As with any enterprise and organization: nothing happens without money.

So, we get ourselves out into the community, connecting with people, explaining our cause, and hope for success! In the past, this has included an art exhibit, manning concessions stands at major sporting arenas, and holding social events. In the future, as we grow in scope and size, we hope to attract regular donors, monetary pledges, and recurring grants. Fundraisers require between three to twelve volunteers; planning and execution of fundraisers is often facilitated by social media and local networking.

Translating the funds in our bank account into desks, clinic supplies, and school renovations is a little tricky, but with time and patience, we've worked out a very good system.

If we are working with our Equatoguinean initiatives, all supplies must first be sent to Texas, where they are packaged and transported by volunteer professionals to Equatorial Guinea approximately four times per year. We rely heavily on these volunteers, as the lack of an Equatoguinean postal system leaves us with scant alternatives. Once in Africa, volunteers pick up the supplies and deliver them to our project sites. For any one supply drop-off, up to five volunteers are utilized in two US states, and three countries.

If we are working with our Malagasy initiatives, where the majority of our projects involve much-needed renovations, Kim Reuter (director) visits the project sites personally once a year to ensure timely and proper completion. This is only possible because Kim's biology-related research efforts send her to Madagascar on a regular basis. During these trips, Kim works together with local Malagasy volunteers whose local expertise and advanced language skills facilitate our initiatives.

After weeks, and often months, of planning, project supplies are delivered or large-scale renovation plans are set into motion. Deliveries are tracked from Florida all the way to their African destinations, with photographic and other evidence sent back to assure timely and proper delivery. Once at project sites, volunteers are asked to assess our initiatives for future needs, impact of past deliveries, and general thoughts on the state of the schools and/or clinic. We aspire to visit each project site at least once yearly.

Although it can take months to get to this step...the work is well worth it!