On May 17, Art Aid International hosted its second annual wine tasting and art auction fundraiser for Tesfa schools in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Stephanie Timmerman, (featured above with kids in Shiro Meda in February) is a Grand Rapids artist and the founder of Art Aid. She’s been twice to Ethiopia to work with the children in our schools. Her specialty: art lessons in which the children create beautiful paintings, large and small. Some of this art was up for auction in order to keep school programs alive and well. Stephanie has a real talent with the kids, and she’s very devoted to their well-being. Soon, we’ll have a gallery of children’s art up on-line. Watch for it.

So what’s Team Tesfa? Team Tesfa is a team for young track and cross country runners who want to compete among the pros in Addis Ababa. It’s also a vehicle for the foundation to reach out to teenage girls who need a helping hand. These are girls who are separated from their parents or orphaned, who have no support unless they work in bars or as house servants, who often have to give up their education, who are vulnerable to sexual violence. We provide them with housing, education, stipends, and community. In back are (left to right) Meseret, Worke, and Askwal. Up front are (left to right) the team captain, Ijigu, and the team coach, Mr. Berhanu. Coach Berhanu is an old Navy man who competed and coached in a dozen sports. He stands about six and a half feet, and his hand completely envelopes yours in a crushing grip. He’s a very kind man, and he offered his services as a volunteer for months, until we could find the funds to pay him.