Fundraising Event for Malawi

Posted by Jerry Venters

on Mar 29, 2013

A Chance to Help Children in Malawi

For several years, the Plaza Rotary Club and individual Plaza Rotarians have been engaged in helping children in Malawi -- from building latrines for schools to providing a heavy-duty sewing machine for women villagers to purchasing anti-malaria bed nets for 37 villages around Lake Malawi. Much of this humanitarian work has been accomplished through or in cooperation with Malawi Children's Village, a 501(c)(3) organization that has provided extensive support for Malawians over a number of years. Two Plaza Rotarians -- Bill Schmidt and Elizabeth Usovicz -- serve on the Board of Directors of Malawi Children's Village (MCV).

On April 19, Bill and Elizabeth and others are hosting a benefit for the children in Mangochi, Malawi. Although this event is not sponsored by the Plaza Rotary Club and the Club will receive none of the proceeds, in light of our long involvement in Malawi and the worthiness of the cause, Plaza Rotarians are encouraged to support and attend this fundraising event. The event will be held at the Community Christian Church, 4601 Main St. Doors open at 6 p.m. Guitarist Darryl Purpose will be the lead performer, and a local group, "Soundz of Africa," will perform on African drums. A silent auction will feature artifacts and items made in Malawi, and Silpada jewelry will be auctioned. (At right: Darryl Purpose)

Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased at the Web site below or at the door. MCV is non-profit and tax exempt. Proceeds will be used to repair village homes damaged by recent storms, support students in primary and secondary schools, build classrooms (50% of primary students learn sitting outside under a tree), provide health care and public health services, and build latrines at schools. For more information, call Bill Schmidt at 816-977-3853. To purchase tickets or to donate, go to: http://malawichildrensvillage.org/donate/ .