By Jenny Cordle. The African Sky leadership team, board members and volunteers invited the community to the Annual Silent Auction Benefit at Kent State University September 23, 2017. African Sky Executive Director and Founder Scott Lacy discussed his passion for partnerships between community members in Mali and the United States.
Olu Manns and HeartBeat Afrika energized the crowd with West African drumming and dancing. The auction featured dozens of items on display, including a three vacation packages (Colorado, Wyoming, South Carolina), a mountain bike, and a giving tree that allowed attendees to purchase essentials for Malian families, including school supplies, goats, and chickens.
Board Director Jeremy Bryan Coats received the Solomane’s List award for his passionate leadership and service to African Sky. Project of the Year was awarded to Hadi Traore for a health education project in partnership with Stem Musso and 02 Environment. The African Sky Silver Seed Award was presented to Hamidou Dicko for his generous support. Tamba Traore received the Ciwara Award for his distinguished service to the organization. Eric Bailey, Jamie Newhall and Amy Freels received the Golden Heart Award in appreciation for their talents and efforts to make our annual silent auction event possible.
We extend a heartfelt thanks to the amazing volunteers that make the magic happen.
Kathy Lacy was the architect for the evening, hence her Wonder Woman award.
A special thanks to the entire auction team: Amy Freels; Jamie Newhall; Ashleigh Hawkins; Cherie and Denny Wade; Colleen Naughton; Carol Law; Dee West; Diana Fiocca; Eric Bailey; Judi, Dan, and Claire Gardner; Jacquelyn Brown; Kathy and Kevin Dreslinski; Linda and Jim Peshina; Pam and Ron Bof; Sandy Farabee; Julie Pinter; Jeremy Coats; Hamidou Dicko; Premkumar Jogi; Susan Schunk; Paul and Mary Shope; Rachel Prior; Emma Eyre; Tom Stephan; Wendy Brown; and Ron and Chris Lacy.
The benefit brought supporters together from eight states and three countries to learn more about African Sky’s work and to celebrate the organization’s accomplishments and partnerships. The annual event remains the cornerstone of African Sky’s fundraising efforts.
Photos provided by Eric Bailey from Wing It Photo.