2nd Annual Nuru Center Fundraising Gala a Smashing Success!

By Camik McNeill
The 2nd Annual Fundraising Gala took place on April 16, 2011 at the Smyrna Community Center. The gala was a success with over $11,200 raised. The proceeds will go towards the purchase of land that will be used to generate income that enables Nuru Center sustain a big portion of our programs.

The guests begin arriving around 5:30pm for registration and to view items for the silent auction. To begin the program, a prayer was given by Ursala Spratling, giving thanks for the opportunity for us all to gather once again to build towards Nuru Center’s mission.

As everyone began to mingle, food was served, which was catered by Veronica Wandui, while entertainment was presented by Saxophonist, Reginald Harris. After being serenaded by the sounds of the sax, the program was called to order by the Master of Ceremony, Shawn Toombs. He welcomed everyone to the Gala, and introduced the soloist Wahuria Chege, to sing the American National Anthem. Her beautiful rendition of the anthem was followed by the collaborative version of the Kenyan National Anthem.

Shem Orwenyo, Executive Director and Founder of Nuru Center gave the history of how the organization was founded and the vision for its future. One of the long term goals is to create a self sustaining program through farming, in which the evening event proceeds will go towards that goal.

Next, Gladys Mutinda, Treasurer and co-founder spoke on the Kikapu program and her visit to Kenya over the Christmas holiday to distribute the Kikapu’s to needy families. She gave an in depth account of the families visited and the children who benefited from their visit. She introduced the Kikapu video, giving the account of the trip taken during the Christmas season to distribute holiday cheer.

Jennifer Brown approached the mic next, sharing details of the Elimu Program and introduced its video to the audience. The video showed the students currently receiving scholarships through the Nuru Center. The children shared their hopes and dreams of the future, while expressing gratitude for the opportunity the Nuru Center has given. After viewing the videos and having the emotion in the room stirring, Reginald Harris was able to play a selection that sooth the air.

Guest Speaker and Entrepreneur, Mr. David Karangu gave a great speech challenging the Kenyan community to come together and join forces in remembering where they came from and to support the efforts of Kenyan based charity organizations like Nuru Center. The speech was empowering in voicing that there is something that we all can do to contribute to bettering our communities.

After that powerful speech, the audience was ready to donate towards the cause. The fundraising began along with an auction and the raffling of items provided by the sponsors. The silent auction winners were announced along with some door prize giveaways with the assistance from a child participants, Dekayla McNeill .

As the evening events were coming to an end, Camik McNeill gave parting thoughts on behalf of the Gala organizing committee. She gave appreciation to each guest for taking the time to come out in support of the Nuru Center, and for the contributions made toward the cause. She encouraged each person, no matter how small or big the gift given, it went towards the changing a child’s life. Give thanks!

To conclude the evening, Shem thanked everyone for coming out, and encouraged them to stay involved. He also introduced the organizing committee, and thanked everyone for the time given to make the event a success. He shared ways to stay 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

Thanks goes out to everyone who attended and those who were there in spirit, we appreciate you for all you do. With your help, we are changing lives, one child at a time!