It's been a while!

Hello again! We haven't posted new information for awhile because we're busy planning for our trip to Ethiopia in February. We get our travel shots December 16.  I believe we each have to get inoculated for at least eight diseases! That does not include Malaria and we wonder if we shouldn't get it anyway. :) We're also busy looking into funding an outstanding filter system for the people of Ethiopia to use. Since our fundraiser raised more than we needed for the surgeries we’re investigating other life saving issues. You see, they get their drinking water from various rivers. Unfortunately, the rivers contain lots and lots of germs which produce lots and lots of disease. So....why not start with clean water to try to stop the disease. Actually, this problem is worldwide. We are SO blessed here in the US. We’ll let you know what we decide in our next blog.

On to other fundraising endeavors...

Now that Women Helping Women - Ethiopia Project 2010 is over Lori and I are looking for new ways to fundraise for Ethiopia.  We are both so grateful that, with the help of many, we were able to raise such a large amount of money.  But, we both realize that the need is ongoing and vast.  We're focused on getting that fresh water well up and going at the school, purchasing mattersses for the boarding students and the hospital, and purchasing new shoes and clothes for the orphans.  We are ALWAYS looking for fundraising ideas.  If you would like to you may send them in the "comment" area.  We  would love to hear from you.  Anna

Outstanding Success!

Women Helping Women – Ethiopia Project 2010 was an outstanding success! We had more attendees than we thought we’d have and they were very generous. We were told by many that the silent and live auction items we accrued were very high quality and much appreciated. All in all, we were able to raise $10,000 to put toward the work in Ethiopia. We are so thankful to all who participated in this endeavor. Rest assured that Lori and I will remember your kindness and generosity when we work with the people in Gimbie, Ethiopia in February. We are not finished fundraising! There is still a good deal of time before we leave and we intend to use that time efficiently. We’ll keep you posted. Anna

Whew! Last night Lori and I did the final arrangements for the donations. We can't believe how blessed we are with so many wonderful auction items. And, the list of attendees just keeps growing! This is going to be a great function for an even greater cause! My daughter, Molly, and her friend, Amy, are coming in today from Seattle to visit and help out. Aren't they going to be surprised when I start them on their jobs! Anna

We have now accumlated over $19,000 worth of donations for the silent/live auctions on November 6!  Just acquired a five nights stay at a practically new beach home in Lincoln City, Oregon.  Google:  Seahaven Rentals and look at the Mill House.  It's a $1250 value!!!  We are busy calling all of the women who have not rsvp'd and reminding them to come and invite their friends.  Lori and I keep reminding ourselves that we have done what we can to make this work and get the most funding we can for Ethiopia.  Anna 

Things are coming together!

Donations are coming in for the Ladies Night Out silent auction and they are goooood! I know that Anna just posted about the two night stay at the Timberland Lodge.....it's so beautiful there! We also have had beautiful original art, personal training seasons, wine tasting, beautiful product baskets, AZ on the Rocks 1 month family pass, and much more donated for the silent and live auctions. Plus we are finalizing the appetizers and wine selections this week. So, all we need now is for all of you to RSVP that not only that you are coming, but you are bringing a few friends with you! Everyone is welcome to come and join in the fun!

WOW!  Today we got a donation of two nights at Timberline Lodge, outside of Portland, Oregon, with gear rental and lift tickets for two!  Yahoo!!  That will be one of the live auction items at our function on November 6th!  We are now at $9500 worth of donated items for the silent and live auctions.  AND, Lori's wonderful family sent checks to pay for TWO suegeries!  I am truly amazed at the gernerosity of people.  She has a great family.  Anna