Art for Rwanda

When people say "it takes a village" to make things have an lasting impact, it really does. The idea for an art event began with Pat Elliott. His church Park Forest Village United Methodist Church has been having community events to support local organizations. This year they were looking for an international organization. And since they have a long-term relationship with Hope Made Real in Rwanda plans began.

After I reconnected with a few members of their church, Art for Rwanda came into being. All along it was to be a community-wide, family friendly cultural experience. Opportunities for learning and giving back.

So thank you all for coming, almost 225!!! And thank you for buying ALL the Rwandan baskets and most of the Rwandan sewing items. We loved that you visited the Everything Rwanda Kids room, enjoyed dancing and drumming AND even tasted goat stew.

And most of all we loved that you shopped and donated to make a difference. You helped us raise just over $9,500 that will go to Hope Made Real towards the furnishing and building of a 3rd grade classroom. We need to raise more to reach $27,000 for one of the classrooms but what a great start!

Keep reading my next BLOG stories about the event and make sure you see all who helped to make Art for Rwanda a success!