For the Grace: Changes in oversight; fund-raisers planned
Recent developments with VeAhavta and our friends in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka
Grace Care Center operations to be supervised by Executive Committee based in Michigan
Beginning November 1, Eric Parkinson will move into an advisory role with VeAhavta, while a new executive committee, to be chaired by Dr. Naresh Gunaratnam, will take over the day-to-day operations of the Grace Care Center and will make management and policy recommendations directly to the VeAhavta Board of Directors. The committee will also be in charge of making fundraising recommendations.
It is hoped, by both VeAhavta and the staff, children and elders of Grace, that a renewed interest in "Saving Grace" will stabilize funding for the orphanage. A committee has been assembled with Naresh, Cheryl Huckins and Lynn Helland to review the Grace Care Center's finances and management. Other committees are forming to explore self-sustaining projects, media efforts, fund-raising activities and other facets of VeAhavta.
Funds struggled to meet needs
Shortly after the tsunami of December, 2004, the fragile cease-fire between the Government of Sri Lanka and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam began unraveling. Costs in Sri Lanka escalated along with the renewed war. Well-intentioned plans for new projects or programs at Grace Care Center were, unfortunately, unable to be launched as the stability of the orphanage was threatened. Staff hadn't been paid, food rations were instituted and current programs - to include the day care operation - were canceled or reduced. Fund-raising and sponsorship plans are expected to restore financial stability, after which future projects can be considered.
Dinners, concerts and other plans
A benefit dinner will be held at the home of Naresh Gunaratnam on Friday, Nov. 21, to encourage donations and sign up sponsors for the children and elders of Mercy Home. A January concert is being planned featuring Blues Infusion - musical doctors from St. Joseph Mercy Hospital - with special guest Mitch Ryder. A "meet and greet" VIP reception will be held, offering donors a chance to meet Ryder and obtain an autographed biography written by VeAhavta volunteer Jim Mitchell.
'Through Their Eyes' to renew monthly publication
Updates and news will be made available to volunteers, donors and friends on this website in 'Through Their Eyes,' featuring profiles of the children, elders and donors, updates on VeAhavta projects and news from Sri Lanka. A December edition is expected to review progress on sponsorships and donations.
