The 11^th Annual Celebration and Silent Auction on April 17^th was a beautiful evening and an immense success! 

THANK YOU to all who attended and/or contributed monetary resources, time, energy and talent. If you were not able to join us this year, we hope to see you next year or at another Give Us Wings event soon! 

More than 400 guests at the beautiful International Market Square in Minneapolis enjoyed a delicious african-themed dinner as they listened to our partners in Africa share the many successes you have made possible with your past generosity. Organic farmers have provided more nutritious food for their families and neighbors, young women have graduated from primary school after years of hard work, and thousands have received health care that changes their daily life because of caring Give Us Wings donors, like you.

Guests also listened when the Mari Group shared their lives through the story wall, photos and video. Taking those stories to heart, guests that evening gave over $160,000 to build a new Mari Village for the hardworking, caring group of Mari families. Mary Steiner is now in Africa to deliver the news that funding is available and the project can move forward. Mari Village will soon be a reality because of this generosity -- the impact will last for generations.

Families will soon be able to sleep under a sturdy roof in a home whose walls aren’t crumbling. Parents and guardians will be able to support their children as they operate their businesses from the easily-accessed central marketplace. The Mari community will be able to help care for their neighbors who understand their needs as families and people with disabilities. Thank you for creating a safe place for these families to live and work to support a simple, decent life.

The auctions and the boutique raised over $40,000 to support other Give Us Wings projects throughout Kenya and Uganda. Clean water will be restored, children and adults will attend school, and families will receive business loans and organic farming training.

Together we raised over $200,000 to continue Restoring Hope and Rebuilding Villages in Kenya and Uganda!! Please know that the people of Kenya and Uganda are grateful every day for your continued support.

We look forward to sharing the progress of Mari Village and all the project work in Africa with you over the next year. You are making a difference and we are thankful.