Bead for Life: August 28, 2010

Greetings Diners!

Thank you to everyone who attended our second Dining for Women event this past Saturday!  We had 15 attendees (10 of which were new DFWers) and collectively raised nearly $1,000 to provide women in rural Uganda with improved economic opportunities.

Linda (with the help of Corinne) set up a beautiful shopping boutique in her front yard to feature Bead for Life jewelry sent all the way from Uganda.  Bead for Life beads are made out of recycled paper strips from various sources such as magazines, pamphlets, calendars and cereal boxes.  The paper is rolled, glued and varnished with an eco-friendly sealant.  The finished beads (along with colorful glass seed beads) are strung onto elastic and/or plastic lines and are completed with a silver-plated clasp and tag.

Beads are handmade by rural Ugandan women who receive training in jewelry making and business development with a goal to become financially independent within 18 months.  BFL introduces these entrepreneurs to Western markets who pay fair trade prices for the beautiful end products (check out their online store at http://www.beadforlifestore.org/servlet/StoreFront - the holidays are coming!).

BFL (in partnership with Dining for Women) is building upon this highly successful initiative by introducing a Shea butter project which will give Ugandan women the tools and training needed to process Shea nuts for soaps and lotions.  Our group raised $650 through BFL jewelry sales and $315 in support of the Shea Butter project for a total of $965!

Another successful meeting, and we would like to extend a very special thank you to everyone who attended and shared food, funds and compassion.  We will be scheduling the September dinner in the coming weeks and will be sure to keep you posted on the date/time – hope to see you there!

Warm regards,

Erika

PS - If you would like to be added or removed from our invitation list, please contact erikakeaveney@gmail.com.