We're back in the good old world... and back in the USA. Easy travels, happy memories... now it's time to get back to our true mission, which is helping the 38 children we support in Gadavari, near Kathmandu, Nepal.
We have volunteered at Ama Ghar, a home for children managed by our old friend Bonnie Ellison, for the past 7 years, and are planning to go back again in October. In addition, I have deepened this commitment with a position on the Board of the Ama Foundation, a grassroots, US-based non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Ama Foundation is the sole source of funds for Ama Ghar, a loving home for 38 of Nepal's most underprivileged children. To learn more about Ama Ghar, check out our You Tube video excerpt from Matt Heffelfinger's award-winning film, "The Children of Ama Ghar".
www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2YFrft23hQ
These children are amazing - I think they speak for themselves when you watch the film. It's a wonderful experience to see the transformation from the cringing, frightened, traumatized children who arrive at our gate, to confident, happy, playful children who go off to school with a smile every day. They all attend English-speaking schools and are learning computer skills so that they will be able to leave Ama Ghar, support themelves, and live productive lives as good Nepali citizens. We are very proud of our three oldest children, who have "graduated" from Ama Ghar: one is employed as a nurse at Patan Hospital, one is working in a day care center in Kathmandu, and one is in medical school training to become an MD.
In addition, we are in the process of building a new home for Ama Ghar - which is currently based in a rental house. At the new home, we will be able to care for 75 children (double the current number) and have a community center where local villagers will be able to come for information and education as well. We've purchased the land, approved architectural plans, and completed the foundation - but we won't be able to finalize the house without a little help from our friends.
A dollar goes a long way in Nepal - if you could donate even a small amount, it would really help Dick and I on our goal of raising $5,000 for Ama Ghar this year. We have already contributed $1,500 - only $3,500 to go!
There are two easy ways to donate: by check or through Network for Good. And there's a bonus! Anyone who donates $50 or more through the Clifton/Hyman fund (!) will get an unframed print of their choice from Dick's Flickr files... we'll contact you to make a selection as soon as your donation is registered.
Network for Good is one of the most respected online giving portals, so by clicking on the button below, you can safely and securely make a gift from your credit or debit card, and even make it a recurring monthly pledge. Just go to our website at www.ama-foundation.org, or go directly to Network for Good and search for Ama Ghar.
If you would prefer to mail a check, our mailing address is:
Ama Foundation
PO Box 7075
1831 Solano Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94707
Be sure to mention on your check or NFG form that you're part of the Clifton/Hyman fund drive! Thanks in advance for your help and support - and I promise the next blog entry will be fun - I won't ask you for a thing!
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