Emergency Funding Update:
We are humbled by the swift action of the generous donors who responded to our urgent plea for help with the recent funding crisis at Bringing Hope to the Family Uganda (BHTF). BHTFUSA was able to secure enough donations to keep the children fed and sheltered in the near term. Please consider signing up for a recurring donation (monthly, quarterly, or annually) to help us create a more reliable stream of year-round funding.
Thank you!
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Dr. Faith Kunihira’s annual USA visit
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Dr. Faith Kunihira with Elaine Kim, donor and friend to BHTFUSA
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BHTFUSA was proud to welcome and host Dr. Faith Kunihira, founder of Bringing Hope to the Family, during her annual trip to the USA to connect with donors and partners. During her month-long visit which began in mid-April, Faith made several stops around the country including Baltimore, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas.
One of her first stops in Los Angeles was a visit with BHTFUSA donor Designer Elaine Kim at her design studio and boutique in Brentwood. Elaine and her family have helped us build water wells and donated her beautiful clothing to our girls. Her contributions have touched many lives, fostering positive change and enabling us to continue our mission.
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Nothing Without Water event raises awareness and builds wells
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BHTFUSA board member, Tori Robinson, pictured here with Faith at the “Nothing Without Water” event in Beverly Hills
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The next stop for Faith and the BHTFUSA team was our “Nothing Without Water” event at the elegant Waldorf Astoria in Beverly Hills on Tuesday evening, May 2nd. Our host for the evening, BHTFUSA board member Tori Robinson, organized a splendid and informative program to raise awareness and funding for the much-needed construction of fresh water wells in the Kyenjojo District of Uganda.
Faith spoke to the group as did Christine Deschaine, Founder and Executive Director of Bringing Hope to the Family USA. They related stories of their history and passion for caring for the children and underserved families in the Village of Kaihura and surrounding areas. Attendees also enjoyed our special guest for the evening, Chayse Dacoda, whose presentation “Nothing Without Water,” delivered a unique perspective on water, running the gamut from “Water as Haven” to “Water as Human Need.”
Our sincere appreciation goes out to our guests for their attendance at this event and for their generous donations to our Water Wells initiative. Proceeds from this event will facilitate construction of two spring water wells!
Special thanks to Tori for her hard work in putting together another entertaining and productive fundraiser for Bringing Hope to the Family.
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Fundraiser in Rancho Palos Verdes
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Faith with Manny and Amber Karemera in their beautiful home
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Next up, Faith and Christine attended a fundraiser at the lovely home of loyal donors Manny and Amber Karemera. Faith had the opportunity to discuss the importance of being a monthly sustainer for Education while guests enjoyed a delightful lunch.
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Children in the village receiving their new mattresses!
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The Karemeras have been instrumental in funding several critical programs for Bringing Hope to the Family with an emphasis on Education. Most recently, they provided us with 100 much-needed new mattresses for our students. We remain grateful for their ongoing support.
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Pepperdine University graduation ceremony
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Faith with Dr. Stephen Kirnon, SEC Program Director, at the Pepperdine University commencement ceremony, May 18, 2024
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With a coveted invitation from BHTFUSA board member Dr. Helen Easterling Williams, Faith and Christine attended the spring commencement ceremonies of the School of Education and Psychology at Pepperdine University. Their goal was to collaborate with the team at Pepperdine to send Education students to BHTF for community development projects and to give BHTF’s teachers a chance to learn and exchange ideas for new skills and strategies from future USA educators. Those plans are underway!
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Cherished friends and new connections
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Faith’s travels brought her to new and old friends around the country. In LA, she reunited with long-time friend and BHTF patron, Bill McMorrow of Kennedy Wilson; there was a lovely reunion with Dr. Helen Easterling Williams, Pastor Rob, and his wife Pastor Ann (not pictured) from FAMEUSA Church; Faith experienced an unexpected and heartwarming reunion with cherished friends Sara Barton, University Chaplain, her husband Professor John Barton, and their son Nate Barton, at the Pepperdine University commencement ceremony; Melissa and Ron Boreta toured Faith, Christine, and Jackie Jacquemoud, BHTFUSA Communications Director around their Twilight Springs Horse Sanctuary in Mountain Springs, Nevada, where they made plans to partner with us for a large outreach to be announced soon; and BHTFUSA was again one of the beneficiaries of proceeds from the annual Crew Los Angeles golf tournament.
Special thanks to steadfast friend and donor, Sue Williams in Henderson, Nevada, who hosted a delicious brunch in her home where Faith, Christine, and Jackie delivered great news about the latest expansion plans for New Hope Medical Centre which she actively supports.
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Faith still needs your help
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Faith has now returned to Uganda. But, as always, she left a little part of herself with each of us who was able to spend time with her.
Her deep, long-standing commitment over the last two decades to “her kids,” as she calls them, is inspiring and uplifting. But all of that dedication and hard work is driven by the ongoing needs of the community of orphans that she serves. Over the last 24 years, Faith’s efforts have moved more than 3,000 children from being vulnerable to self-sustaining. Children will continue to seek her help, and the cycle of care continues with Faith’s compassion and understanding.
Let’s continue to help Faith from the USA and beyond. Faith is committed to her calling to improve the lives of so many children, and there are several ways for YOU to partner with her and us:
- Follow us on our social media platforms (links below).
- Host or volunteer at one of our local events.
- Share this newsletter with a friend or family member.
- Make a recurring donation.
Thank you for supporting BHTFUSA and being an integral part of our community. Your support and decisions make a profound difference in the lives of the children we serve and for that we are grateful!
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