Though this will most likely come as no surprise, we will, with heavy hearts, be canceling our Sunday, May 31st “Making the Impossible, Possible” fundraising event and celebration.
We are all grieving the loss of future events and plans such as graduations, weddings, births, travel, and family celebrations. What all of these have in common is human connection. We are saddened that this night, our favorite celebration of the year, won’t get to be spent together. We had a beautiful menu prepared, local wine ready to uncork and hand-made pendant flags in the most brilliant West African fabrics just waiting to be hung. We had words to share of gratitude, struggle, possibility and most importantly, hope. All of us together, in one lovely room, celebrating what has been made possible and what we are still reaching for.
Not only is this an evening of celebration, but it is our biggest fundraiser of the year. The funds raised this evening are a significant part of our general operating budget which keeps the school in session and teachers paid.
The current global pandemic has pivoted our work from future needs to the immediate needs of our Liberian students and partners. Together, in 3 weeks, we have raised over $5000. These funds go directly to ensure the safety and nourishment of our Liberian community during COVID-19.
The work does not end here. We are still dreaming big dreams. Perhaps bigger than ever before. We have a community of students and staff who depend on The Hope Project. Our goal for the event was to raise $25,000 net profit for our school operations. This is a significant part of our annual budget.
The Hope International School provides:
• Employment and stability for over 70 dedicated full and part-time Liberian educators and support staff for nearly 1,200 students and 100+ adults in night school, who we will continue to pay throughout this pandemic.
• A full-time nurse, providing medical support for the students and surrounding community members.
• Stateside staffing for three part-time employees, a team that exists to make sure the school is funded.
How You Can Give HOPE
Although our evening has been canceled, we hope you will consider your ticket purchase a donation. We understand these are uncertain times for many. If you desire a refund please contact info@hopeproject.com.
Click here to learn how to donate today
One of the things that I was most excited to share with you on May 31st was a video we made while in Liberia this January. Please be on the lookout for this video in your inbox very soon.
I believe during these uncertain times, the one thing we can be certain of is the power of our community of HOPE. We are making extraordinary dreams a reality. Thank you for making the impossible, possible.
I am grateful for your understanding and generosity. Together, we are HOPE.
Jackie Frazier
Executive Director