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Event to help AIDS orphans in Africa
Others can help by supporting a fundraiser. Lily of the Valley (LoVE) will host an inaugural LoveFest concert at 5 p.m. Sun., June 26 at Gardens of the World, across from the Civic Arts Plaza in Thousand Oaks, to benefit the Children’s Village, an orphanage that’s quickly becoming a model for other African countries that are dealing with children infected with AIDS. AIDS affects more than 30 percent of adults in some African countries. When parents die, they leave behind young children who may or may not also be infected. The fundraising event will feature smooth jazz artists including Heintz and Grant Geissman, the groups Tin Drum and Benise, several regional bands, and other well-known performers who will be announced soon. The benefit will include wine tasting, food from local restaurants and a silent auction. LoVE is a California nonprofit organization supporting Lily of the Valley Children’s Village in Kwazulu, South Africa. It provides housing, food, education and motherly care in small group homes. The family-like environment ensures that all children receive individual love and nurturing, according to officials with the organization. The group also encourages adoptions. The site is comprised of houses that each have a full-time housemother and six children. The village also provides a nursery for babies through 3year-olds and a preschool. Older children attend local schools, and the village has a small computer room. “The good news is that we have plenty of land on which to build more homes for so many children who are just waiting to be rescued,” said LoVE president Sharon Clack. “We simply need the funds for the ongoing support,” she said. Heintz and his family will go to Africa in August to help. But even before their trip, Heintz, his wife, Sharon, and their three young girls have already connected with kids at the orphanage. They recently adopted three children. “It’s made a real connection between our family and the kids there,” said Tim, who’s confident the trip will have a positive impact on his family. They’ll be working at the AIDS orphanage, which houses kids with AIDS and others who were orphaned because their parents died of the disease. The family will stay and work at the orphanage in Kwazulu for 10 days. “AIDS is a huge problem beyond what we can fathom, especially in Africa,” said Heintz. His family’s voyage won’t change the world, “but we can change the world for these kids,” he said. He feels that if everybody did a little, it would just change everything. But this trip is more than just helping others, Heintz said. “I think we’re the ones who will gain a lot. We’re going to be touched by these kids,” Heintz said. He’s confident that the trip will open the eyes and hearts of his daughters, who are 7, 8 and 9 years old. Moorpark resident Christa Carlson, 16, also plans to go to Africa to lend a hand. “I felt called to do it,” said Carlson, who will join other young people from Conejo Congregational Church for the trip. Carlson is confident that the endeavor will be a winwin for both the recipients and the givers. “I hope to help at the orphanage and learn more about myself and my relationship with God.” Participants are required to raise money for airfare. They send out letters, requesting prayers and money, confident that God and generous people will help, Carlson said. The June 26 benefit offers sponsorship opportunities to local businesses that would like to participate. Tickets to the event are $35 in advance or $40 at the door. For details about LoVEFest 2005 or the LoVE foundation, call (805) 277-1827 or e-mail lilyvalleyusa@hotmail.com |
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