Acting Locally to be Effective Globally
Below is a great example of how you can act locally to make a difference globally.
Kudos to 5th grade student, Nicole Gradoiu-Luca.
Thank you for your effort. It is GREATLY appreciated!
Dress Down Day – Lower School: Friday, April 12
K—5 Students: $1.00 donations due Thursday, April 11
Sponsored by: Nicole Dragoiu-Luca (Grade 5)
For: Adopt One Village
Hi, my name is Nicole Dragoiu-Luca. By sponsoring this Dress Down Day I hope to raise a contribution for the Adopt One Village (AOV) program. This organization helps villages in Ghana by bringing clean water, medical supplies, and a better education for children. “The mission of Adopt One Village is to bring sustainability to this area, one village at a time”.
AOV’s focus is health, education, infrastructure, and quality of life. AOV is currently working in the village of Yaw Tenkorang, Ghana in the hope of using it as a model to help other impoverished areas. In this region there are many small villages in need of aid as they lack electricity, running water, and health facilities. Many suffer from infections and diseases. The children of these villages are educated in an old building with few teachers and no supplies.
AOV continues to supply and train teachers with modern curriculum and classroom materials. They have also managed to provide sponsorships to junior high students who are eligible for high school. Through this organization, my family and I sponsor a child named Angelina to be able to attend high school for a year. Angelina is a bright young girl who wants to become a police officer in her village. Her family cannot afford her education and without a sponsorship she cannot graduate from high school. There are many children like Angelina in her village, and together we can make a difference in their lives.
Thank very much for helping me create a brighter future for a few less fortunate children. We are lucky to have an education here at Pingry. Why not share that luck!
For more information visit www.adoptonevillage.org
(If anyone wishes to contribute more by check, please make it payable to Adopt One Village.)
A Call To Action… Medecine Collection Efforts Underway
We are collecting the following items to be shipped over to Ghana later this year.
- Tylenol
- Motrin
- Multi Vitamins (liquid for babies, etc)
- Iron supplements
- Folic Acid (for sickle cell treatment)
These will be used to more fully stock The Life Clinic and to treat those in the area who need it.
If you would like to ship donated or collected medical supplies to us, please ship them to:
Adopt One Village
48 Browning Road
Short Hills, NJ 07078
The deadline to get these items to the warehouse is Sunday, May 12, 2013. Please ship by May 1, 2013 if in the USA and earlier if elsewhere.
We encourage anyone who is willing and able to organize a small collection area in their place of work, worship, etc.
For more information on how to support our efforts through sponsorship, volunteer efforts or simply with your financial support, please CLICK HERE.
2013 Gala Update
GREAT NEWS!
The registration period has been temporarily extended!
We were able to push out the deadline for notifying our caterers of our final count.
Now is an excellent time to ask friends and family to join you. A personal ask goes a long way – please help us make this event a huge success!
Please CLICK HERE to register.
Please consider sharing this link on your Facebook timeline, via Twitter, text your friends and family, or via any other method you can think of. The more people we have join us, the more fun we will have and the more lives we can change for the better!
2013 Gala Auction
The Auctioneer for this years Gala Auction is Celebrity MC and Rapper, Teresita “Tere” Ayala. Tere is a Humanitarian, Activist, Songstress and Visionary Speaker. Her dedication and hard work have granted her the opportunity to travel to Haiti, Spain, Germany, Guatemala, Chile and Venezuela to make a difference in peoples lives.
Items for Auction
Romance is in the Air
Value: $350.00
Enjoy a “staycation” with your sweetheart at the Wilshire Grand Hotel in West Orange, NJ. Dress to impress and head to the Highlawn Pavilion for a savory dinner and spectacular views!
Package includes overnight weekend stay at Wilshire Grand Hotel and gift certificate to Highlawn Pavilion.
Laughs and Drinks in NYC
Value: $300.00
Need a cocktail and a good laugh?? This fun night out is perfect for a double date or a night out with friends. Start out at Copia Lounge on E53rd Street and then head to Chicago City Limits comedy club for unending laughs!!
Package includes a gift certificate to Copia Lounge and admission for 4 Chicago City Limits.
A Royal Feast for the Family
Value: $200.00
Step back in time and enjoy a family outing for 4 to Medieval Times Dinner Theatre in Lyndhurst, NJ. You will not need to remind the kids about table manners here!
Package includes admission for 4 Medieval Times Dinner Theatre.
Challenge yourself
Value: $82.00
Are you daring and adventurous? Dare to challenge yourself with a day of white water rafting on the Lehigh River Gorge with White Water Challengers.
Package includes rafting for 2.
Tune In
Value: $250.00
Tune in to your favorite music with this Apple iPod Nano 16GB 7th Generation in Slate. Download away with your $100.00 iTunes gift card.
Package includes an Apple iPod Nano and iTunes gift card.
Serve
Value: $2500.00
If you have ever dreamed about making a difference in the world, then journey with AOV to the beautiful country of Ghana. Join us on our next serving trip in January 2014. This offering includes airfare, lodging, meals, and local transportation. More importantly it includes the opportunity to change lives.
Relax in Style
Value: $150.00
Enjoy your favorite spa treatment or 2 with this gift certificate to Eforea Spa at the Short Hills Hilton.
Lions and Tigers and Bears oh my…
Value: $55.00
There’s nothing better on a spring day than a trip with the kids to the Turtle Back Zoo. With this family membership you’ll get to experience all the zoo has to offer, ALL season long.
Package includes a membership for 2.
Laugh it up
Value: $100.00
Need a night out with friends. Treat yourselves to the hilarious comedians at Dangerfield’s Comedy Club in NYC.
Includes admission for 4 to Dangerfield’s Comedy Club.
Hartshorn Portraiture
Value: $920.00
Mac Hartshorn brings a fresh per-spec-tive to fine art family portraiture fusing experience in fashion photography with his elegant editorial style. Mac photographs pregnancy, newborn babies, toddlers, children and families in a natural, relaxed style that allows their true personality to shine through.
Package includes a 2-hour photo session along with an 8×10 print.
A Needed Night out
Value: $175.00
Enjoy an extended date night at the Hotel Westminster in Livingston, NJ. Start the evening off with a bottle of bubbly and dinner at Strip House Steak House that’s right downstairs from your room…
Tennis anyone
Value: $130.00
Work on your backhand with 2 hours of court time at the West Orange Tennis Club. Then go and enjoy lunch with a view at McLoone’s Boat House settled on the Reservoir in West Orange.
COACH
Value: $250.00
Spring is on its way. What better way to show off your style than with this Coach Embossed Signature Patent Leather Gallery North/South Tote Bag in White!!
Life is an Adventure
Value: $120.00
Head south this summer to Jackson, NJ and enjoy these two tickets to Six Flags Great Adventure. Can be used anytime during the 2013 season.
Scooby-Dooby Doo
Value: $156.00
Bring the family to the Morristown Mayo Performing Arts Center and watch as Scooby-Doo and the gang are called to solve an epic mystery. This hilarious live production will have groovy musical numbers and outrageous antics. This package includes admission for 4 to Scooby-Doo Live Musical Mysteries for the Friday March 29th 4:00pm show.
Every Little Girl Loves American Girl
Value: $Priceless!
Treat the little girl in your life to this abundance of classic American Girl Doll treasures. She’ll enjoy countless hours of fun with her new American Girl Doll with her accessories and books.
NJ Theatre Night
Value: $170.00
Enjoy a night out at the theater! First enjoy a meal for two at Martini Restaurant and Bar in Millburn, NJ and then head around the corner to the Paper Mill Play House to see “Lend me a Tenor”.” (Please note… Tickets are only good for the “Lend Me a Tenor” show until March 10, 2013. So call for your reservations today!!)
Kramer Portraits
Value: $2000.00
Be photographed at the world renowned Kramer Portraits. Each Kramer portrait combines the realism of a photograph with the distinct richness of an oil painting to create a piece of original art. This package includes a photo session for up to 8 people and an 11” x 14” canvas Renaissance Wall Portrait.
Kramer Portraits
Value: $5500.00
Be photographed at the world renowned Kramer Portraits. Each Kramer portrait combines the realism of a photograph with the distinct richness of an oil painting to create a piece of original art. This package includes a photo session for up to 8 people and a 16” x 20” canvas Masterpiece Wall Portrait.
Nothing but Prada
Value: $Priceless!
Every woman deserves a little Prada in her life. Ciao Bella!!
MMA – the Basics
Value: $130.00
Learn the physical principles of self-defense pioneered by MMA Master Renzo Gracie and the Gracie family of Brazil. All Stars’ unique training program will teach you everything from the fundamentals of Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to self-defense and advanced techniques used by the professionals. Train for 30 days at All Star Brazilian Jiu Jitsu / Mixed Martial Arts in Kenilworth, NJ.
Knit One Pearl Two
Value: $299.00
Who wouldn’t love the chance to BootCamp….Knitting style! With this package you’ll enjoy an 8 week “Beginners Sewing Boot Camp Class” with M Avery Designs Fashion Lab in Hoboken, NJ.
Stimulate Those minds
Value: $300.00
There’s nothing better than a Quadrilla Marble Run and some amazing Educational toys to get those young minds moving!! Your children won’t even know that they’re learning!!
Michelle Watch
Value: $Priceless!
Nothing says Spring style more than a new watch by Michelle. Next time your asked “Do you have the Time?”…You’ll be happy to show off your newest bling.
Ghana Drumming
Value: $250
This is your chance to own a hand made drum that was brought back from Ghana by our January 2013 team. It was hand picked by an Adopt One Village volunteer while our team spent a few hours browsing the market in Accra. This is a one-of-a-kind piece selected for it’s quality and beauty.
Jimmy Fallon
Value: $Priceless!
As the new king of late night television, Jimmy Fallon does not disappoint. With this certificate you’re guaranteed seating at a Jimmy Fallon show taping in NYC!
Stella Dot
Value: $Priceless!
Nothing says fashion like original jewelry pieces from Stella Dot Jewelry. Wear this with a smile and strike a pose!
Tutoring 101
Value: $Priceless!
Give your child that extra push they need to overcome what’s troubling them. The tutoring and kindness they will receive here will give them the confidence they need to be successful in life!
Lockets of Love
Value: $125.00
Every locket tells a story… What’s yours? Enjoy making your very own personalized locket from Origami Owl. What aspiring princess and ballerina wouldn’t enjoy displaying these signed Ballerina Toe Shoes by one of NYC Ballet’s Prima Ballerina’s. Indulge your inner princess!
Gun For Hire
Value: $185
Whether you are a member of the Armed Forces, a Law Enforcement Officer, a security professional or even a properly licensed citizen, this organization can help you take your training to the next level. Basic to advanced level courses are offered and this certificate entitles you to one free group class of your choice.
Sign up for the Gala now, before it’s too late! Click HERE to sign up or learn more.
2013 Gala Update
Are you registered for the Gala yet? We have accomplished so much over the past years, but there is so much more we hope to do! We hope you can join us at the Gala to celebrate and learn more about what we have planned for the upcoming years.
In case you wonder where your support goes, here are some of our accomplishments from the January 2013 trip:
THE WELL: We fixed and opened the roadside well – first clean drinking water in almost 20 years! The celebration as the water started to flow was electric!
We built a concrete slab to reinforce well structure.
Trained a number of local men on how to maintain and repair the well structure as part of our ongoing efforts to build sustainability in the area. They actually performed much of the work as a hands-on learning experience. It took twice as long, but the lessons learned will serve the area for generations to come!
THE LIFE CLINIC: Saw over 150 patients in the clinic. Screened the blood of almost 30 people. Found 3 children with Sickle Cell, 2 children with Malaria and 1 adult with HIV. Sent 3 to the larger area hospital (Malaria, HIV and a pregnant women with low hemoglobin) and saw that they received the more advanced care they needed.
A number of our friends from the community were present for much of the time absorbing information on better health practices and habits as well as basic medical care.
THE SCHOOLS: Gave out new backpacks to the entire Junior High. Also provided backpacks to the 5th and 6th grade classes.
Rewarded all of the top students from Kindergarten to Junior High with their new bags filled with school supplies.
Sent 8 new students to Secondary School with all of the supplies that they needed. It was quite a moving experience to see this group of students achieving what was once virtually impossible for any of the students in the community.
Covered openings in the roof of Kindergarten with netting to hopefully stop a major bat infestation. The children were being subjected to constant squeaks and noises from what we presume were hundreds of bats in the ceiling area. Also, the school had an extremely strong odor from the bat droppings. One volunteer familiar with farm life said the odor was overwhelming to him and he couldn’t imagine trying to sit in a classroom for hours with that odor present. Recent reports from the village say we have caught plenty of bats and are well on the way to providing a safe and clean school environment for the young children. Once the bats are gone, a clean-up process for the school will begin.
Enjoyed field day with all of the classes in the village (over 215 students). It was quite a celebration and the photos and video footage will start to make their way to our sites shortly.
LIFE: Built relationships that will last a lifetime or longer! …When we say that lives are changed during our trips, we are talking about lives both in Ghana and here at home. You simply can’t be involved without having a life changing experience… The people and the land are simply amazing. It is often said that the benefits of going on a trip with AOV are truly addictive!
Please consider joining us at the Gala on February 22.
Please also consider sharing the Gala link on your Facebook and Twitter accounts, etc.
