Contributing Artists Update:

Dave Eggers @ mcsweeneys.net

ErinThomas @ erinthomasphotography.com

Kellee Beaudry @ kelleebeaudry.home.comcast.net

John Graeter @ www.johngraeter.com

Carole Powell @ dreamartworks.com

Contributing Artists Include:

Bonnie Heart Clyde @ bonnieheartclyde.com

Kim Nguyen @ photosbykim.com

Betsy Walton @ morningcraft.com

Sarah Kamsler @ flickr photo album

Sedona Callahan @ sedonacallahanphotographer.com

Thank You!

Darfur Proposition

Education for Darfur’s Children

Only the educated are free. - Epictetus

EDUCATION:

Education alone can transform a war ridden nation into a peaceful and just one. Through the vehicle of education, patience, tolerance, economics, communication and other vital skills are learned. Darfur is currently a den to fear, desperation and forces that drive conflict. With education we can change the world. With education, Darfur can be transformed. Through the education of children, the leaders and citizens of tomorrow will be wise, tempered and transformed from victim to leaders of peace.

UNITED NATIONS GOALS:

United Nations and Partners are working towards the following goals:

-equitable access to quality basic education for girls and boys;

-improved access to complementary basic education for school children, adolescents and adults;

-increased availability of vocational skills training programs.

FUNDRAISER GOALS:

To raise $50,000 towards the education of girls and boys in Darfur.

Funds raised would: buy classroom kits, pay to train teachers and help build and remodel school buildings.

The EVENT :

Date: Saturday, March 24, 2007

Location: Multicultural Center at Portland State University (Smith Hall)

Time: 7:00p.m. to 10:00p.m.

Entertainment: Adam Hurst (cellist), Nick Jaina and Loch Lomond, as well as a presentation of the current situation in Darfur, the need for education and an outline of where, specifically, the funds would go. This would entail a speaker and slide show presentation.

Art Sale: Fine art pieces for sale and/or auction.

Silent Auction: and/or raffle: Fine Dining Experiences, Movie or Concert Tickets, Etc..

Door Price: No Entry Fee, Donations Accepted

Refreshments: Appetizers,pizza, desserts, fruit and beverages.

EVENT STAFFING AND DETAILS:

Credit Card Machine

Wait Staff

Cashiers

Door Staff

Music/Entertainment Tech and Stage Staff

SOURCES OF FUNDING:

Door Price

Art Sale

Silent Auction

General Donations

Schools Project

Schools for Darfur Proposal

Darfur is described by the United Nations as the humanitarian crisis of our time. In an effort to contribute to the future peace and stability in this volatile region of Sudan, I am organizing a fundraiser to raise money for the education of the children displaced and affected by this catastrophic genocide.

The fundraiser itself will take place March 24, 2007 at Portland State University in the Multicultural Center. The event includes light refreshments, musical entertainment, a presentation and slide show, an art sale and silent auction or raffle. The goal of this venture is to raise $50,000 that will be donated through Save The Children, who I am working with, to ensure that the money is spent solely on providing classroom kits, teacher training and building renovation and remodeling. The exact breakdown of funds is currently being researched and I can provide exact numbers in the near future.

In addition to this event a group of my students is working on putting together a short Power Point Presentation that will give a brief history of the region and conflict, the need for education and aid as a means for peace and a way students can help contribute to this noble and critical endeavor.

After the presentation we are looking for volunteer classrooms to sell bracelets provided by Save The Children. Classes will pledge to sell 50, 75, 100 and 150 bracelets for a dollar a piece, this number will be matched by a pledge donor, either a small company or individual, on the condition that all the bracelets are sold. The class will be matched with a comparable donor. We also welcome parents to step forward and match the amount their child or their child’s class raises.

Dates for the presentations are made upon appointment. No amount or effort is too small, this is truly a dire need and we will all be eternally grateful for your support.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions, comments and to set up an appointment for your classroom, middle, elementary or high school, book club group or any other club that has a desire to help the children in Darfur.

Thank you.

Most Sincerely,

Lua Masumi

darfur.children@gmail.com