Nets For Hope: Benefit Raises $2600 To Support Africa’s Children By Preventing Spread Of Malaria

May 23, 2011 - PRLog -- The Amenawon Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of rural Nigerians, hosted Nets for Hope-DC to prevent malaria, the leading cause of death to children in Nigeria. Nets for Hope, was held at the beautiful and historic Bohemian Caverns/Liv Nightclub. "Nets for Hope-DC raised $2,600 so far and counting" states Ino Okoawo, Board Chair and Founder of Amenawon Foundation.  "Friends and patrons who could not make the event are still giving us checks." The proceeds will be used to purchase mosquito nets and prevent the spread of malaria, the leading cause of death for Nigerian children under five years old.

The event was hosted by Guy Lambert of The Big Tigger Morning Show on WPGC and opened with music provided by DJ Underdog and an outstanding acoustic performance from Jahiti of Brown F.I.S.H.  That was followed by award-winning poet, recording artist, and TED Fellow Iyeoka and Rock by Funk Tribe who took the crowd by storm. The event concluded with the wonderful sounds of Eme & Heteru, who had the crowd moving. At the end of the event, Ino Okoawo and Georgia Madway, Vice-Chair and Founder gave special thanks to Omrao Brown of Bohemian Caverns for donating the space, the Bronze sponsor Menkiti Group, and the many other volunteers and artists who provided their time, skills, and service.

Amenawon Foundation plans on hosting a series of Nets for Hope events around the United States and Nigeria. Funds raised will directly benefit families living in eight rural Nigerian villages. Donations to Nets for Hope will be used to purchase and distribute mosquito nets and provide the necessary education and training on their proper use. Ino Okoawo, Board Director, states "we have people on the ground that know that the villagers are not getting the supplies they need to eradicate malaria. The grassroots actions of Amenawon Foundation will help prevent the spread of one of the world’s most deadliest diseases and help save children’s lives." Malaria accounts for approximately 1 million deaths in sub-Sahara Africa, 250 million illnesses, 60 percent of outpatient visits, one-third of all hospitalizations in Nigeria, and is the leading cause of death for children under the age of five.  

The next stop for Nets for Hope will be Atlanta, which will include a musical performance by TED Fellow, Iyeoka Okoawo, as well as other special appearances. Iyeoka is also the global spokeswoman for the Amenawon Foundation who stated this about the Nets For Hope campaign: "We dream for a campaign that sends a wave of awareness and support to the people from the people and friends of the African diaspora. We dream for the eradication of Malaria by 2015, a GLOBAL mission set forth by the United Nations. One village at a time is Amenawon Foundation’s personal touch."

The next Nets for Hope-DC is scheduled for April 21, 2012.

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About Amenawon Foundation: Established in 2007, the Amenawon Foundation is a nonprofit organization that seeks to improve the lives of rural Nigerians by advancing infrastructure, educational resources, and health awareness in order to support long-term economic development, empower communities, and promote sustainability.