|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Greetings!
How do you know when Fr. Hilary has been to town? Amid a whirlwind of activity, Fr. Hilary left his mark, stirring up in each of us who met with him interesting new ways to think about COVE's mission, and accompanying us in developing strategies for the next stage of the journey. Look below for information about Fr. Hilary's US visit. Don't miss the highlights from COVE's successful April 10 Benefit, Out of Africa, and stories from COVE's Spring Meeting at Vernon Hills High School on April 21. Sincere thanks to all who contributed to the success of these wonderful events!
|
|
|
|
|
|
'Out of Africa' Sparks Adventure, Inspires Hope
Decorations Co-Chair Monica Fisher | COVE Alliance's 2010 voyage 'Out of Africa' took place under a clear evening sky in unseasonably warm weather. A reception area overflowing with Bird of Paradise flower bouquets greeted more than 185 guests at the Doubletree Hotel in Mundelein. Inside the spacious ballroom, additional flowers and pineapple centerpieces created a lively tropical setting for the evening's activities. During the cocktail hour, party-goers enjoyed live African drum music, visited an African Village Store stocked with many unique items from Uganda, browsed an exciting silent auction, purchased wine bottles that came with a surprise gift, and took a chance at winning a new laptop computer.
Board member Jerry Nora, Noelle and Dan Moore | Following dinner, words of welcome were offered by COVE US Chair Wendy Mospan and COVE Alliance Executive Director Fr. Hilary Muheezangango. An energetic game of Heads and Tails and a winning live auction completed the dinner hour. The evening was capped by fun music and dancing as well as a dessert table filled with delicious treats.
Grants Co-Chairs Deann Mealey and Annette Cowart | All the COVE volunteers, returning supporters and new friends brought tremendous energy to 'Out of Africa', and excitement for COVE Alliance's mission grew. Along with many fond memories of a lovely evening among good friends, we are grateful and pleased to report that the event brought in more than $20,000 to benefit COVE Alliance's education and healthcare projects in Kapeeka. |
|
 Words cannot express the tremendous gratitude that we have for the many volunteers and supporters who helped to make 'Out of Africa' a success. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Terry McLaughlin and Kathy Brosmith for heading up the event and sharing their awesome organizational skills, friendly spirits, and many hours of their valuable time. Thanks also to the incredible committee of hard-working people who stepped up to help in every way - you are the best!
Finally, our heartfelt thanks go out to the generous friends, neighbors and businesses who contributed goods and services to help the cause of COVE Alliance. These gracious donors are posted on the COVE Alliance website - donors of $200 or more are listed with a link to their website. Please take a look at their names and try to support these folks with a word of thanks - and your business too, where applicable.
|
|
COVE Spring Meeting at Vernon Hills High School
Principal Ellen Cwick and friend |
When Vernon Hills High School principal Ellen Cwick traveled with COVE to Kapeeka in the summer of 2009, she wanted to experience all that there was to experience there - the culture, the children, the school systems. She dreamt that one day, VHHS teachers and students would come to teach in the primary school that Vernon Hills has been instrumental in building at the St. Jerome COVE Center. Her time in Kapeeka, she said, was life-changing.
When VHHS senior Steven Spreiser first heard about COVE in the Fall of 2007, he was skeptical, seeing no evidence that high school students here could make a tangible impact in Uganda. Since those early days, the high school has built two classrooms and Steven has taken a leadership role in COVE Alliance. Now, Steven is confident that student interest in this First Class service project will continue to support the school in Kapeeka long after he graduates.
Along with other educators, students and COVE US delegates, Ellen Cwick and Steven Spreiser each plan to travel to Kapeeka in the summer of 2011. |
|
COVE Delegates Prepare for June Trip to Uganda
A COVE US group will travel to Uganda in June to visit with COVE Uganda students and staff, and experience the local culture there. COVE US representatives will be Carol Armstrong, Nina Fischesser, Darlene Frantonius and Carolyn Reinertson.
COVE Vice Chair Darlene Frantonius, pictured above with her friend George, will make her fourth consecutive summer visit.
|
|
Letter from a Sponsored Child
| | |
|
Dear Sponsor,
I hope you, your family members and friends all had a happy Easter season.
Thank you so much for accepting to be my sponsor. I am now in primary grade seven. When I am at home I am responsible for cooking food, fetching water, digging in the garden, and washing clothes.
Through your sponsorship I have been able to pay for school fees, a school uniform, exercise books, and tooth paste and a tooth brush.
Yours,
Tereza Nahulemba
Tereza is sponsored by Tony and Shelia Tinetti. She was assisted by a COVE Alliance staff member in writing this letter. |
|
|
For more information about COVE Alliance,
please visit our website at:
To make a donation via PayPal, please click the Donate button:
|
|
Between March 24 and April 24, Executive Director Fr. Hilary visited the
United States, and his days here with us were full.
Among other things, Fr. Hilary traveled to Lawrenceville, Indiana to meet with a parish youth group that is interested in becoming involved with COVE Alliance. He networked with other global organizations during Chicago Public Radio's Global Activism Expo at the UIC Forum. He spent his days and evenings with some old friends, and with some new friends too. And, he held numerous meetings (and drank many cups of tea) with the COVE US board and committees.
With customary warmth, patience and humor, Fr. Hilary communicated the plans of COVE Uganda and listened to the thoughts of COVE US. He worked graciously to consider many points of view and to reconcile differences, always concerned with finding a shared commitment in the best interests of the children and families that COVE serves.
COVE US is grateful for the time that Fr. Hilary spent with us here and for his unwavering dedication to the mission and work of COVE Alliance.
|
Have you ever considered serving on the COVE US Board of Directors? Well, maybe now is the time! During May, we will begin seeking nominations for new board members.
In mid-May, those who are on COVE's email list will receive a request to consider nominating yourself or someone you know for the US board. In August, the nominating committee will present a slate of nominees to the current board for approval. Then, an open election for board members to fill the Chair and several other positions will take place at the annual Fall meeting in September.
For more information, please contact Wendy Mospan by email or at (847) 948-5805. |
|
Ethan and Isabella Tramel are two children who showed extraordinary compassion for the children of Uganda in a rather unique way. During this past Lenten season, the siblings came up with a service project for COVE Alliance. Since Ethan and Isabella are both enthusiastic about recycling to benefit the environment, they decided to collect used toys that could be taken to the children of Uganda with COVE US members on their annual visit. They put a box on their front porch and sent e-mails to each of their friends asking them to drop off their used toys. By the end of Lent, they collected a full box of matchbox cars and stuffed animals! The toys will be delivered to Ugandan children during the COVE US visit in June. |
Our vision is of a world of hopeful, responsible human beings who respect human dignity and are in a position to sustain themselves and their families in the future.
| |
|
|
|
|
|
