Excerpt from Alan Riser email: "So we dissembled the swing and loaded it and a mgr on a truck and we were off for Pediatorkope Island. After 2 run- in’s with the police (that is a long story in itself) we arrived on the shore of the Volta River where it enters the Atlantic Ocean. We loaded everything in a long wooden canoe and I told the boys from the shop “jump in and we’ll be off”. WRONG answer, they don’t swim and was going to be no part of that canoe with 2000 pounds of steal on it. I told them to go up river and find another boat and I would see them on the island. One of the young brave warriors decided to come with me so after he said a short prayer we were off.

Pictures of Playground and Glider Swing installed on the island in Ada, Ghana

Received an email today from Janet VanderStappen, who introduced Alan Riser to Empower Playground, Inc and Ben Markham.   They have just accomplished the impossible and what a terrific story it is.  The chief of this island was very interested in the whole project and was excited to be able to ride on it as well. 

Excerpt form Alan's email:  "Every young boy from the Island showed up to help carry the swing and mgr the last 300 yards to the school from the shore. They had brought the equivalent of a wheelbarrow with 4 wheels and we soon had everything set up and working. We put the swing together upside-down then hooked long ropes to it and the whole village pulled on it until we had it upright."

Building Playground in Ada, Ghana!!

Just recieved this letter this morning from Ben Markham, president of Empower Playground in Provo, Ut.  He is currently in Accra, Ghana.  As a reminder - the golf tournament we did in August at the Eagle Lake in Roy.  We were able to raise the money to build a playground that generates electricity. 

Here is the letter:

Dear Susan,
Just wanted to let you know that the MGR (playground) and glider swing are operating
on Pediatorkope Island, thanks to your hard work. Alan Riser has been
there for two days with a crew of 3 from our shop here and many, many
volunteer labors including the chief. Getting one ton of equipment to
the island on big canoes was not easy--but Alan likes tough problems. I
am in Accra doing admin stuff, but I visited all 5 island schools last
week. They are perfect for the EPI system.

The chief has hung out with Alan for two days--leaving only briefly to
bless the bodies at 3 funerals this morning. The chief took the first
ride on the swing and loved it--he is very interested in the technology.

We will get pictures to you soon, but please plan a long visit to the
school when you (some of you) are here.

Regards,
Ben

Saturday Night Dinner and Auction - A Success!!

Saturday night's Spaghetti Dinner and Auction was a success. We had a wonderful turnout and we want to thank all of you who supported this effort. We gave away two new bicycles for our raffle. The winners were Tom and Cindy Johnson and Jeanne Atkinson. We surpassed the amount we had set as our goal. Many thanks to Calene Lucero for her heading this up and putting it together. Stephanie Osguthorpe and her entire family, Calene's family and especially the youth from St. Mary's Church. We appreciate all of the help and the donations. Thanks to all of you!!!

Spaghetti Dinner and Auction - Make A Difference Day!!

Auction! and Dinner - October 24th

We are doing a fundraiser on Saturday, October 24th.   We are having a Spaghetti Dinner and auctioning off two bikes, dinners at Timbermine, the Greenery, Bella's, etc.  Come join us for a wonderful evening and help us raise money for bicycles for children who live miles away from the schools they go to.   We would love to see you there.  Contact me for tickets - 801.721.1965

I will give you more information  soon!

This year for Thanksgiving, Calene and Dewey will be going back to Ada, Ghana to open the library and teach the students and teachers how to check out the books. The great news too is that Empower Playground will be building a merry-go-round that generates electricity. We raised $4,200.00 this summer and donated it to Empower Playground. Hopefully, it will be finished by the time our group gets there.




If you are interested in helping us, doing a fundraiser, having us present to your group, class or organization, contact me!!

We are sending out a letter to remind those who have sponsored children that the time to send this next year's sponsorship is due; and any letters or gifts you want to your children we will need in a box and delivered to us to take by the first of Novemer. It is coming quickly. Email me if you have any requests or if you know of anyone who would like to sponsor a child. The cost per year is $40.00. This includes school fees, uniforms, shoes, and backpack. Email address that I see daily is smclean@weberdistrict.net.