Help Joan's orphanage

Create Moments of Joy for Children in Need

Dear friends and family,

I invite you to look at some special images—Esther giggling with her friends in the garden, Maurice leading his younger pals in a soccer game, and baby Claire Grace cooing up at the loving face of Joan Gono, founder and director of an orphanage in N’Zérékoré, Guinea, West Africa. Such joyful moments were once unimaginable for these children, their lives forever changed after one or both parents became ill or died or found themselves otherwise unable to care for them. But Joan has brought these children into her heart and home, providing them shelter, food, health care, education and love, and making such moments an everyday reality.

Since 2008, Joan has worked tirelessly to ensure a better future for more than 50 children in her care. And since 2012, the year I met Joan and visited her orphanage, donors like you have helped keep the orphanage safe, functional and open to children who need a home. Joan currently supports 27 children, ranging in age from 6 months to 18 years. And, once again, I ask you to join me in helping to make a better life possible for all who enter Joan’s doors.

I thought you might enjoy hearing what our youngest contributors to date—Annalise, 8, and Ethan, 12—had to say about why they supported Joan’s orphanage in 2018. “Donating money to [Joan] helps make her home nicer for the kids who live there,” said Annalise. Her brother Ethan added, “Everyone deserves to not be hungry or scared.”

In the past year, in addition to everyday necessities, repairs and regular maintenance, our contributions went toward solar panels that help offset the cost of powering the orphanage. This coming year, once essentials are covered, Joan’s dream is to purchase a used van to transport the children to and from school and medical appointments.

Your contribution—of any amount—will make a critical difference for the children in Joan’s care. This year, as in 2018, Joan will be able to follow along online to watch our fund drive in progress, so feel free to leave a message for her. Also, if you are so inspired, please share this appeal (http://www.plumfund.com/charity-fundraising/vulnerable-children) with your friends and family and through your social networks.

Joan extends her deepest thanks to you. We hope you enjoy the photos of the children your generosity has helped support. We also hope the coming season brings many moments of joy to you and yours!

With gratitude,

Alisha Horowitz

P.S. 100% of the money raised will go to helping the children and the orphanage they call home.

Please note that this is not a U.S.-registered nonprofit, which means that you would probably not be able to deduct any contribution as a charitable deduction on your taxes, but please check with your tax advisor for specifics.