Nuru's First Annual Gala a Huge Success!

By Camik McNeill

Guests arriving for the Nuru Gala

Nuru Center celebrated its First Annual Fundraising Gala on April 10, 2010! The organizing committee put in a lot of hard work in the planning; it was great to have it go so well and to see everyone having a great time for the cause of changing lives, one child at a time. The event was a smashing success with over 100 guests gracing the event that helped raise $7,487 towards the Nuru Orphanage program.

The evening was filled with eloquence and grace, as saxophonist Gene Richards serenaded the guest upon their arrival. As everyone got registered and scrolled to view the items available for the silent auction, our ears were filled with the smooth sounds of jazz.

As the room began to fill, the event commenced with a welcome by Fannuel Mugendi who was one half of the complimentary duo team that mastered the ceremony. The

Part of the food presentation by The Concierge Group

event opened with a prayer by Dr. Robert Ndonga and blessing of the food. At this time, the food was served and everyone was amazed at the beautiful display of hors d’oeuvres catered by The Concierge Group. The look of the food was confirmation of the taste, which surely reflected its goodness. While everyone ate and connected, Gene continued to play keeping the room filled with ease.

Bringing the order to the ceremony was the other half the dynamic MC duo, Shawn Toombs. He began by initiating the order of business with the singing of the American National Anthem sung beautifully by Star Scott. Then we were lead into the congregational singing of the Kenyan National Anthem filling the air with a connectedness, solidifying the reason for us all being there.

Next our attention was brought to the podium, as Camik McNeill shared a spoken word piece called “Celebrate”, rousing our spirits within to commit to the Center’s mission and to give. Jennifer McLaughlin, a Nuru board member, introduced the guest to Nuru Center’s Kikapu Holiday Program with a very touching and informative video that documented the impact the disbursement of the “baskets” had on the community last year and how continued support will carry on the spread hope.

Next, a long time supporter of Nuru, Jane Githehu, shared her story of growing up in Kenya, and how she refuses to forget those still left in the struggle, and how she

Jane Githehu narrating her experience sponsoring a needy child

became a sponsor for the Elimu Scholarship Program. Even though she is not yet a mother biologically, by becoming a sponsor of Susan Wagui, upon every grading report she receives she feels the pride of a parent. Gladys Mutinda, Secretary and co-founder gave her testimony of how the Elimu Scholarship Program resonates within her heart. She knows first hand the impact the scholarship can have on your life. She recalled how she was sponsored through school and college and encouraged everyone the importance of how an individual contribution can make. If those testimonies were not enough to stir the hearts of the crowd, we were shown a video of three of the children receiving the scholarship. John Jane Kariuki, Susan Wagui, and Carol Nyanchama shared their stories of appreciation and their goals for the future. Watching the videos stirred the room with emotion, feeling the sense of humility fill the room.

The Executive Director and co-founder, Shem Orwenyo, took the podium incorporating all that had been said and seen into a speech of how the journey began in forming the Nuru Center, communicating currently where they are, and the plans on where they will go in the future. Asking us to close our eyes, envisioning ourselves in the shoes of those in need, and how we would hope that a helping hand would lend. Sharing the story of Christine Kibui, losing her mother and father at an early age, and having family step up and raise her with the help of the “village”, contributing in her being the wonderful upstanding citizen she is today. Concluding how there are other Christine’s awaiting assistance to follow their dreams.

Every heartstring had been tugged, and now the time for fundraising had begun! The crowd took well to Fanneul on the mic, his energy transferred to the crowd; the

MC Fannuel Mugendi working the crowd

spark of giving was in place. Jane Githehu joined in the fun, by volunteering to be apart of the Bachelorette Auction. Shem gladly placed a bid to have lunch with Jane on a future date. Concluding the fundraising, the hostesses pulled the names of door prize winners, and Shawn read the names of the Silent Auction winners.

The evening concluded with the Board of Directors and Organizing Committee being recognized and thanked for all their hard work in pulling the event together. Shem and Gladys thanked everyone for coming out to support the event.

This night was another leap towards attaining the long term initiative to open a self sustaining orphanage beginning this year. With the success of this event Nuru Center is well on its way to achieving this goal with continued support by you. If you were unable to attend the First annual Gala, no worries, you are still able to be involved throughout the year. Here are the ways you can be involved:

• Become a customary donor by:
• Donating here on the website (all major credit cards accepted)
• Scheduling monthly donations through your online banking
• Mail (check or money order) to:
  Nuru Center
  PO Box 957418
  Duluth GA, 30095
• Sponsor a child (approximately $500.00 - $600.00/yr)
• Volunteer your talents & time (web development, marketing, writing, graphic designs, fundraising, etc)
• Raise money by searching the internet at: www.goodsearch.com (select Nuru Inc. as your beneficiary charity)
• Shop online and give at no cost to you at: www.goodsearch.com (select Nuru Inc. as your beneficiary charity)
• Join on of our committees (marketing, fundraising, web 2.0, or special events)
• Give feedback (about this event or any of our programs) to information@nurucenter.org