AUCTION TO BENEFIT SWAZILAND
Women of Vision will host an auction on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 5 p.m. at Cedarville University to benefit The Luke Commission, an organization dedicated to medical relief in Swaziland, Africa. Photo credit: Dr. Harry and Echo VanderWal
by Public Relations
October 14, 2009
As you read the words on this page, Pumi strains to see the medical forms in her hands. The long line of people in front of her is a blur—not because of the blistering heat and sun, but because of her poor, untreated vision. She waits for hours to see an optometrist and a doctor. With the highest HIV infection rate in the world, and a life expectancy of 32 years, Swaziland requires urgent medical attention.
That’s where two 1996 Cedarville University graduates come in. Dr. Harry and Echo VanderWals founded The Luke Commission, a nonprofit organization, in 2004. They have coordinated the efforts of hundreds of volunteers, setting up mobile clinics in the heart of rural Africa. The Luke Commission gives thousands of patients free medical care, prescriptions, HIV testing and counseling, vision care, and eyeglasses. Free clothes and Bibles are also provided.
The ministry has also begun to offer personal energy transportation (PET) vehicles. These low-cost wheelchairs are known for their sturdiness and low-tech nature, which is very suitable for rural Africa. The VanderWals and their four young sons live permanently in Swaziland to provide long-term and crisis health care.
The Luke Commission is seeking support during an “Evening in Swaziland” charity auction and dinner planned for Saturday, Nov. 7, at Cedarville University. Guests will enjoy delicious food, live music, and a stirring update from the VanderWals. Auction items include travel/vacation packages, scholarships to Cedarville University, home and office furnishings, arts and crafts (including beautiful hand-made items from Africa), Christmas-themed items and more. The goal is to raise $40,000 for critical supplies, transportation and medicine.
When Pumi tries on her first pair of glasses, her face instantly lights up. Her vision restored, Pumi moves to the next line to be tested for AIDS. Thanks to the support of donors, the Luke Commission is able to provide individuals like Pumi with the resources to heal and live.
The auction is sponsored by Women of Vision, a Cedarville University organization committed to meeting the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of impoverished women and children worldwide. Ali McCullough, the Women of Vision liaison, says, “The VanderWals' ministry resonates with our mission of providing vital services to oft-neglected countries and people. As an organization, we rejoice in their efforts and are excited to help by coordinating events like this.”
Also sponsoring the auction is CDR Radio-The PATH®, a community-supported media ministry of Cedarville University.
More Information
Time: 5 p.m.
Date: November 7
Location: Stevens Student Center
Address: Cedarville University, 251 N. Main St., Cedarville, Ohio
Cost: 1) Table Sponsor: Sponsor and fill a table for eight attendees for $200 ($25/person).
2) Individual Ticket: Reserve your place at the auction for $25.
3) One-time Contribution: www.cedarville.edu/TLCAuction
Details: Register online at www.cedarville.edu/TLCAuction by October 29.
Learn More: 1-877-CEDARVILLE (233-2784) or www.lukecommission.org