On February 13, 2016, ten women from the Nashville area will host the 9th annual Fabulous Friends for Africa dinner/dance at The Factory in Franklin.
The tradition started in 2008 when a handful of the women, anticipating their 50th birthdays, dreamed up a more altruistic reason to throw a party. With eight events under their belts, the group has raised nearly $500,000. With such a diverse group of women, they each bring a unique skill to the events planning. Martha Greenwood has not only planned this event but also a notable Nashville event called the Swan Ball. Jane Carroll lends her hand in obtaining donations for the event and baking 60 dozen cupcakes. All so they can support Brentwood-based African Leadership administers the proceeds, strategically funding designated projects in Malawi.
“I’m changed,” says Laura Eddleman, a “Fabulous Friend” whose trip marked her first time in Africa. “Face-to-face with these kids and their teachers, and I am left with a sense of gratitude and hope.”
Adds Jane Carroll, African Leadership board member, “Fabulous Friend” and trip participant: “The relationship lessons I have learned while in Africa are irreplaceable. I’ve learned to love people more, to invest in my faith, and to believe in the ideas of others. The way that the people welcomed us and the love they show for each other is a lesson that we can all learn.”
One orphan-turned-teacher at the Lizulu Orphan Care Project is Stanley Thomson, with whom Eddleman and Carroll spent time. His story shows determined accomplishment against all odds.
“I was a nobody in my society and without any hope for my future,” says Thomson. “The Fabulous Friends have really helped me physically and spiritually. I have seen the great manifestation of the love of God through the Fabulous Friends. I am really happy in my life.”
Details of this year’s event include:
Date: Saturday, February 13, 2016
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Location: The Factory at Franklin, Liberty Hall
Tickets: $75/person advance; $100/person at door – Purchase here.
Tables still available for $750/10-person table
Featuring: Dinner, silent auction, music provided by 12th South Band
Projects Supported:
Lizulu Orphan Care Project, a community-based effort that forgoes the traditional orphanage model and instead equips communities to care for their own orphans. The children live with families so that they are included in daily life. These families are then supported by local resource centers that assist with food, clothing, blankets, spiritual guidance, education, and medical care.
The Common Ground Academy, a two-year seminary-like theological training that today trains more than 8,000 pastors across Africa. Specifically, the event will help purchase Bibles for pastors in Malawi.
Sponsored by: ACT Security of Nashville, www.actsecurity.net
About African Leadership
In 17 countries, African Leadership is a side-by-side partner with Africa’s servant leaders as they tackle their communities’ toughest challenges – disease, lack of education, orphan care, and sex trafficking. Offering theological training and a framework for strategic community development, we work together to make their solutions a reality. Experience this work at www.AfricanLeadershipInc.org.
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