Updated: My awesome friend Tom made the video on here and was kind enough to let me use it. Check it out!

On October 11th, I will be running the Chicago Marathon on behalf of some pretty amazing kids.  My goal is to raise $2500 to send children at Watoto Wa Baraka Orphanage to school.

Background on Watoto Wa Baraka Orphanage:

Geoffrey Ndungu, Founder and Executive Director, started this organization about 4 years ago. Growing up as a sponsored child himself, he wanted to help "as many needy children, youth and afflicted adults as possible to become self reliant, competent, and responsible adults."  He has done an amazing job with the program.  Currently, there are about 30 children residing at the orphanage, with another 60 sponsored in the surrounding villages. Other programs through Watoto Wa Baraka include micro-lending to women, a sanitary towel program for adolescent girls, an HIV/AIDS program, and others. Please visit the website www.africanorphanage.org for further information.

Why I am raising money for this organization:

I volunteered in the Summer of 2008 for six weeks with the orphanage.  The work that Geoffrey, his staff, and the volunteers provide to the community is invaluable, and it could not continue without the support that friends and family provide. Several of the children will be old enough to attend secondary school next year. Although the Kenyan government made secondary education 'free' as of last year, the students are still required to pay for books and school lunch, which amount to about $300 per year.  With the average wage in Kenya being about $400 per year, only 24% of children attend secondary school and only 2% attend higher institutions.

Please support education at Watoto Wa Baraka Orphanage. Through your generosity, we can give these kids a bright and prosperous future.