In light of the recent global outbreak of COVID-19 and reports from the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and local health authorities, the Gala Committee of Microfinancing Partners in Africa (MPA) has decided to cancel our April 25, 2020 Gala. The health, safety and well-being of our dear honorees, guests, staff, and volunteers will always be our highest priority.
We are so grateful for your ongoing support. The burden of extreme poverty becomes all the more crushing when a health crisis is added into the mix— while we here in the U.S. contend with the challenges, our partners try to do the same with far fewer resources. Because of you, we’re able to continue our work in offering a hand up to people who are struggling to provide for themselves and their families in Africa.
We plan to replace the physical event with a “VIRTUAL GALA” that will be held online in April. You will have the opportunity to bid online on a variety of wonderful experiences such as tickets to see Hamilton at the Fox and Cardinal Baseball green seats, as well as to donate directly to help our partner organizations with any recovery needs, or specific program needs. We will be in contact with anyone who has already paid for sponsorships or tickets for reimbursement or give as a donation.
The Big Raffle will still happen! We are selling no more than 400 chances at $100 each. One winner will be drawn at 8:00 pm on the evening of April 25. The prize is $10,000.
We invite you to consider a donation in the amount you might have spent in attendance at the African Gala.
Thank you for your patience—this is new territory for all of us. We wish you health, safety, and the warmth of friends and family as the world attempts to “flatten the curve” on the COVID-19 outbreak – we will miss seeing you, but we are already looking forward to next year! Our hearts are with the members of our grassroots partners in Africa as they, too, contend with the outbreak.
Microfinancing Partners in Africa is a 501c3 public charity, federal ID# 86-1171133 and a GuideStar Platinum Charity. All contributions are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
Checks can be mailed to: Microfinancing Partners in Africa, 4949 Columbia Ave., St. Louis, MO 63139