Event Report: An Afternoon at the Park with Nuru Center

Nuru Center celebrated its first charity event at Grant Park in Atlanta, GA on Saturday June 6th, 2009. The event was very successful and we would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks to everyone for their incredible support that made it possible. And to also recap and highlight special moments in the days event for our supporters who were not able to attend.

Our day at Grant Park began at 2:00pm as the DJ played familiar sounds of African music while the crowd arrived to register and network at 2:30pm. Hot dogs and hamburgers were on the grill by 3:30pm, and at 4:00pm the welcome message was delivered by Larry Nunn. Soon after it was time to eat; food was being served with music in the air, the children were playing amongst themselves as the adults mingled and became acquainted with one another. At 4:30pm the Kikapu Holiday Giving program was explained by Bilha Gichuki (Treasurer and Co-Founder), immediately followed by a reading of touching letters from two Nuru Center sponsored children. The first letter from Carol Nyachama Monari was read by Vanessa Orwenyo and the second letter from Susan Wangui Mukundi was read by Furaha Njoroge. After that, Gladys Mutinda (President and Co-Founder) discussed the background, goals, and achievement of the Elimu Scholarship program. Last but not least, Shem Orwenyo (CEO and Co-Founder) talked about the vision and long term goals of Nuru Center and how people can help. He also gave a vote of thanks and recognition to sponsors, volunteers, and guests.

The evening was capped off with old African favorite tunes and more energetic music, eating, playing, and a raffle drawing, while more people arrived to show their support and make a donation. When the event was over there was plenty of food left over to share. The Nuru Center staff drove around downtown Atlanta, GA looking for a homeless organization to drop off the food, but was unsuccessful. Nevertheless, perseverance lead them to a group of homeless individuals under a bridge at the intersection of Edgewood and Auburn. There they were able to leave the rest of the food. You’d think there would be no one to eat the food at 9:30pm, but approximately 20 homeless people came from all direction grateful to have had a meal that day. It goes to show how blessed many of us are to sleep on full stomachs everyday!

Although the events fund raising goal was not attained, we were able to raise $1,348.01 to start the fund to purchase land for the orphanage. Your generosity will build the foundation that will make a big difference in the lives of many deserving children in Kenya. Check back with us periodically and you can read all about this exciting initiative and your important part in it on our website.

If you were not able to attend our first charity event but would like to contribute, you can still make your donation via Pay Pal on our website by clicking the yellow donate button on our website at anytime. We still need your support to reach our goal of $10,000 to buy land for the orphanage.

Last but not least, Nuru Center would also like to recognize the sponsors and those who donated their time, resources, and skills: Guard Dogs Inc in Alpharetta for their generous sponsorship, DJ Nyandat for providing the music and sound system, Chavez Graphics (www.chavezgraphics.com) for the t-shirts, and 2kat entertainment for their continued support. Last but not least, Nuru Center would like to thank and recognize Jane Githehu, Jenniffer McLaughlin, Elizabeth Cavanaugh, Christine Kibui, Anastatia Wandui, and Larry Nunn for volunteering to organize and run this successful event; we couldn't have done it without you.

Take a moment to view these lovely photos from the event. Look for “2009 Grant Park Event” on our gallery. Check back with us periodically to read about our progress and get information about future events and achievements.

Thanks again for your support, well wishes, and generosity. Together WE WILL change lives, one child at a time.

Shem Orwenyo
CEO/Co-Founder