October 2023 Update
Dear Friends of Amor y Esperanza,
This month we want to take a little space and celebrate all that was accomplished with September's Kilometers for Quito (KM4Q) fundraiser. We hope you saw on social media and in prior communications what a significant event it is each year, which is why we are so thankful for its success. You will recall our foundation is responsible for raising about 50% of AyE's operating costs -- proceeds from KM4Q help us do this! All glory to God! Read on for exciting details.
Due to a true team effort and high level of friendly competition, KM4Q set new records this year. The goal of raising $35,000 was met and exceeded with a grand total of $54,061 raised! Incredible! This was due in no small part to something new this year --> monetary incentives from generous donors that were triggered when certain distance milestones were achieved. Tremendous and heartfelt thanks to our benefactors: Vonderahe Family, Shim Family, Overstreet Family, Chris Allen Family, Pablo and Carmen Burgos, Michael and Diane Kelly, and Patrick and Andrea Wehrly. What a blessing you have been!
As for distance, as a group we blew past the goal of logging 4000 kilometers during September (the distance between Atlanta and Quito), and ended up walking/running/rolling and biking a grand total of 5595 kilometers! The level of excitement and participation, as well as overall team size, was larger this year, enhancing the visibility of Love and Hope Foundation and Amor y Esperanza!
Congratulations to the top three distance teams!
1st Place - Team Drew SAAD with 2439 km
2nd Place - Rock 'n Roll with 771 km
3rd Place - Whitefield Girls with 653 km
Way to get out there and move with a purpose!
Congratulations to the top three fundraising teams!
1st Place - Family Mission on the Move with $10,240
2nd Place - Trinity Youth with $7,295
3rd Place - Rock 'n Roll with $5,275
Your hard work and outreach efforts are immensely appreciated.
Throughout September our KM4Q teams were cheered on and lifted up by the prayers of our friends in Quito. As their school year started with full classrooms, it was encouraging to hear reports from Pancho and Pitty about how well the year had started. With 330 students this year, it was sad to hear that 100 students had to be turned away, while simultaneously exciting to see the Lord already at work in the students and their families who are enrolled. Lives are being transformed in Carmen Bajo! At this time last year there were a number of high school students who were closed off to hearing about or receiving the Lord's salvation and were consistent trouble makers. But...the story did not end there. When this same group of students returned this year, the fruit of last year's hard work - the prayers, discipline, curriculum, teaching and most of all, the work of the Holy Spirit - brought the students back transformed. They are now engaged leaders and are at peace, having a real and personal relationship with the Lord. THIS is our why!
How can you help?
Pray! Current needs are:
Continued success in school - goal is transforming lives
Potential new school partnership for Amor y Esperanza
Strong planning for year-end giving and strategic planning for 2024
Planning for Pancho and Pitty's U.S. visit in December
One-time giving is always appreciated and helpful, too!
Let's always remember our WHY! Our organization exists to support Amor y Esperanza through prayer and fundraising. All expenses for this event were covered by a generous LHF board member so that 100% of funds raised went directly to Quito - to pay teachers, buy school supplies, provide nutritious meals and more. Please think ahead to how YOU can be a part of Love and Hope Foundation going forward!