Growing Stronger Together – 2022 Gala Highlights

Inspiring, engaging, connecting – these are just a few of the descriptors used by volunteers to capture the African Road ‘Growing Stronger Together’ Gala Fundraiser held on Sunday, July 24th. The memorable event was the result of community, commitment, and care, as old and new friends gathered to celebrate and support the ongoing, long-term partnerships between African Road and the Changemakers in East Africa.

University of Portland’s Bauccio Commons provided a cool indoor space that was perfect for touring vibrant and educational Learning Stations. Massive oak trees stretched over a lush, green lawn overlooking the Willamette River was a welcoming setting for the outdoor dinner and program.

This year’s Learning Stations included a scavenger hunt which inspired guests to scour exhibits for clues related to VICOBA Plus as they toured the stations. They learned how the powerful mindset-shifting process and entrepreneurial training of VICOBA has expanded and encouraged African Road communities across the region. This is a living testament to the power of growing friendships that lead to exciting and collaborative partnerships.

As the program outside began, talented vocalists welcomed guests to their tables on the sweeping lawn. It was such a gift to have both Acts on Stage singers and the Sebe Kan dancers and drummers return this year with their musical gifts and stunning performances. The warm singing, and cultural drumming and dancing energized guests as they settled into their seats under the shady trees. Acts on Stage founder, and Gala MC extraordinaire, Michelle Lang-Raymond also joined in for some of the songs!

The presence of Changemaker friends in East Africa was felt through a warm video filled with hellos and heartfelt messages to guests. Each Changemaker sent their love and shared what Growing Stronger Together means for their communities.

It was a blessing to have three Changemakers physically present at the Gala this year. Changemakers David Clemy, Consoler Wilbert, and Eliya Wilbert joined the festivities, traveling from Uganda and Tanzania. These three shared their uplifting energy, inviting guests to their feet with VICOBA Plus group cheers and fun group dances. More importantly, they brought stories of transformation and hope. VICOBA Plus is teaching communities to dream big and facilitating conversations that invite members to think outside of the box; David Clemy’s brainchild is impacting lives across East Africa and continues to expand. You can watch the VICOBA Plus gala video here. Consoler and Eliya are providing healing care and love to girls in Tanzania who have escaped vulnerable and violent circumstances. Their family, known as New Hope for Girls, is tangibly changing lives for the better, and that family continues to get bigger and bigger. With nearly 60 children in their household now, the outpouring of support and love the Wilberts give their girls is inspiring. You can watch Consoler’s Story of Hope here.

The gala evening ended with some energetic paddle raise fun – which included the ‘Last Hero Standing,’ where guests battled it out with $100 donations to win a signed soccer ball and tickets to a Portland Timbers home game. The generosity of so many online and in-person friends came together to raise a fantastic $183,400!

These funds will make more remarkable work possible, as they enable African Road to continue to strategically walk alongside Changemakers in East Africa, as we all continue Growing Stronger Together. Great gratitude and rejoicing continue as we work for the future together. Thank you to all who are part of these stories.