April 2019 Newsletter

Dear Friends and Supporters,

I am writing this as I prepare to visit SIHG.  I will be traveling with fellow Board members, Wayne Adams, David Cuadros (treasurer), Tim Baloian and Nic Campos.  David, Tim and I will be staying for a week and Wayne and Nic will be staying for 2 weeks.

The only time I have been to SIHG was in October 2012.  The first new building at the Ranch in Kittengala was being finished and dedicated and the foundation was being dug for what would become the Boys Home.  The farm was beginning to produce fresh vegetables and all the fruit trees were young.  Becky has ensured me I will not recognize anything and judging by the photos she has shared I have no reason to doubt her.

 “Why are you going and what will you do?”, are questions frequently asked.  I have one practical goal. Meet the kids, Match names to faces and learn as much about them as possible.  I want to come back with a surplus of information to share with you and hope will serve as regular reminders of the incredible work being done in Kenya at SIHG.  I also have one selfish goal.  SIHG was a place where I found inspiration.  In 2012 I witnessed the Gospel being lived in a manner which has challenged me to believe in a bigger and brighter future for the world.  I desire to experience that with my own eyes again.

As always, thank you for your support and be on the lookout for updates on Facebook.

Sincerely,

Jonathan Baloian

Fundraising Ideas:

• Board member Bonnie Molinari shared a wonderful story.  Her friend Sue Kruger (Birthday Girl pictured) used her birthday to raise money and awareness for SIHG.  In lieu of birthday gifts she asked for contributions to SIHG and raised $300.  What an inspiring idea and generous friends. 
• SIHG is a registered 501c3 with Facebook which means and you can create your own fundraiser on your page and the money you raised will be sent to SIHG.
• If you shop on Amazon, check out Smile.Amazon.com.  It allows you to pick a charity, (SIHG is registered) and a portion of your purchases are sent to SIHG.  It’s an easy way to support us while doing your normal shopping.
• Recently SIHG opened a brokerage account so that stocks and bonds can be donated directly to SIHG.  We are blessed to have Jarrod Martinez, (JarrodM@CapitalWaypoint.com) setup and manage our account pro-bono ensuring your donations will go directly to the work being done in Kenya and not on administration here in the US.  Contact us or Jarrod directly to donate.
• Consider SIHG in your Will or Trust.
• Remember 99% of all money raised is sent to Kenya.
• Lastly, it can never be said enough, SIHG has thrived for 20 years rescuing children in Kenya because of the generosity and faithfulness of our donors.  THANK YOU!!