Rockford’s Youngest Philanthropist Builds Housing for Haiti

COCONUT CREEK, Fla. (Aug. 9, 2013) – At only 7, Riley Kegley from Rockford, Ill., already has proved to be a tremendous champion for the poor of Haiti. In his latest mission, he is determined to build a home for the second phase of Food For The Poor’s Love Friendship Village in Terrier Rouge, Haiti.

Over the past three years, Riley has given up typical birthday presents for cows, goats, chickens, and a water well for some of the poorest of the poor. This year, he is focusing on providing a Haitian family with the safety and security of a two-room home, complete with sanitation and clean water.

To track his progress, Riley has built a symbolic “home” in his house. For every $10 donation he receives, Riley will add a “brick” to the “home,” until his goal has been reached. Each and every brick makes a difference, so Riley invites you to join in on his journey by donating to his mission. You can watch as his symbolic home transforms into a concrete one by tracking his progress on his website, www.RileyKegley.com.

When asked about his generosity, Riley humbly insists that he helps others because “that is what God asks all of his people to do, to love and help each other.” He remains deeply grateful to his family and friends for their loving support, and he hopes to one day visit Haiti to see firsthand all the lives he has transformed through his sacrifice and service. Riley attends Rockford Christian School, where his favorite subject is physical education.

On Saturday, Aug. 24, Riley will be attending the Hope for Haitians 2013 gala, An Evening in the Tropics. The evening will feature a special video about Riley’s mission to serve the poor. The festivities will begin at 6 p.m. at Giovanni’s Restaurant & Convention Center, and proceeds will benefit The Love Friendship Village in Terrier Rouge, Haiti. Guests will enjoy a cocktail reception, dinner, and a silent auction, which features prizes such as electronics, jewelry, vacations, and dinner packages.

For additional information regarding An Evening in the Tropics gala, sponsorship levels, and tickets, please call 1-888-404-4248 or visit www.FoodForThePoor.org/rockford.

Food For The Poor, named by The Chronicle of Philanthropy as the largest international relief and development organization in the nation, does much more than feed millions of the hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian ministry provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 95 percent of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor.     

A Florida Man’s Fight for Life Transforms Lives in Jamaica

COCONUT CREEK, Fla. (Aug. 8, 2013) – Never give up! It is a popular expression that is often over used and underappreciated. But anyone who has ever met 30-year-old Steven Walker would understand the power of these three little words and why this Jacksonville man is so passionate about life, the people of Jamaica and Food For The Poor.    

Walker has traveled to Jamaica several times in recent years with his mother, longtime Food For The Poor donor, Barbara Gilbert. His most recent trip was his first visit back to the Caribbean island since having both of his legs and both of his hands amputated due to a bacterial infection last spring.

“I wasn’t quite sure how the people in Jamaica would respond to seeing me again, this time without my limbs, but I have to say everyone has treated me with incredible kindness and respect,” said Walker. “I got to participate in a lot of projects on this trip, but I really enjoyed visiting the different orphanages, especially the ones that are caring for severely disabled children. That was very special for me.”

Another thing that touched him was the surprise dedication of the finished Celebration of Life School and a computer lab. It was constructed in Steven’s honor for the many students he has tutored over the years.  Steven and his mother also were surprised with a performance by a group of children from ‘Barbara’s Village’ and students in the Musical Band Youth Program who received instruments for the Jeff’s Band initiative, which was spearheaded by Gilbert through Food For The Poor.  

“It’s been said when you are a blessing to others, blessings will always return to you. Before this tragedy happened with Steven, Barbara had been giving of her time and resources to truly serve the poorest of the poor,” said Angel Aloma, Executive Director of Food For The Poor. “When most people would have given up on everything, her tenacious spirit and that of her son persevered, thanks to the countless prayers and well wishes from family, friends, staff and strangers. Steven’s recovery is truly a miracle.”

Gilbert says all of her visits to Jamaica are great, but this latest trip with her son, along with her mother, Patricia Ware, is one she will always remember. After visiting Jamaica for nearly a decade she is often asked, what keeps her going back?  

“For me, the poor of Jamaica is a lifetime commitment,” said Gilbert.  “I am only doing what we are all supposed to be doing, and that’s giving love and trying to plant seeds of hope, which is what I am all about.”

During the weeklong visit, Walker and Gilbert, along with volunteers from Colorado, Pennsylvania, Texas and Florida, built a new home for a mother and her three daughters in Spanish Town. Walker, a soft-spoken person, displayed sheer delight while assisting the contractor at the building site, and especially when the family received the keys to their new home.

“Before my illness, I would have described myself as being somewhat introverted,” Walker expressed, while reflecting back on the week on the last night of the trip. “After my amputations, I had my moments when I felt depressed about my situation, but I soon snapped out it because no one wants to be around someone who is sad all the time. So I choose to make the most out of my situation and to help as many people as I can along the way.”

Food For The Poor, named by The Chronicle of Philanthropy as the largest international relief and development organization in the nation, does much more than feed millions of the hungry poor in 17 countries of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interdenominational Christian ministry provides emergency relief assistance, clean water, medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and micro-enterprise development assistance, with more than 95 percent of all donations going directly to programs that help the poor.