12th Annual Chelan to Africa Benefit Auction

Auction Supports the Touching Tiny Lives Organization in Lesotho, Africa

Information and photos submitted by Dr. Amy Ellingson, Chelan to Africa Co-founder

The community is invited to attend the 12th Annual Chelan to Africa Benefit Auction this Saturday, August 3rd at Benson Vineyards Estate Winery. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and live music with the Kevin Jones Band begins at 7:00 p.m.

The Chelan to Africa organization originally started out as a way to help support the Touching Tiny Lives organization in Lesotho, Africa. Lesotho has the highest percentage of orphaned children in the world and one of the highest percentage of their population affected by HIV/AIDS.

The area that we reach with TTL is up in the rural, mountainous area of the country. Medical care is available, but difficult to access due to terrain, distance to medical care and lack of transportation. Most families also are sustenance farmers, so leaving their home for even a day is difficult. TTL provides support for children under 5 years-old that have been orphaned by HIV/AIDS. We believe strongly in the motto of TTL “One child at a time.”

Several years ago, we decided to pair up with a local cause as well. For several years, we worked with Chelan Valley Hope and then for the last 3 years have been working with Thrive Chelan Valley. Thrive is a perfect fit for us, as they help vulnerable youth in the Chelan area and TTL helps vulnerable youth halfway across the world.

I am one of the medical directors for Touching Tiny Lives Foundation as well as a member of the board. On our team, both myself and Paula Fitzpatrick have worked and traveled in Lesotho and with TTL. For the past several years, our Chelan benefit has consistently raised 10% of the operating budget for TTL. It is a vital part of the annual fundraising. The board is always impressed and grateful that our tiny town generates such a huge financial boost.

And, in Lesotho, our money goes a long way:

$5 buys One bag of powdered milk = giving an under-nourished child the protein essential to a balanced diet
$10 provides One night stay at the hospital = giving an HIV+ pregnant woman a chance to save her unborn child from HIV
$20 buys One tin of formula = giving a baby who has lost his mother nutritious meals for two weeks
$250 buys Food packages for one child for a year = giving a child a chance to thrive
$1,800 is equal to One-year salary for a TTL caregiver = a full-time caregiver for a child who has none

This event has proven to be one of the most impactful, fun and beautiful gatherings of the year. We are immensely grateful for the ongoing donation of Benson Vineyards of their breathtaking venue each year for the last 10 years! They are a faithful partner in making a difference for children both locally and half-way across the world. We appreciate all the businesses and individuals who made donations this year. We look so forward to seeing you all out there!