Trying on and shopping for jewelry is a treat, but what made it even more special Tuesday night was the fact that the money raised is going toward a good cause.
Bead for Life is an organization that supports women beaders in Uganda who are struggling with AIDS, poverty and violence. Local resident Meghan Dutton was the host and coordinated the bead party held at Hibernian Hall on Wellington Avenue. She first heard of Bead for Life through one of her mother's friends. Dutton previously was a member of ONE, which is an organization dedicated to wiping out poverty.
"It's something I'm really passionate about," Dutton said. "I have so much. I need to help."
When mother and daughter got talking, they decided, "let's do this ... we've got to have a party." Each piece of jewelry that is sold helps Ugandan women feed, clothe and educate their families.
Torkin Wakefield, Ginny Jordan and Devin Hibbard founded Bead for Life in 2004 after they visited and walked through the Acholi Quarter, a refugee camp in the capital city of Kampala. The area is home to hundreds of refugees who fled from the civil war in northern Uganda. While there, the founders noticed women who rolled strips of paper into beautiful beads.
The organization started small, working with a group of 90 Ugandan beaders, but Bead for Life has grown and now works with more than 250 beaders in four groups. The earnings from Bead for Life support more than 3,000 people and the money goes toward food, medicine and school expenses that families previously could not afford.
"It's amazing how it changes peoples' lives," Dutton said.
About 100 people showed up for Tuesday's fundraiser and by the end of the night, almost all of the jewelry was sold. The jewelry was priced from $10-$30 for necklaces and bracelets of various designs and colors. Each bead and piece of jewelry is unique because it is handcrafted from recycled magazine paper.
JoEllen McMahon and friend Mary Helene Chaplin, both of Portsmouth, attended the party. McMahon heard about it through staff members at St. George's School.
"I was really excited to come here," McMahon said. "The work is incredible ... it's emotional."
McMahon bought a long beaded necklace, a three-stranded necklace and two other one-stranded necklaces. "I am just thrilled with all of my purchases," she said.
Chaplin did not know what to expect at the party, but came with her friend because they both make jewelry on their own for enjoyment. After attending the event, the two women are interested in hosting their own Bead for Life party.
Because of the interest in the Bead for Life party, Dutton ordered more jewelry last week. It did not make it in time for Tuesday's fundraiser, but will be available Sunday at about 11:15 a.m. for viewing and purchase at Emmanuel Church, on the corner of Dearborn and Spring streets.
Dutton hopes to host more Bead for Life parties, especially after the success of the first one. "It's just an easy and great way to give money to people who have nothing," she said.
Source: newportdailynews
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