Original article in Billings Gazette, by Gazette Staff, March 25, 2011
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A fundraising dinner on Tuesday will provide a taste of Ethiopia and raise money to help orphans in the African country.
The dinner is set for 6 p.m. at the Chrysalis Acres Community Center, 129 Monach St., in Billings. The cost per person is $15, and reservations should be made by Saturday.
Joel Harris, a recent Rocky Mountain College grad, is helping his friend, RMC student Eayoall Atsbeha, organize the meal. Atsbeha’s mother, who lives in Gara Muleta, his hometown, has struggled for many years to support homeless children there.
She has partnered with her church in the project, although the church’s facilities are inadequate to house the children.
The church would like to build a dormitory to better care for the youngsters.
“Eayoall went on a trip to Ethiopia this summer,” Harris said. “It was the first time he’d been back in 10 years or so. He saw the situation with his mom taking care of the street kids, and he’s been trying to raise money for the dorms.”
Atsbeha traveled to Ethiopia as a translator with MyFight, a local nonprofit that works to alleviate poverty in Africa.
When Atsbeha came back, he decided to do something to help.
“Eayoall and I were out on a run,” Harris said. “He said he wanted to do something, so I suggested dinner, and that’s what we’re doing.”
Atsbeha will cook a meal featuring authentic Ethiopian food. He will also offer a short PowerPoint talk about his village.
To reserve a seat, call Harris at 670-3319 or visit the Ethiopian Orphanage Fundraiser page on Facebook and click “attending.”
MyFight is helping to sponsor the evening, and tax-deductible donations may be made out to MyFight.