A Cape fundraiser for African orphanage surpasses $100,000 goal…
The Celebrate Hope benefit in Cape raised more than $122,000 for the not-for-profit organization Heart for Africa to construct an orphanage in Swaziland. Co-coordinator Raelenna Ferguson was surprised at how quickly it all happened. After returning from a mission trip to Africa in July with a dozen other Cape Girardeau residents, Ferguson says she was haunted by the children she saw walking barefoot and naked down Africa's dirt roads. That firsthand experience contributed to the fundraiser's success. More than 8,000 children become orphans each month, according to the Heart for Africa website. The country has the highest HIV rate in the world with more than a third of people infected. The average life expectancy in Swaziland is 29 years. The group set a goal of raising $100,000 and didn't waste any time contacting local businesses for donations. In the end, 13 donated food and drinks with 20 more signing up as cash sponsors. Nearly 600 people attended the Celebrate Hope event Feb. 27 at The Venue in Cape Girardeau. A run-walk is now scheduled for 8 am May 1st at Cape La Croix Church. Read more in the SE Missourian.
Written By: kzim
Date Posted: 3/10/2010 10:02 AM
Number of Views: 170
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