Orchard:
Africa (formerly Helping Hands in
Africa), a 501 c(3) organization dedicated
to creating sustainable change in rural African villages, has announced it will
present its inaugural fundraising gala, The Orange Ball, on November 17, 2011 at The Clayton on the Park in
Scottsdale, Arizona. Nationally
renowned artist, pastor, musician and Ragamuffin Soul blogger, Carlos Whittaker is the Honorary Chair of The Orange Ball and will be present
to perform a selection of his latest music during the evening.
“2011 marks a real turning point in the development of
this organization,” said Michelle Tessendorf, Executive Director of Orchard: Africa. “We have
grown from Helping Hands in Africa into
Orchard: Africa and are launching our inaugural annual fundraising event, The
Orange Ball. We are so excited to bring a taste of Africa to Scottsdale and are
honored that Carlos Whittaker has agreed to be Honorary Chair of this very
important event. In 20 years, our
work has made a real impact on villages in Southern Africa, but with another
child in Africa being orphaned by AIDS every 30 seconds, there is still so much
to be done in empowering and equipping more villages to feed children, provide
orphan care, teach about HIV/AIDS and train local pastors to help create
sustainable change. Funds raised from The Orange Ball will help us continue our
work in villages across the face of Africa.”
Orchard:
Africa, with U.S. headquarters in Tempe, AZ, has to date served 3.2 million
meals, educated 10,000 youth about HIV and AIDS prevention and empowered 150
pastors with the skills to provide physical, emotional and spiritual care to
the vulnerable in their communities. Orchard: Africa’s approach is to give pastors
the tools for them to then actively lead their communities in sustainable
projects that meet real needs. The
goal for the 2011 The Orange Ball is to raise $150,000 which will restore hope
in 15 villages by empowering 15 pastors, feeding 3,000 children daily and
providing HIV/AIDS education to 15,000 youth.
The
Orange Ball will highlight the villages Orchard: Africa is working in and
introduce guests to the pastors and leaders who are on the ground creating
sustainable grass roots change in Southern Africa. A virtual village set up at the event will allow guests to get
a sense of life in the villages and see and hear the children who have new hope
as a result of Orchard: Africa.
A
highlight of the evening will be a live performance from worship leader,
musician, and blogger, Carlos Whittaker. With a national following, Whittaker is a prominent voice in the
Christian community and his website www.ragamuffinsoul.com has become a must-stop online destination for
believers around the world. Whittaker’s desire is to create a movement of
authenticity among Christians and this pursuit of personal authenticity is
reminiscent throughout his music. Guests at The Orange Ball will have the opportunity to experience the
truth and insight of Whittaker’s music which draws from his own spiritual
journey.
In
addition to Whittaker’s performance, there will be live music, dancing,
artwork, photography and movies throughout the evening and an array of high
profile items will be available through the silent and live auction. Announcements
will be made as each of the 15 villages is funded throughout the evening. Attire
is African Chic or Cocktail. Drinks and heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served.
The
Orange Ball will take place at The Clayton on the Park, 7343 Scottsdale Mall,
Scottsdale, AZ 85251 from 6:30PM to 10:00PM. Tickets are $50 each and can be purchased online at www.orchardafrica.org/orangeball or by
calling (480)-966-9037.
