Hemmingway Tented Safari Camp or Heritage Safari Lodge or Game Lodge situated in the heart of South Africa’s Zululand conservation region – one of the richest conservation regions in Africa. Full board included — that is, three delicious meals per day, prepared by the finest chefs with an African flavor, of course. Two game viewing activities per day guided by professional game rangers in open game viewing vehicles.
DONATED BY: Zulu Nyala Game Lodge (www.zulunyala.com)
MINIMUM BID: $1,000
RESTRICTIONS: Airfare not included.
11. “Fund-a-Need”
LUMBER ($1,000): Buy 160 boards of lumber! Due to the high demand and dwindling supply, lumber is one of the most expensive of building materials. Yet lumber is essential in building roof supports and framing out doors and windows.
SAND ($750): Buy three truckloads of sand! Sand is an essential construction material used in the foundation and footing, and mixed with cement for flooring
BRICKS ($500): Buy four truckloads of bricks! These bricks are made from the red earth. Water is poured into a hole. The resulting mud is formed into bricks, hard-dried in the sun, and then kiln-fired.
TIN ROOF ($250): Buy twenty-five 8′ sheets of tin roofing! Properly installed, a corrugated tin roof will last twenty years, keeping students dry even during the rainy season.
MEDICAL BAG OF SUPPLIES ($150): Buy a medical bag filled with supplies! Aspirin, antibiotic ointments, bandages . . . these are just a few of the much-needed items your gift will buy.
BUNK BED AND MATTRESS ($100): Buy one bunk bed and two mattresses! Each ORPHANS AFRICA dormitory houses 48 orphans, requiring 24 bunk beds. Bunk beds are constructed of wood and made by hand.
TEXTBOOKS ($50): Buy one set of textbooks for an orphan student! Orphans struggle to keep up in school when other students have textbooks but they don’t. One set of textbooks includes seven subjects such as English, Math, and Science. Give the gift of knowledge!
CEMENT ($25): Buy a 50 kilogram bag of cement! Bricks without a coating of cement can collapse in heavy rains. Your gift of cement will ensure a sturdy structure.
12. Timeshare Condo at Whiski Jack Resort, Whistler, BC Value: $14,900.00
Timeshare ownership of two bedroom, two bath, 6-person occupancy condominium at Whiski Jack Resorts, Ltd. Condo, Town Plaza Unit 213, Week 47 (Late November), located in Central area of Whistler, British Columbia. Also included is a membership in Raintree Vacation Club which enhances the exchange process and potential usage of condos in approximately 13 other Raintree Resorts located in Mexico, Hawaii and mainland USA. Located on Whistler Village Stroll, this condo is a short 5-minute walk to the lifts and Whistler Village Center. This is the ideal location for your active vacation, as restaurants, retail shops and nightclubs are located on the ground floor. You cannot get any closer to the heart of the action!
DONATED BY: Glen and Martha Fishel
MINIMUM BID: $4500 (approximately $2500 of which consists of 2012 membership fees and closing costs, with remainder going to Orphans Africa.)
DISCLOSURE STATEMENT FOR Fishel’s Town Plaza Condo offered to benefit Orphans Africa
Closing Costs and 2012 Maintenance Fees:
Town Plaza Owners Corporation 2012 Maintenance Fee $744.15 (CAD)
Raintree Vacation Club 2012 Membership Fee $139.00 (CAD)
Condo Legal Fees & Disbursement Fee (approximately $575.00 (CAD)
{Includes legal fees, registration costs, miscellaneous disbursements (title searches, etc.) and taxes on legal fees}
Management Company Administration Fee $175.00 (CAD)
Property Transfer Tax – 1% of Sale Price $ ??
Raintree Vacation Club Membership Transfer Fee $499.00 (CAD)
Approximate Total $2,132.15 (CAD) +??
About the Unit:
The Whistler Town Plaza Suites is a collection of three Whistler lodges, Deer, Bear and Eagle Lodges. These three buildings, which comprise the Town Plaza Suites, are located on Whistler Village Stroll, a short 5-minute walk to the lifts and Whistler Village Centre. This is “the” ideal location for your active vacation, as restaurants, retail shops and nightclubs are located on the ground floor of The Whistler Town Plaza Suites. You cannot get any closer to the heart of the action!
Whistler’s Town Plaza Suites offers studios, one and two bedroom condos all spacious with fully equipped kitchen, gas fireplaces and in-suite washers and dryers. The unit being offered is a corner unit in the Bear Lodge, on the 2nd Floor on the SW end overlooking a walking bridge that leads to the main part of Whistler Village and the Whistler Village Gondola. This condominium has an open concept kitchen, dining and living room with TV and DVD player and washer/ dryer combos. Bedrooms have Queen beds and there are Queen sized sofa sleepers in the living rooms. Town Plaza building amenities include secured underground parking and access to the common area hot tub in the Eagle Lodge. Whiski Jack at Whistler Town Plaza is one of the most popular accommodation options within Whistler Village. For more information about this beautiful property or other Whiski Jack resort locations, visit their website at: www.whiskijack.com!
The 47th Week can be deposited with Raintree Vacation Club and used throughout the year as points for lodging at any of their resorts, inlcuding other Whistler condos. Bonus time and special rates are available at their other resorts such as Birch Bay, Washington, Mexico, Hawaii and other locations. You can also deposit your points with Raintree or use them with exchanges through RCI. Raintree provides 80,000 points for this week each year when the Maintenance fees are paid. This offer includes 2 weeks of points which are transferable with the property.
Property Management:
Trading Places International Management – Canada INC, (TPI) has recently been contracted to provide Management of the Whiski Jack Resort Properties at Whistler. They are handling Reservation Services, Maintenance Fee Payments, Bonus Time, and Property Cleaning and Repairs. TPI information can be found on the Internet at www.tradingplaces.com.
Orphans Africa Holiday Gift Catalog
Give the gift of joy this holiday season! For instance, your gift of a set of textbooks for an orphan student could mean the difference between a life of poverty and a life of purpose and joy. And we have many such gifts—bricks and lumber for building schools, pigs for widows, desks and chairs for orphans, and more. Click here to check out our colorful gift catalog (pdf).
Report From the Field — Adventures in Volunteering
In September, eight volunteers packed their bags and headed to Tanzania to visit our OA projects. Six of us were from the U.S., and the other two were from Argentina and Brazil; three volunteers had never been to Africa before. Working in equatorial Africa is a unique experience for anyone but can be overwhelming for newcomers. The only thing that you can expect with certainty is the unexpected.
It took three days for people to get to know one another, and another two for us to bond as a team. Maybe we bonded during the two day bus trip across Tanzania when we broke down and had to stop for repairs that stretched into hours and an overnight stay. Maybe it was while driving through the Mikume National Park the next morning and oohing and aahing over the elephants, giraffes, water buffalo, antelope, boar, and baboons. But I think our real bonding experience was when we finally arrived in the remote mountain village of Bujela. It was late and we were exhausted. We bumped along the rutted road, our headlights barely cutting through the darkness. A jungle of banana trees loomed to either side, leaves swiping the sides of the bus. Then, up ahead, we saw something. As we drew near, we realized it was the entire village waiting for us. Hundreds of men, women, and children. As we drove slowly through the crowd, windows open, villagers waved and smiled, jumped with joy, and cried, “Karibuni! Karibuni!” — “Welcome! Welcome!” It was a moment that will live in our hearts forever.
After our arrival in Bujela, our work began in earnest. Pablo taught science classes at the Mwaji Secondary School, introducing students to such subjects as microbiology, static electricity, botany, and water sanitation. Paige and Leslie taught feminine hygiene and handed out washable, reusable kits assembled by Days For Girls and our own OA volunteers. Dave not only taught a calculator class, but he worked on the water well with Paige, eventually reinforcing it with a concrete superstructure. Monica took photographs of everything and even provided a photo display for villagers to come see. Meanwhile, Michele, Liza, and I (along with some of our volunteers) toured the school and new land and met with village leaders, teachers, and government officials, in an effort to continue construction and to get the school registered with the government. Of course we also handed out supplies given by OA donors: school supplies, blankets, shoes, clothing, and more!
But the Mwaji Secondary School in Bujela is only one of our school projects. We have three, and we visited and worked at all three projects. Whew! Needless to say, there’s too much news and work accomplished to list it all here. (Please visit the “News” section of our website to see full updates.) Our trip was an experience of a lifetime. At the end of three weeks of dusty travel, no running water or electricity, and near constant labor at our project sites, I asked our volunteers if they would do it again. I’ll sum up their answers by saying, “In a heartbeat.” Thank you to our volunteers for their amazing work! And thank you to OA donors for making all our good work possible.
Carl Gann, President, Co-Founder
Dave’s Story
by Dave Skoor — Everett, Washington, USA
I’ve been back home now for a month and one of the most frequent questions has been, “Did you have a good time?” the next question being, “Would you go back again?” Let me answer the second question first. Other than the tortuous long flights to and from Dubai, (and okay, to be honest, also the bathroom/toilet situation . . . my knees and squat toilets are not a good combo), I would go back. In fact the next trip, whenever that will be, already feels too far away.
And why would I want to go back? Because I had a great time.
Regardless of the heat, humidity, and the ever-present dust, it is the people, the places, and the OA mission that call me back. The places were amazing — the geography, the scenery, the vivid colors, the earthy smells, the animals that you usually see only in magazines or at a zoo. The people were friendly, affectionate, and so generous with their homes, their food, and their desire to assist in any way possible. This all spoke to me of their gratefulness that we were even there, their gratefulness that we had traveled from half a world away spending our own resources and our own time, just to be with them and to assess their needs. And that, I believe, was the biggest gift we could give: “being with them.” Our very presence showed that we cared. We were the faces of love and concern. We came into their villages and into their homes for the sake of the orphans, the widows, and their communities.
Yes, there were sights that disturbed me — common sights like abandoned vehicles, trash everywhere, crumbling mud brick homes, and scrawny, half-starved dogs. And then there were the children — children dressed in worn-out clothing, often wearing the same clothes for several days in a row. The plight of the poor disturbed me deeply — especially the orphans and widows who often don’t have strong support systems and who have little means to afford the basics of food, shelter, or education. And the struggle for daily survival is hard enough without the persistent presence of despair and hopelessness.
The needs in Tanzania and in many third world countries is immense. And in many ways the origins of these needs can only be addressed through “grassroots” efforts by caring and dedicated groups such as OA. It was because of this organization’s mission and their demonstrated dedication to it that I decided to respond, to go in person. Even if it was only going to be for a few short days I needed to be present in the lives of those I desired to help.
Would I go again? Would I be willing to put up with two days of cramped air travel (each way), hundreds of dusty miles on bumpy, crowded roads, the heat, the humidity? YES! The places and especially the people, call me back and I look forward with anticipation to going and BEING with them again.
Leslie’s Story
by Leslie Ryan — Portland, Oregon, USA
I had the extreme opportunity to teach and deliver 147 reusable feminine hygiene kits to the young women of Bujela, Tanzania. The kits were constructed by hand by volunteers from both Days For Girls and Orphans Africa. Each draw-string bag contained 2 cloth moisture-barrier shields, 10 cloth pads, 2 Ziploc bags, underwear, washcloth, and soap.
The girls were very receptive to talking about a subject that can be a little embarrassing. We talked about what they normally do or use when they are menstruating; I was glad to hear that some of the girls had been using a washcloth as a pad so that they would not miss school. We opened the kits and showed them how to use and properly clean the pads. To some of the girls this was a new concept. The moment I explained that when a pad is full they can just remove it from the liner, put it in a Ziploc bag and put a new pad in, there was a huge roar of cheering and clapping. Now they would no longer have to worry about leaving or missing school for one week every month. I could see the relief on their faces.
The girls were very engaged; they asked some great questions about cleaning the kits and how long they would last. At the end of the class we passed out the kits and let the girls open them up and trade if they needed a different size. They loved to see the different fabric patterns used in the kits. They looked very intently at how the pads were constructed so that they could understand it. Not only did we give the young women of Bujela a gift that will lessen some of their worries, but we also showed them something new that enabled them to think outside the box.
Pablo’s Story
by Pablo Rodriguez — Sao Paulo, Brazil
When I first headed to the village of Bujela in southern Tanzania in 2009, I had no idea what to expect. Teaching science in a school for orphans in such a remote place? What am I doing? These and many other questions troubled me. Even when I woke up for my first day at school, things didn’t get much better for me.
The school was not what we, as Westerners, would understand. In the place where the school was supposed to be, I just found a tumble-down classroom built of sticks and thatch. Another smaller structure made of bamboo was the “staff room.” It was the rainy season; students were crowded inside the classroom while water dripped on their heads or while they held umbrellas, notebooks balanced on their laps as there were no desks or tables. I decided to do as much as I could during my stay in Bujela. I dedicated my time to teaching but also to understanding the region’s realities and challenges. During my time there, we constructed the first toilet facilities.
Two years have passed since then. In September, I returned to Bujela filled with expectations, emotions and memories. When I arrived at the school site, what a surprise! There was a school! A real school! I first saw two big, nice classrooms, plus a very well-constructed staff office in the same place where the old thatched classroom used to be.
Some meters down the hill were three sets of toilets for boys, girls and staff. One additional classroom was almost finished and a fourth one was in a very advanced state. Between eighty and ninety children were wandering around during break time. This time, however, instead of wearing old, dirty and worn clothes, the students proudly wore the uniforms that the Mwaji school had provided to them. I simply couldn’t hide my smile and thought to myself, “Okay, now is my time. Let’s go and start the job, one of the nicest jobs in the world: the job of teaching science at the Mwaji School of Bujela!”
Does a Reduced Fertility Rate Solve Poverty?
Leslie Ryan with Baby Moses
Renowned economist Jeffrey Sachs gives an explanation as to how education is a solution to poverty. Click HERE to watch. Orphans Africa educates orphans. We ARE a part of the solution. Join us.
Help Orphans Africa Raise Funds with Your Shopping
Orphans Africa Nursery School
It’s no secret that money from donors makes things happen for the orphans in Tanzania through Orphans Africa. Did you know you can also help raise funds through your online shopping? Yes, you can! Orphans Africa has already raised over $370 without any cost to Orphans Africa or those who are shopping. The merchants pay a percentage of any purchase made by our iGive members. Simply register HERE and designate Orphans Africa as the recipient charity. Sign up today. The Christmas shopping season will be here soon. Take this opportunity to help!
Who among our followers can recruit the most new iGive members? If you want to make an impact in the world, now is your chance to do it yourself and get others to help. We need Champions to make it happen. Get all of your friends registered today. Asante!
Bad News from Tanzania
After our volunteers departed Tanzania in late September, many things remained to be done at the Mwaji Secondary School. One of our workers in Tanzania, Mawazo Chaula, was tasked with completing some very important assignments. Unfortunately, upon his return to the rural school, he immediately suffered a mild stroke and required medical attention. He was able to return home to get medication and begin recuperation. We are very sorry for his illness and discomfort. This is a sad setback for him and the ongoing projects at the school. Mawazo is 25 years old.
Mawazo Chaula
Canadian Runs Half-Marathon for Orphans Africa!
Nav Balsara Crosses the Finish Line
Nav Balsara, an audiologist near Toronto Canada, took on the responsibility to do something for the orphans in Tanzania. Nav ran the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon’s half-marathon this October to raise money for Orphans Africa. After six months of training and a few injury setbacks, Nav crossed the finish line at about 3300 of 8400 contestants! Great job! Nav reports, “It was a great personal experience and one of the hardest things I have ever done and boy I’m glad it’s over. A big thanks to those of you who have both sent in a cheque and pledged your support of my efforts on behalf of Orphans Africa. Just knowing I had so much support in advance was a real boost and motivator even before the race started.”
Nav is still gathering the funds but his early report is that he raised $1500 for the orphans! Additionally, many more people know about the work of Orphans Africa based on his publicity of the run. Thank you, Nav, for your kindness and dedication in helping the orphans in Tanzania. Go Canada! Asante sana, Nav!!!
Nav Balsara displays his Orphans Africa shirt at the race
