November 2009:

Introduction of Aleta Wondo Coffee at Whole Foods, Mill Valley

Two demonstrations at Whole Foods market were held to introduce Aleta Wondo Coffee to the Mill Valley community. The response was overwhelmingly positive, so the coffee now available for sale at the market.

Web album link: Aleta Wondo Coffee at Wholefoods Market

August 2009:

Rain-making Ceremony

The rain was late. The crops were thirsty. The prayers were answered.
In local Sidama tradition, there is a special ceremony to bring on rain in times of drought.
A cow was sacrificed by the elders and a traditional rain-making ceremony was held.
By midnight of that very day, the sky opened up with a clap of lightening and the rain began. The power of prayer!
Web album link: Senior Center/Rain-making Ceremony 9-09

April 2009:

TELLURIDE ACADEMY: Hands across Ethiopia

Mudd Butts is about expanding one's personal boundaries, playing new roles, exploring new emotions and relationships. Mudd Butts International is about pushing the personal boundaries ever wider, moving out of the physical and social comfort zone and becoming a part of a third world village for two weeks. MBI, as it is called, has been to villages in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Oceania, Central and South America, and now Africa. Two-hundred twenty-three students, age 11-18, have been on one or more of these life-changing excursions which involve living with a host family, totally immersing oneself in the culture and spending four hours a day creating a performance piece for the host school community. MBI has been creating teen ambassadors for 16 years; some are already beginning to change the world we live in. They have a priceless experience as young teens, learning how everyone in the world lives, loves and laughs and comes together when the time and place are right.

Our 16th international trip went to Wondo Genet, Ethiopia, a landmark community five hours due west of Addis Ababa. Read the full articlehere.

April 2009:

Youth Give Festival

Participate in Youth Give Festival in downtown Mill Valley

February 2009:

Edna McQuire School Dance

Edna McQuire School dance provides $1,000 to buy a cow and build shelves for the school for Aleta Wondo children.
View slideshow:Edna McQuire School

February 2009:

Tam High School

Present to Tam High School: Introduction of Common River: Leadership class with Will Scott, Tam High alumni. Powerpoint presentation and Q and A.

January 2009:

Marin Horizon School

Marin Horizon School students in Mill Valley, formed a shoe and de-worming medicine drive to prevent and treat water-borne diseases, including worms.

January 2009:

Kieu's opening night of Far from Finland

A restaurant started by Donna's daughter Kieu in her kitchen. Home-cooking and serving by Kieu Brewer to raise money for the children of Aleta Wondo. Please visit the restaurant! Call for reservations at: 415-559-6527. View Far From Finlandphotographs.