On December 20th, 2018, The Raining Season held its first gala in Sierra Leone. The event was planned with the help of Mariama Keita, Communications + Partnership Advisor, USAID. Mariama's efforts not only raised funds but also extended our reach to the local community in Sierra Leone, inviting them to learn more about The Raining Season and how they could support our vision. A large group of supporters, as well as staff and children from the center, attended the gala in Freetown.
The event was held at Catco International Hotel in Freetown. Guests were treated to dinner, drinks, and music. Our children who attended the event also performed songs and danced for the guests. The event sold out, with guests from the United States, Guinea, and Sierra Leone attending.
The idea to host our first gala in Freetown came after Mariama Keita first visited The Covering in July 2018. Prior to the gala, she shared, "One hot summer day in July 2018, I walked into The Raining Season – a 24-hour orphan care facility that provides a "home away from home" to almost 100 children (infants, special needs and teenagers) living in Freetown, Sierra Leone, and fell in love. Although it was through my work for a world leader in development aid that I discovered this, it is in a deeply personal way that I have discovered a new dream.
The Raining Season is more than an orphanage – it commits to its children wholly, with compassion and love. I am here to ask for your help in achieving our dream – the dream of building and owning its own facilities. On December 20th, we are inviting donors to join us at a Gala Celebration to benefit this dream. Only through a partnership with you and others will we achieve this goal."
The Raining Season thrives when people like Mariama link arms with us. She became an instant supporter of our organization and used her experience in Sierra Leone to support The Raining Season's vision. We still think about the gala and what a special night it was.
Many blessings,
The Raining Season