According to Bringing Hope to the Family USA Founder and Executive Director, Christine Deschaine, one of the most rewarding aspects of forming and operating a non-profit organization like BHTFUSA is reflecting on the winding path that brought it all about. That’s where Travis Gravette (pictured above left with Faith Kunihira) enters the picture. “Travis is one of the main reasons I entered into my dedication and support to walk alongside BHTF Uganda,” says Deschaine. “His formation of Global Support Mission, Know.Think.Act. and Red Earth, all significant and successful fundraising organizations, introduced me to the dire need for intervention and support for BHTF Uganda. He inspired my participation and eventual leadership in the field.”
Travis was a senior in college when he decided to reach across the globe to learn more about NGOs who were seeking support and to learn more about their missions. Once Travis met Faith Kunihira (pictured above right with Gravette and Deschaine), founder of Bringing Hope to the Family, over the internet, he decided to visit Uganda to learn more about how he could personally help. After that visit, Travis took action and played a significant role in the growth of BHTF Uganda. Through his efforts, he gained support for basic orphan care, education, medical needs, and clean water. Travis and his loyal friends visited the Village of Kaihura frequently overseeing much-needed projects and planning for the future and sustainability of the orphanage. Today you can see his vision which has been realized with children graduating to University-level education, the expansion of clean water wells, and much-needed projects like mosquito net outreach programs, which prevents the spread of malaria, and systems in place to assist with medical emergencies.
“The impact of BHTF extends far beyond Kaihura,” Gravette explains. “When I met Faith in 2004 it changed the course of my life. It has been incredible to see the life change in so many over the last fourteen years of working with Faith.”
Today, Travis lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with Maggie, his wife of ten plus years. They have three children: Cora, Finn and Levi.
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