We thought that we had set a difficult goal for ourselves: Raise $1,500 to supply three primary schools with books. Little did we know that our emerging community of students, professors, families, and friends was about to overwhelm us with donations that would exceed our target. We are so encouraged by all the generous support and want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who attended and prepared the dinner! Especially to Asnaketch Bantiweson, who was the star of the show and cooked nearly all of the delicious dishes.

It was an evening to get to know one another and engage together in the mission of Action 4 Words. However, more than just to meet each other, we hoped to better acquaint ourselves with Ethiopia and its people through an outstanding Ethiopian meal and coffee ceremony. We served Coffee Circle's limu coffee, grown in the Ilketunju area by farmers who send their children to a school that we support. Jason Dominy, from Batdorf and Bronson, also supplied us with two containers of amazing Ethiopian coffee, which everyone loved and for which we cannot thank him enough! During the ceremony, Yemi shared with us about her recent trip to Ethiopia and her inspiration for creating Action 4 Words. As she summarized above, it was an incredible evening and we look forward to many more!

Also, enormous thanks go to:

Asnaketch Bantiweson, who not only cooked, but also decorated. She transformed the Clairmont Penthouse into the classiest venue with floating candles, rose petals, bouquets, you name it! It was mesmerizing.

Tadesse Bantiweson, who documented the night with his fabulous photography skills.

Frezer and Yonathan who were the foot soldiers of the team.

Nafkot, who was amazing by assisting in every way that her ten-year-old self possibly could.

Anna Handley, whom we were so lucky to have, was our photographer. Her pictures still make us “oh so happy!”

Dealenice Barkins, whom we couldn’t possibly not mention when talking about the dinner. She was incredibly helpful by finding the location and helping us prep. We love Del!

Dr. Hadley and his family, who cut their vacation short in order to attend the dinner, proving yet again their great support for  Action 4 Words! We cannot thank them enough for that.

From us and the children who now have schoolbooks to read, "enamesegnalen," thank you!