Daraja Academy is a boarding secondary school for Kenyan girls with top academic scores and exceptional leadership skills but no means to continue their education. The academy provides shelter, food, healthcare and counseling services which allows students to focus on their academic and personal potential, without being hindered by the everyday barriers of poverty.

For the last 2 years, I've been a part of this amazing project as a member of the board of directors for the Carr Educational Foundation. Being a part of the Daraja family has truly been an amazing experience. This spring, we are participating in a unique fundraiser. While Hugo, Kira and I walk the Bay to Breakers (a 7 mile walk) in San Francisco, Florence Ekai along with 103 of her fellow students will be running 28 laps on the Daraja campus in Kenya.

Florence was born in the village of Loruko and is the youngest of nine children. No one else in her family has been able to afford to go to high school. Nevertheless, Florence was determined to work hard despite her hunger, lack of clothing, and school supplies. By the time she made it to 8th grade she was excelling in academics and netball. At the end of primary school she was delighted to find out that she had placed as the top girl in the school and in the top three for the district. Still, there was no money to pursue her high school education.

In 2009, Florence was admitted to Daraja Academy and since then has grown into a beautiful and mature young woman. I am asking my friends and family to be a part of this historic opportunity to help girls like Florence by becoming a sponsor for Florence as she runs her laps so she can give back to the school that has changed her life. You decide how much you want to give, $1 per lap, $5 per lap, $1 for each girl that runs (104 total), $1 per lap per each girl that runs (28 x104). It is up to you. We are looking for at least 30 sponsors for Florence. And I will keep you updated on how much we have raised. Each girl on campus has a sponsor raising money either as a racer or as a cheerleader.

Let's reward Florence and the girls of Daraja for every lap they run, trust me, they deserve it!!

Check out our website- www.daraja-academy.org