Harvestland ministries hosts its third annual Dumps to Diplomas fundraiser on July 17 from noon ? 6 p.m.
Through the past two annual fund-raising efforts, Harvestland Church, located at 5848 Clintonville Road, has donated more than $8,000 to the effort of missionaries.
Founder Marovic Goloy, who serves as teacher, Bible instructor, cook, seamstress and more to an estimated 500 children in Payatas Philippines, which is the largest trash dump in the world.
‘Harvestland Church has supported efforts to educate the children growing up amidst the poverty of the Payatas dumpsite since 1991,? said Pastor Freeman. ‘We’re thrilled to aid selfless people like Marovic to enable these children to embrace a better life.
“It’s working,? he added. “For example, one of the children she mentored, Danielle Soriano, earned a national math and science award in 2009. Beacons of light like this reflect His vision for a brighter world for all of us.?
The event is open and free to the entire community. The fundraiser features live music, an auction, a pig roast, face painting, a motorcycle ride and archery lessons. More than 500 guests are expected to attend this year’s ‘Dumps to Diplomas? initiative.
Dr. Leigh Elceser, event organizer, said this year’s goal is to raise $10,000, which would support 610 kids for one year.
‘It comes out to $10.10 a kid for a whole year because Marovic does such a fabulous job with what she receives,? Elceser said. ‘She barters really well for food, backpacks, notebooks and fabric to sew uniforms for the kids.?
Angela Howe, community outreach chair, said why Marovic does what she does is because in the Philippines children must go to a private preschools in order to go onto elementary school.
‘If you live on a dump you don’t have money for private preschool,? Howe said. ‘If you don’t have the money you don’t go to school. Then you continue to live on the dump and have kids who live on the dump, who have kids who live on the dump.?
The main thing Elceser said was they ‘just want people to come out for a good time.?
Learn more’about upcoming activities at Harvestland Church by calling 248-391-2063, or visiting the Web site: www.welcome2harvestland.com.