Hello Alkare Family
It’s been quite a crazy few months here in California.
Opa’s Celebration Of Life was held on June 18th at the Afman Family Farm in Santa Rosa. Opa loved sitting on the back porch, in his chair with his glass of sherry taking in the sounds of nature, fragrances of the flowers and watching the veggie garden grow. He commented more than a few times how much he loved being here. We're so thankful for the time we had with him and miss him daily!
All his “favorite people” were in attendance, minus his grandson, Doug and family along with granddaughter, Jenni and her family. They were not able to join us as we celebrated “EVERYTHING” Opa. We missed them being with us as we said, "See you later” to Opa! A taco bar, stories and drinks flowed as we celebrated him. I have a link below of the slideshow we watched together. It was beautiful to watch, as family and friends, as we reflected on his colorful and adventurous life. We saw him as a young boy in Holland, come to America at 18, grow a family, endure hardship, form the ALKARE Foundation, find Becky and live his final days with family and those who loved him.
Opa’s Celebration of Life Slideshow:
Opa organized the ALKARE Foundation to carry on and thrive without him in the founding leadership role. I know he would be encouraging us to dive in and be the best we can be! Each of our orphanages are doing well considering Covid, inflation and everyday challenges that are a part of life in these living situations. We have continued to be consistent in our funding of each orphanage and are thankful.
The 11th Annual Tomato Start Fundraiser was a successful fundraiser once again. Generosity and loyalty are two words that describe this annual event. Miss Mia set up a little market and called it "Mia’s Market". She sold beautiful chicken eggs in hand decorated little egg cartons, and dried hot chili flakes from last years garden. It was a hit! She cheerfully counted $509.00 from her little cash box of donations. She’s already brainstorming about next years Market! I think she’s caught the fundraiser bug and felt the satisfaction of helping others and doing it in a creative way.
A quick heartfelt thank you to our Liaisons. They continue to be the communicators with our Directors in Zambia, Uganda and Mexico.
Great job keeping the lines of communication open and keeping us in good standing with our 501(c)(3) status .
Klaas and Cori Afman are moving from Brighton, Colorado to Pella, Iowa in July. We are excited for their new chapter in life and pray that their move is smooth and uneventful!
So…..
The ALKARE Foundation has a new address. It has been updated on our website. It is as follows:
The ALKARE Foundation
PO Box 689
Pella, IA. 50219
Our educational scholarship program is celebrating Rosy from Tomochic, Mexico. She recently completed her schooling at the University of Chihuahua, Mexico with a Bachelors degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing. She is a model recipient for our Educational Scholarship Program as she completed her studies through the Covid Pandemic, persevered and finished strong. Her plan is to give back to the orphanage in gratitude for what has been gifted to her. An education is the key out of poverty and changes a life forever. Thank you for trusting the Scholarship Committee throughout the process. We look forward to blessing more students in this way as well.
As always we ask you to keep an eye on the website, Facebook and Instagram. Lots of eyes make it easier to manage and keep current.
Thats it for now. Thank you for all you do as we strive to be the hands and feet of Jesus. They are HIS children!
Renee Afman
President COO
The ALKARE Foundation
“Hungry Stomachs Have No Ears”