Dear family and friends,

By now, most of you know that a cause near and dear to my heart is an incredible and unique girls' school in Kenya called Daraja Academy (http://daraja-academy.org) that my son Jason and his wife Jenni started 4 years ago.  

On May 20th, Daraja supporters will once again be participating in the Bay to Breakers race in San Francisco—this year a group of nearly 150 Daraja supporters will be running to benefit these incredible girls and I need your help!

Here's how it will work:  I am partnering with a wonderful young woman on campus named Pascalina.  On the day of the race, the 150 Daraja racers will each run with a photos of the girls on their backs...and Pascalina and all the Daraja students will be running their very own "Bay to Breakers Lap-a-Thon" on the same day in Kenya.  The girls will also solicit sponsors for each lap they run, and are incredibly excited to be able to do something, personally, to support their school community...it's very empowering.

I have a goal of raising $2,500 that will provide a full scholarship for a girl for an entire year (room, board, academics, food, healthcare, etc.)...and then some.

I need your help to make this happen.

Last year, you helped us out tremendously with a very generous donation.  If you are able, please join us again to support this very worthy cause. Here is a link to our fundraising page  www.crowdrise.com/karenandpascalinaruntherace.  On it, you will meet Pascalina our Daraja girl, and also find out more about this school that is changing lives as we speak. PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO WATCH THE VIDEO!  The strength and optimism of these girls, despite having to overcome overwhelming odds, is what makes us all believers and supporters of this truly special school.  

Given the current social and political climate in our world, I've never felt more passionate about doing everything I can to educate girls throughout our world.  Thanks in advance for anything you can do -- gifts of ANY amount are welcome and will bring us closer to our goal!   

Love and thanks to you all...

Karen