$15,000 sent to Ghana by Women to Women International

We are so excited to announce that the $15,000 needed for 20 scholarships were received in Ghana by the St. Anne's Senior Secondary School for Girls. Thanks to your generosity, we have increased the amount that is needed at today's costs to sponsor every single need of these scholarship recipients. 20 students can now complete one more year of schooling and be on their way to finishing high school.

Such a tremendously kind deed does not go unnoticed! WE THANK YOU and OUR PRECIOUS SPONSORED STUDENTS THANK YOU TOO!

The top two rows are of returning students. They received new uniforms during the 10 year anniversary celebration of the school. We are so glad to see their confident smiles as they begin the 2014 school year.

With much hope for the future,

Silvia Morgan,
CEO, Ghana High School Project
Women to Women International

Latest article on Noozhawk. You may get to it by following the link:
http://www.noozhawk.com/article/women_to_women_international_082413

Thank you, Melissa, for telling the story of our lovely afternoon, of our project and more importantly, of the needs of young women in Northern Ghana:

Women to Women International Benefit Goes Back to School for Ghana

Santa Barbara supporters gather for fundraiser supporting educational opportunities for girls, and a total of 20 schlarships

Women to Women International board members Silvia Morgan, left, and Michel Nellis, center, join homeowner Nancy Read at the entryway to the Ghana High School Project fundraiser held in Montecito. (Photo by Melissa Walker / Noozhawk)

From left, Teriana Berriz Valle and her husband, Chris Casebeer, Adriana Rosales and Eduardo Hernandez at the Women to Women International benefit. (Melissa Walker / Noozhawk photo)

By Melissa Walker, Noozhawk iSociety Columnist | @NoozhawkSociety | Published on 08.24.2013 12:00 p.m. 

The fifth annual fundraiser for the Women to Women International Ghana High School Project was hosted recently by a group of local women at the fabulous home of Nancy Read in Montecito, raising $13,000 to help ensure that a group of young women in West Africa receive proper educational opportunities.

Providing scholarships to students within selected impoverished communities is the mission of the organization that benefits students of St. Anne’s Girls Senior Secondary School located in the small village of Damongo, in northern Ghana.

Generous donations raised at the event accompanies additional funds toward a commitment to nine ongoing scholarship recipients from 2012, entering their last year of schooling, and provides the ability to add 11 more as the registration process is completed in Ghana. Funding will provide uniforms, tuition, food and board for a year and needed steps toward the goal of providing 20 scholarships this year.

 

Without this annual sponsorship, the young women would not have the opportunity to attend school and would likely be forced to work in subsistence farming and care for younger siblings.

“I am very grateful for all that you have done for me, especially paying my fees,” recipient Josephine Beyou said in a thank you to the organization. “It has helped to reduce the burden on my mother so much. What is left now is for me to study hard, and I promise you I will do that not just for myself but for mother Ghana.”

The charity event mixed a delightful pinch of good cheer with a dash of international flair as guests helped themselves to an array of international cuisine shared by volunteers and staff members who prepared and provided the diverse ethnic dishes.

A variety of auction items were also offered for bid, including two nights at Bacara Resort & Spa, Cree Mann original signed watercolor, oil painting by Erica Shaw, lodging in Maui at The Whaler, and more.

The boarding school, founded in 2003 by the Catholic Diocese of Damongo, is one of the most desolate and poverty-stricken regions in northern Ghana. Due to the hardship and deprivation of career opportunities in the settlement, a majority of young girls are often denied access to schooling.

Girls and young women from all faiths and tribes are welcomed, which is important in a region populated by diverse sects of religious beliefs and practices. In addition, Ghanaians speak English as their official language, which makes communication easier between representatives at the school, students and board members.

Accommodations at the boarding school are vital for the students because it provides assurance that the girls will be allowed to complete their studies in a safe environment away from family distractions.

The organization spearheaded by Michel Nellis, Women to Women International president, and Silvia Morgan, Ghana High School Project CEO, and a dedicated team of volunteers who make up the board of directors and sounding board meet regularly to coordinate outreach projects to ensure students receive needed supplies.
“Due to your support, the buying of books and other learning materials has been made easy for me," student Sarah Hassan said in another thank you note to the nonprofit. "This has helped to improve upon my studies. I do not also depend solely on what my teachers give to me for my studies because I can afford some other books for my studies.”
The school’s high academic standards have attracted young women from all over northern Ghana and, as the number of pupils increases, the need for more educational scholarships provided by donors is fundamental to ensure that the young women attending school and those awaiting scholarships have opportunities for a better life that only education can provide.

Click here to view a video documentary by Dave Carrell about last years 2012 event and the Ghana High School Project. To donate or sponsor a student of the Ghana High School Project, visit a donation site or email.

— Noozhawk iSociety columnist Melissa Walker can be reached at mwalker@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkSociety, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Become a fan of Noozhawk on Facebook.

Guests seated in the lush garden listen to a presentation. (Photo by Melissa Walker / Noozhawk)

Pamela Holst, left, and Susan Evans. (Photo by Melissa Walker / Noozhawk)

Jojo Barker, left, and Betsy Kain. (Photo by Melissa Walker / Noozhawk)

Women to Women International Sounding Board member Sunanda Bhargava with Ghana High School Project CEO Silvia Morgan display a $500 donation from the Goleta Noontime Rotary Club. (Photo by Fritz Pinney)

Laraine and Hod Gray. (Photo by Melissa Walker / Noozhawk)

Standing, from left, Cecilia Collins, Bertha Carrell, Janete McNall, and sitting, from left, are Doris Smeltz and Luz Elena Lerner. (Photo by Melissa Walker / Noozhawk)

Pam Libera, Paul Zappela and Jeanine Kitchel. (Photo by Melissa Walker / Noozhawk)

David and Rocio James. (Photo by Melissa Walker / Noozhawk)

Sisters Julie and Emi Cooper. (Photo by Melissa Walker / Noozhawk)

Ana Maria Herrera and Joseph Wallace. (Photo by Melissa Walker / Noozhawk)

Some of the international treats offered from Ghana, the United States and elsewhere. (Photo by Melissa Walker / Noozhawk)

Silent auction items on display. (Photo by Melissa Walker / Noozhawk)

Guests review and make bids on silent auction items. (Photo by Melissa Walker / Noozhawk)

Nanna Arthur with son Jonathan, 4, and daughter Andrea, 2. (Photo by Melissa Walker / Noozhawk)

Claire Van Blaricum, Jane Honikman, Cathy Black, Michel Nellis and Silvia Morgan address the crowd during a fundraiser for the Women to Women International Ghana High School Project. (Photo by Melissa Walker / Noozhawk)

WE DID IT!!!!!!!!

 

 YOU and

The Sounding Board of the Ghana High School Project worked very hard and pulled it off: The 5th annual fundraiser. 

Standing (L to R) Cathy Black, Fritz Pinney, Lynda Fairly, Claire Van Blaricum, Janet Shaw, Jane Honikman, Sunanda Bhargava

Sitting (L to R) Gloria Decker, Michel Nellis, Melissa Walker, Silvia Morgan

 Two of our lovely guests: Susan and Julieta

 What a great group of friends: Bill, Steve and Mel

 Melissa and Silvia

 Mel, Susan, Bill, Connard, Silvia Janet, Steve, Julieta, Sam and Alene.

It was a lovely afternoon at the lovely home of Nancy Read. Every donor stepped up to the challenge to meet the nneds of the St. Anne's Senior Secondary School for Girls scholarship recipients.  

Our goal was not only met but exceeded!

THANK YOU TO OUR GUESTS, DONORS, CONTRIBUTORS AND VOLUNTEERS!

Remember that your donations are used for scholarships only. No funding is used to pay for our salaries. We have only incurred some minor expeneses, such as printing costs, and the purchase of some of the supplies for the fundraiser. 

Food items, the venue, the silent auction items, the tables, chairs and umbrellas were all contributed by friends of the Ghana High School Project.

Tomorrow, August 18th 2013 is our 5th annual fundraiser in Santa Barbara, California. Over 100 guests have already RSVP'd to attend the benefit at the gorgeous home of Nancy Read in Montecito.

Nancy has such a huge heart and she will open up her home to welcome us all. Others have contributed food and beverage items, countless hours of work by our Sounding Board members, a Youtube video documentary by Dave Carrell http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHBtpIdcljs , photography, videography, sound by our favorite DJ Jay Allen, set-up, take down, transportation, bartending by Eric Schlobohm. We are simply overflowing with gratitute for each and everyone of you: our supporters, contributors, donors and guests.

Our sponsored students, and those going through the intake process at the school, are praying for a successful event so they can receive a scholarship to attend St. Anne's Senior Secondary School for Girls in Damongo, Ghana.

And the following generous donors have contributed items for our fabulous Silent Auction. Hope you can take one of these home to enjoy or share: 

Women to Women International Silent Auction

1.         Bacara Resort and Spa, Luxury two night garden view with king bed, private balcony or patio, and sitting room with fireplace, including breakfast each morning. Enjoy the pool and cabanas, acres of water view trails, spa and fitness areas. Truly romantic and restful located in Santa Barbara...great wedding or anniversary gift ...value $1,200.00

2.         Nordstrom gift card (2) A&B

3.         Aerial Photography portrait of your home, ranch or business. Santa Barbara, Montecito, Goleta area, time arranged with Fritz Pinney to fit the weather and pilot availability... includes 8x10 by “Fotos by Fritz”  value $400.00

4.         A, B and C, Glass Art Fused Plate by Claire VanBlaricum one of a kind, hand crafted, absolutely beautiful conversation piece. Value…….uncompromising elegance.  A. Green and blue striped, B. Green with silver, C. Red with white

5.         Haircut, Style and Blowout @ Bazinet Hair styling with Carmen Tasca located at 3008 State Street Santa Barbara... value $40.00

6.         Cree Mann original signed watercolor...Cree is one of Santa Barbara’s leading artists, her work can be found around the world...she lives paints, and shows in Santa Barbara...Value $175.00

7.         Amazon Gift card..shopping spree...value $100.00

8.         Massage by Eric...treat yourself to a 60 minute massage...Eric will be here today for questions...don’t miss this one...Value $150.00

9.         This “Africa” Quilt has been hand made by artist Robin Smith from Santa Barbara especially for Women to Women 2013 Ghana High School Project. Beautiful color, fabulous size and made with love...a true gift to share and use...One of a kind... Value $500.00

10.     Robin Smith has also made “Africa” quilt bags and bracelets for today’s silent auction...Beautifully made with color and style...Value…unique.

11.     Erica Shaw Art...oil painting...Erica is a local artist with Santa Barbara art association, mural painting in the funk zone and on stage this month at the Santa Barbara bowl.  Original signed art...Value $120.00

12.     A&B (2) Patagonia Fleece blankets good for you and for the environment. Made from recycled soda bottles, warm and cozy Value  $35.00 each

13.      A. Patagonia M's Lambswool Crew Sweater 80% Lambswool 20% nylon Men's size medium value $119.99

B. Patagonia M's Nordic Crew Sweater 80 % Lambswool 20% nylon Men's medium value $139.00

14.     Watercolor by June Rios, 25 years painting, belongs to the Los Padres Art Association. Value $175.00

15.     A & B Have your loved one memorialized in a portrait photograph at the  Roberts Photography Studio by Linda Honikman. Value unforgettable.

16.     A. Hand crocheted with love by Beverly Kowalsky Ching. Pastel, all acrylic, hypoallergenic, snug your baby or grandchild, pastel colored square Afghan. Washable on delicate cycle or by hand. Valued at $40.00

B. Hand crocheted with love by Beverly Kowalsky Ching. Brown tones, wool and acrylic lap robe. Washable on delicate cycle or by hand. Valued at $70.00

17.     Head to Maui for a week in February, stay at The Whaler, an Aston Hotel on Kannapali Beach...Your one bedroom/one bathroom suite in unit 220 is available February 6, 2014 to February 13, 2014 or February 13, 2014 to February 20, 2014...This is a beach front luxury resort with condo living, with all the hotel amenities. Value $3,600.00 

18.     Etching "Tape" by Inga Guzyte

19.     Monoprint "Nest" by Inga Guzyte

Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow,

Our 2012 Sounding Board

Top Row - L to R: 

Sam Howland, Claire Van Blaricum, Sunanda Bhargava, Jane DeSelm, Gloria Decker, Michel Nellis, Lynda Fairly, Jane Honikman, Janet Shaw, Judy Allen.

Bottom Row - L to R

Sara Weber, Fritz Pinney, Melissa Walker, Silvia Morgan