The Endeavor for Hope Foundation's Gala & Silent Auction to Provide Access to Education in Sub-Saharan Africa
Star-studded silent auction features celebrity memorabilia signed by Michael Jackson, Madonna, and artwork by Henry Membreno, Algelbert Metoyer, Micah the Artist, Allan Rodewald & more!
Houston, Texas - April 23, 2010 - The Houston community at large has joined forces with The Endeavor for Hope Foundation (The EFHF) to raise awareness and funds at the organization's annual gala and silent auction. The EFHF is a Houston-based, non-profit organization that promotes, supports and provides access to education in Sub-Saharan Africa through individual projects on a local level in rural areas and other areas of special need. By funding and supporting all aspects of education, The EFHF helps secure a better future for the people of Sub-Saharan Africa. Proceeds from the event will be used to:
• Provide textbooks, teaching materials, fuel for generators, solar-powered battery cells and lighting to schools in Chad, Liberia, Malawi, Nigeria and Sierra Leone
• Embark on a mission to Robertstown, Liberia to build a school in support of the Strongheart Fellowship Program, a groundbreaking healing and learning guidance program designed to provide exceptional young people from all over the continent with a safe and stable learning environment that is conducive to obtaining an outstanding education
• Contribute to continued medical relief efforts in Haiti through Partners in Health
Sub-Saharan Africa and its educational system are in crisis. Living standards and per capita income are falling, the region is plagued by civil war and inter-tribal fighting, preventable diseases spread ferociously and educational systems that can identify and solve these problems are severely lacking. Fifty percent of women and 30 percent of men are illiterate. Forty-two million school-aged children in the region are not enrolled in school, 60 percent of whom are girls. Rural communities in Sub-Saharan Africa bear the brunt of the lack of education. Without proper education, these communities cannot improve their standard of living and become further marginalized and voiceless.
"The crucial step to solving many of these problems is to ensure that all Sub-Saharan African people have access to and receive a good education," says Ada Echetebu Norris, Esq., The EFHF co-founder and board president. "People in this region deserve the opportunity for a better life through simple things such as knowing how to write their name on a ballot or read a contract or religious book. Through education, they can ultimately improve the dire situation in which too many Africans live. Education is the key to unlocking all opportunities."
The EFHF Annual Charity Fundraising Gala & Silent Auction will take place on Saturday, May 8, 2010, from 7:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. at the Houston Mansion, 11682 Arrowwood Circle in Houston, 77063. V.I.P. tickets are $125 each (pre-sale) or $150 at the door and include exclusive access to a private bar, personal hosting services and complimentary valet parking. General admission tickets are $75 each (pre-sale) or $100 at the door and include an open bar with eats and treats provided by some of Houston’s popular restaurants. Pre-sale tickets can be purchased before midnight CDT on Thursday, May 6 at http://bit.ly/EFHF2010.
The magnificent estate of the Houston Mansion will set the stage for live performances by “world fusion” music makers Moodafaruka and African dance company the Kuumba House Dance Theatre, who will present the reverberating syncopations of Africa with highly charged, energetic performances. DJ sets by DJ Drew of The Kitchen, LBO, DJ Sun of Soular Grooves and KPFT 90.1, Esteban Torres & Alex C of Praia Urbana and DJ Benzo & Deejay Tunes of Zanzibar will energize the party with a continuous flow of world beats.
The gala's star-studded silent auction will feature artwork by notable local artists Henry Membreno, Angelbert Metoyer, Micah the Artist, Allan Rodewald and more. Must-have celebrity memorabilia available for bidding includes a signed Muhammed Ali boxing glove, a guitar signed by all members of the Rolling Stones, a signed photo of Johnny Depp, an album signed by Madonna and a Thriller album signed by Michael Jackson.
The EFHF wishes to recognize and thank the following event sponsors for their extraordinary generosity: Armani Exchange, Baby Blue Whisky, Bires & Schaffer – Criminal Defense Attorneys, Bowl Cafe, Canyon Cafe, Catalan Food & Wine, David Michael Hair Studio, Divine Designing & Home Staging, Dominic Walsh Dance Theater, The Ensemble Theatre, Fit Athletic Club of River Oaks, Grand Lux Cafe, Gulfgate Vision/Dr. Zeinep O. Echetebu OD/PhD, Houston Grand Opera, Pure Wellness & Therapy, Railean Distillers, Red Sea Entertainment Group, Riazul Premium Tequila, Rich Gourmet Personal Chef Service, Sensia Studio & Japanese Day Spa, Starbucks Coffee, Sushi Raku, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, W Grill and Zulu Creative.
About The Endeavor for Hope Foundation (The EFHF)
Devoted to providing access to education in Sub-Saharan Africa, The EFHF is a Houston-based 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation that helps families improve their standard of living and secure a better future for their children by funding and supporting all aspects of education. Founded by Nigerian-born Ada Echetebu Norris and her husband, Zachary Norris, both Houston-based attorneys, The EFHF uses a grassroots approach and focuses on building schools, training and paying teachers and providing school supplies, equipment, textbooks and educational programs. For more information, please visit www.efhf.org.
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