(Photo courtesy of Marissa Hossick: Ron and Julie Cochran and Representative Knute Buehler)
Take a magical trip to Ethiopia and experience the spirit, sounds and tastes of this vibrant culture without boarding a plane. ReachAnother Foundation (RAF) is gearing up for its third annual fundraiser A Night For Ethiopia on Saturday, October 22 at 5pm at the new Tetherow Event Pavilion.
More than 250 guests will enjoy a variety of Ethiopian fares expertly prepared by Zac Hoffman, executive chef at Tetherow and paired with wines from our sponsor, Campbell Lane Winery. An auction filled with unique travel experiences and culinary adventures follows. All funds raised provide life-saving surgeries for babies born with hydrocephalus or spina bifida in Ethiopia, conditions which, until recently, were not treated.
ReachAnother Foundation provides consultation and funding to a collaborative neurosurgeon training program that graduates new neurosurgeons and provides financial support for over 1,500 children’s surgeries (at a cost of $150 per child) to allow them to grow into contributing members of their communities.
“Having lived in Africa during my early career with Shell International, I was very much aware of the multiple health problems in many African nations,” explains Hans van den Houten who now lives in Bend.
“When I met with Dick Koning and his twin brother Jan in Bend, I learned about their project encapsulated by the ReachAnother Foundation. It was their enthusiasm and drive that made me join their effort, not as a medical expert, but as someone who was able to give direction in structuring and fundraising. Since I joined the board about two years ago, I have been amazed to see the support for this project coming forth from the Bend community, rapidly expanding throughout the country, as well as the support for the sister foundation in the Netherlands. The amazing progress with the training of neurosurgeons in Ethiopia has saved the 1,500 children’s lives.
“As a dual citizen from Holland, living in Bend, I am proud to know that due to their efforts, the health authorities in Ethiopia are now focusing on preventive measures to ensure that the fight against hydrocephalus and spina bifida can be won in the years to come. Support for the ReachAnother Foundation is necessary to make sure that the goals of the foundation will be met in the next five years and I urge those reading this announcement to positively respond to the call for financial support be it directly through participation at the Gala or by contributing to the ReachAnother Foundation directly.”
ReachAnother Foundation is a humanitarian organization based in Bend, Oregon. It is dedicated to improve the quality of life for the world’s poorest citizens and to empower them to choose their own destiny. RAF works to increase access to healthcare, education and safe living conditions. Guided by a strong belief that healthcare is a fundamental human right for all peoples of the world, Dr. Marinus Koning started RAF in 2009.
For event tickets, which are $100 per individual, and to learn about event sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.reachanother.org or contact Chloe Honaker at 503-610-4315 or email Chloeofbend@gmail.com.
Info: Dr. Marinus Koning at marinuskoning@reachanother.org or 541-325-3668.
