Story
<p>Greetings Friends & Family!</p>
<p>As many of you know, I spent a few months volunteering at the Agape Orphanage in South Africa in 2005.....life-changing, for sure. It was an experience that even 7 years later, I think about often. What allows some to be born into a life of luxury and others into a life of poverty is something I'll never be able to wrap my head around......but wait, there's good news!</p>
<p><strong>FIRST</strong>, a handful of the kids from Agape were granted studio time to record a CD showcasing their talented voices. <strong>NEXT</strong>, the award-winning documentary <em>We Are Together</em> was made following the daily lives of these children. <strong>THEN</strong>, their music and story was praised by Bono (yes, U2) and they were invitied to the Big Apple to play with Paul Simon and Alicia Keyes! Check it out: <a href="http://wearetogether.org/">http://wearetogether.org/</a></p>
<p>With some of the profits, Agape was able to rebuild their orphanage and graduate their first child from high school. <strong>The RISE Foundation </strong>is an NGO working to provide a quality education for these children -- <strong>$27USD </strong>provides a child with money needed for school fees, uniforms, books, field trips, and an after-school tutor for <strong>one month</strong>.</p>
<p>I will be running the 10K in Dubai on January 27th and am hoping to raise $686.40 USD (or 520.06 Euro). Why this crazy number? That's the cost of putting <strong>two children </strong>through school for <em>an entire year</em>. Any money donated on this website goes directly to <strong>The RISE Foundation</strong>. Pretty cool. </p>
<p>Because I have vivid memories of spending long afternoons with many of the children featured on the film, this charity is particularly meaningful for me. I've attached some of the photos I was able to find from my time at Agape.</p>
<p>If you do donate, a huge <strong>THANK-YOU THANK-YOU THANK-YOU!!! </strong>The money will go to great use!</p>
<p>Happy Holidays & Much Love,</p>
<p>Laurie</p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>Disclaimer: Donations are accepted in Euros: 5Euro=$6.60USD, 20Euro = $26.40USD</em></p>