Adnan Hemedi Medical Fundraising

In early October 2003, Delaware Kenya Association initiated a major fundraising for Adnan Hemedi, a Kenyan youth suffering from cerebral palsy. $40,000 was the goal for performing a successful specialized surgery and rehabilitate Adnan and restore his basic functionalities.

On December 20th, 2003, over $18,000 was raised towards Adnan’s medical fund through the spirit of “harambee” at a fundraising event in Newark. While this amount was not enough to provide the needed surgery, Adnan has received some medical help and other resources from the exposure done for him through the organization. Adnan and his mother remain in the US still
waiting for a miracle!

Elijah Motanya Medical Fundraising

The Delaware Kenya Association played an integral part in mobilizing people to support the Elijah Motanya Medical Fundraising. Elijah was diagnosed with leukemia, and despite over $15,000 raised for his medical fund, he passed away after bravely fighting the disease.

As a result of Elijah’s condition, the organization initiated bone marrow education workshops for Kenyans in Delaware in partnership with the American Red Cross Bone Marrow Center (http://www.marrow.org/) and two local Kenyan churches. Over 230 Kenyans attended these workshops, and 120 plus were tested and registered for the bone marrow national registry.

A group of over 80 Kenyans, adults and children participated in the local AIDS Walk as a way to give back to the community where we live and work. This was Delaware Kenya Association’s debut team to the event which has been held in Delaware for the last 18 years. According to the organizers, our team was the first country-based one to participate at this event which saw us contribute funds from the team to AIDS Delaware to support their education and prevention initiatives in Delaware. Out of this participation, the vision of the organization’s annual fundraising was created.

Held on December 10th, 2004 at Jalsaa Banquet Hall and featuring Matt Meyer, Esq. co-Founder, Ecosandals, and Mrs. Mary Metobo of New Jersey as keynote speakers, this debut event attracted 150 plus people and raised over $4000. Proceeds of the first dinner helped provide food and healthcare to over 80 children at the Child Crisis Center, a program of the Medical Mission Sisters Health Program in the slums of Korogocho, Nairobi, and went towards the purchase of a van for Happy Life Children's Home in Roysambu, Nairobi, that cares for abandoned babies.

As of January 2006 when DEKA officials visited the Children Crisis Center, the children were doing well, and remained in school under great and caring guidance.

2nd Annual Dining for a Cause

Following the successful debut event in 2004, the organization held its second event on December 10, 2005, with a theme of “Celebrating the African Child and Mother”. The goal for this year’s event was to help empower the African child and mother who in most cases suffer the most in different situations in Africa. The keynote speaker, Ms. Rory Anderson, Senior Policy Advisor, World Vision, delivered a message of hope and challenged the guests to step out and help bring change in African communities.

Over 200 people attended with over $10, 000 raised to benefit Upendo Widow’s Group in Homa Bay, and Uzima Foundation and Motherly Care Children’s Home in Nairobi, Kenya. The three groups cater to HIV/AIDS orphans, AIDS widows, and groups that are working towards elevating poverty.

At Upendo Widow’s Group, the donation benefited over 100 orphans in primary school and high schools with school uniforms, and tuition. Uzima Foundation’s donation benefited 324 vulnerable and at risk children and youth to be able to complete their education, and have food and clothes. At Motherly Care Children’s Home, the donation provided food and education to 60 AIDS orphans for 4 months.

Delaware Kenya Association was nationally honored by the Make a Difference Day Foundation for helping to raise funds through a fare-well dinner for Mrs. Mary Metobo, the founder of Motherly Care Children’s Home, an orphanage that caters to HIV/AIDS orphans and abandoned children. The money helped in purchasing food, clothes and providing medical care for the children. For this effort, our organization was honored as the local honorees for Make a Difference Day.

Held on November 18th, 2006, this year’s event had a theme of “Water is Life” or “Maji ni Uzima” in Kiswahili. The theme was inspired by the United Nation’s International Decade For Action, Water for Life, 2005-2015 whose primary goal is to promote efforts to fulfill international commitments made on water and water-related issues by 2015. Over 200 guests attended this event at the University of Delaware’s Clayton Hall with $50,000 plus being raised to provide access to clean drinking water to two villages, Imisigyio and Ogango in Kajiado and Kisii Districts respectfully.

Twenty five year old Kimmie Weeks, founder of Youth Action International and 2007’s BRICK Award winner delivered an inspiring keynote speech. Other dignitaries attending this event included Ambassador Peter Ogego, Kenya’s Ambassador to the United States, Hon. Chris Coons, New Castle County Executive, Dr. Tunde Durosomo who represented Mayor James Baker, City of Wilmington, and this year’s Honorary Chair.

Delaware Kenya Association honored two organizations, Keiyo Soy Ministries (KSM) and Harambee in Progress (HIP) with its debut Hope Award for Community Service. The award honors individuals and groups for their commitment to improving the quality of health, addressing social justice issues and empowering Africans locally, nationally and globally. It also celebrates development work by individuals and groups in Africa that is in line with the mission of Delaware Kenya Association, and which impacts villages and brings hope.

For the second year in a row, the African Rhythms and Dance Troupe entertained guests with lively African dances and drumming.