This is why I live here.

On Sept. 22, Maasai Women’s Education and Empowerment Program (MWEEP) held a fundraiser at the Jewel Box Community Theatre.

Six Kitsap County women comprise the board of directors of this local nonprofit. Our mission is to provide funds for young Kenyan girls to go to school as an option for families, rather than early (age 12-15) marriage and pregnancy.

This fundraiser was a huge leap of faith for us, but it was made so much easier due to the support from Jewel Box staff, Judy Broeking in particular, who went above and beyond to give us all the assistance we needed. But this endeavor would have gone nowhere were it not for the support of this community. Local businesses and generous citizens made donations, and generous guests opened their hearts and wallets. The musical “Gypsy” was icing on the cake.

I can’t say “Thank you” loud enough to show our appreciation for your generosity. You gave to young faces you don’t know, you put smiles on those faces, and you have made our world a better place.

This is why I live here.

Barbara Stark
President, MWEEP
Poulsbo