"UGLY BETTY" Auction for Mali

After a long hiatus we're back, and what an exciting event to return with!

Authentic Community Member America Ferrera is still raising the money to build a school in Mali and her friends at ABC, UGLY BETTY, and Axelle Fine Arts Gallery are helping out. On Monday, April 12th, they're hosting an auction of the great paintings from the UGLY BETTY episode "The Passion of the Betty" with all proceeds going toward the Mali school!

There will be paintings and food and drinks and video; everything you need to have a great night for a great cause. It will be a fantastic event and we hope you can join us!

Click on the image below to purchase tickets:

Or, if you can't attend, visit the Cause Page to donate directly!

America in Mali

Here are some pictures from America's trip to Mali. Visit America's Facebook Page to get all the details for each picture. It sounds like she had an amazing time!

Photo Credits: Save the Children

I know I told you guys to visit her Facebook page for the photo details, but I have to comment on this one. Here's a picture of America with all of the gifts the Chief of Ifola gave her as she was leaving. Two lives goats, 1/2 a sack of grain, and a gorgeous handmade robe. Here's my comment... HOW COOL IS THAT!??!!

America with her gifts

We're still trying to raise $44k for the school; we've got about $10k so far. Please visit the Cause Page and help donate if you can!

Holiday Party Artwork

This year's Authentic Community Holiday Party was a roaring success -- thanks to everyone who attended, and especially Authentic Community Member Ron for hosting the party at his beautiful restaurant / bar B. East.

That night, we drew so much artwork for the kids that we ran out of paper. I can't post them all, but here are some highlights.

A penguin with a guitar. Really, how can I kid not love this?

A beautiful boat on a tranquil sea.

A snowman... smiling at the sun...

I totally drew this awesome frog.

A worm in the Big Apple!

Thanks to all those who drew pictures! I'm sure the kids will LOVE them!

Our sponsorship program for these kids has finished, but you can help us with our new program: Building a school in Mali.

Help America Ferrera build a school in Mali!

Jon and America are going to visit remote areas in Mali in January to learn about Save the Children’s education programs and to help Save the Children raise money to build a school in Mali! During the trip, America will be updating her Facebook page with photos and videos.

Follow her at www.facebook.com/AmericaFerrera and help get this school built!

Photo Credits: Save the Children/Michael Bisceglie

Here is an excerpt of the note America wrote for about the trip. Read the rest of the posting at her Facebook page!

I'm so excited and incredibly lucky to be going to Mali with Save the Children in January - just a few short months!! For those of you who don't know, Mali is located in the northwestern part of Africa. Most of the inhabitants live in the southern region of the country, around the Niger and Senegal rivers. The northern border is the very hot, very inhospitable Sahara Desert. Mali's key industries are mining and agriculture. It is a very beautiful country.

Sadly, however, Mali is also one of the poorest countries in the world; nearly 3 out of 4 people live on less than $2 per day. On average, a child completes only 6 years of schooling. Most kids drop out in 5th grade. Nearly 800,000 school-age kids are out of school; 3 out of 5 are girls.

As a Save the Children Artist for Education, I'm going to Mali to get to know the children and families and to help spread the message that education is essential for all people. But, most importantly, I'm going to help build an actual school... and you can help too!

For the school to be built, we need to raise a minimum of $44,000. The school will be complete with 3 classrooms, a headmaster’s room and bathrooms for both boys and girls. Once we reach our goal and the school has been built, Save the Children will provide the skilled teachers and learning resources the children need to make the most of their education. If we raise less than $44,000 or exceed our goal and raise more than $44,000, the funds will be put to good use to support Save the Children’s education programs in Mali.

Give whatever you can, any amount brings us closer to the goal. Even if you can't give, please pass the message along to your friends and family! That helps, too.

When I arrive, I'll update my page with pictures and later I'll post videos from the trip.

Thanks again for your interest and for helping me with this important project. Every time a child learns, we all benefit. Please help to make a difference in the life of a child in Mali and you'll make a difference in your own life as well.

- America

So, as you can tell, it's an amazing and important cause. Education has such a profound effect on the development of a country's future. Just look at these stats on the effects of education from Save the Children's "State of the World's Mothers 2009" Report.

The Effects of Education:

• When girls go to school and stay in school longer, they have a better chance to grow up healthy, well-nourished, economically empowered and resourceful when it comes to the health and education of their own children.
• Educated girls tend to marry later, have fewer children, healthier pregnancies and safer deliveries.
• Educated mothers are better equipped to provide a positive early learning environment for their young children in the home and to support their children’s educational progress when they go to school.

What a profound and amazing effect we can have! Please visit the cause page and Join America Ferrera to Help Save the Children Build a School in Mali.