Distant Volunteer Makes a Difference

Volunteers provide Art Aids Art's lifeblood, and every day we are thankful for the hundreds of resourceful individuals who have hosted beadwork parties, collected educational materials and donated services to support South African women and children.

When Tina Carrari moved from California to Italy, you might have figured that her volunteer work with Art Aids Art would come to an end. Instead, she took a selection of Art Aids Art's South African beadwork and artisan jewelry with her and and sought opportunities to market it overseas.

Tina (left) with Cathleen C. at Art Aids Art event -- Italy

Tina used her newly developed connections to have Art Aids Art's brochure translated into Italian. In the past two years, she has organized numerous house parties and community sales, generating several thousand dollars for South African artisans.

As if that weren't enough, Tina became a active member of AILO (American International League of Florence Onlus) and worked closely with the club's FAWCO (Federation of American Women's Club Overseas) representative, Jocelyn Fitzgerald, to submit a funding proposal on behalf of Art Aids Art.

Great news! The proposal submitted by Jocelyn has been awarded! The $4500 grant is being used to launch a new skills development program designed to create self-sufficiency through arts entrepreneurship.

Thank you, Tina, for reminding us about our power to make a difference... wherever we are!

Click here for information about hosting a beadwork party.