I have heard people say, “Thank heavens, THIS year is almost over!” For sure, 2020 has been different than most of us anticipated. While much of the world came to a screeching halt, Alfalit’s monthly expenses never did. Yet, in these incredibly unsettling times, selflessness persevered as many of you continued to support Alfalit. While classes were suspended, our concern for students, volunteer teachers, and affiliate teams grew. Many had no food, no clean water, no soap, little if any income, and – hard to imagine, sparse information about COVID-19. Thanks to Alfalit’s worldwide network of volunteer teachers, those living in the most impoverished, isolated areas received these items along with personal care and nutritional ideas and much-needed masks. Basic pamphlets with virus facts and prevention methods that we created were also distributed. Resources to address other needs were shared. Our classes are starting to resume with new guidelines to keep everyone as safe as possible. As we enter this season of reflection and thankfulness, we must remember the many blessings that we do have and never forget that so many have so little. As 2021 arrives with hopes for happier days, please consider those not so fortunate and make a gift to the charity of your choice (which we hope is Alfalit, but there are many needs in this world). Peace to all.
Board Members Spotlight
Pat Ramge was one of seven children born in Ridgewood, New Jersey, an hour outside of New York City. He attended a small, private university named Providence College in Rhode Island. Pat has worked in real estate financing for 30 years. He was first inspired to help people with Alfalit after a speech by Alfalit Board Chair, Joseph Milton, at one of our galas over 5 years. Pat credits his involvement as a Board Member of over 4 years now to Joseph’s passion and “seeing the tangible effects” of “Alfalit’s impact on its students.” He especially enjoys our annual galas and hearing about our students. Pat has been on the board of directors at Jack & Jill Children’s Center, an organization that helps at-risk children and families break the cycle of poverty through education and other programs in Fort Lauderdale for over 10 years, the most recent 2 years as president. He’s also served on the Urban Land Institute SE Florida Council for 11 years and the Providence College Board of Overseers for 9 years. Pat is thankful for his circle of friends and family that offer him support and expand his mind to new perspectives. Pat’s Board Membership with Alfalit has allowed him to gain appreciation for the impact we can have on the lives of others.
Our Youngest Role Models
The spirit of giving thrives in young philanthropists like Valentina Ramirez. Three months ago, the 9-year-old began making and wearing her own t-shirt designs. Her friends loved the originality and asked that she make shirts for them, too. With her Aunt Roxy’s help, the Miami pre-teen started a business selling her apparel. When she overheard a discussion about the needs of Alfalit’s South Sudanese students, teachers, and their families, she was touched. They fled their homes, she learned, to escape dangerous, life-threatening violence to Ugandan refugee camps and live under extremely difficult circumstances with little food. Valentina took her allowance and business revenue and contributed to Alfalit to support a feeding program we established there. Mandela Wani Michael, the Executive Director of Alfalit South Sudan Alfalit, who also oversees refugee camps where South Sudanese have fled, shared heartfelt thanks from some of the camps’ residents. Besides business and charity, she is a budding artist who enjoys vacations and time with family and friends. Valentina asked that we share Joshua 1:9 scripture: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged; for the Lord, your God will be with you wherever you go.” To order a custom tee and support Valentina, please find her on Instagram @tiedyewithvale or contact Alfalit.
For over 50 years, international evangelist Luis Palau has proclaimed “The Good News” through campaigns, festivals, city gospel movements, and media, including his own radio show broadcasted on over 1,000 radio stations in 59 countries, many served by Alfalit. A caller disclosed her desire to read the gospels during a recent show, but she never learned how and is now advanced in years. Reverend Palau encouraged the caller and anyone listening to enroll in Alfalit classes. To learn more about Luis Palau and his global ministry, visit the Luis Palau Association website.
Ecuador
Alfalit Vida Peru is a part of the Network for the Protection of Vulnerable People, which supports groups such as children, teens, older people and people with disabilities by providing accompaniment and social support to combat loneliness. This is accomplished through coordinated services to address various social and health needs as well as to provide educational referrals and health services. Each municipality that works with the network has autonomy over their branch in order to best address their individual community needs.
Peru
Alfalit Vida Peru is a part of the Network for the Protection of Vulnerable People, which supports groups such as children, teens, older people and people with disabilities by providing accompaniment and social support to combat loneliness. This is accomplished through coordinated services to address various social and health needs as well as to provide educational referrals and health services. Each municipality that works with the network has autonomy over their branch in order to best address their individual community needs.
Golf & Gala in the Days of COVID
GOLF
Alfalit’s Golf Tournament was a bit different this year. Organizers adapted the annual event to be safe yet fun. Social distancing and properly worn masks were the norm as golfers enjoyed Trump National Doral’s beautiful course. WE RAISED OVER $130,000—more than any other golf tournament—and donations are still coming in!Special thanks to our sponsors and players and to donors who came in person or supported the event from afar. We appreciate volunteers and staff who forfeited their Saturday to make the event such a success! If you were unable to participate for whatever reason, please consider a gift to Alfalit.Our services continue, and so do our expenses. All donations, no matter the amount, are extremely needed and very welcomed, particularly this year. Hope to see you all in 2021 at the 6th Annual Golf Tournament!
GALA
Keep that tux in mothballs. There will be no Alfalit Gala this year. Our largest fundraising event was canceled due to COVID-19 safety concerns, but Alfalit’s day-to-day expenses still exist. Our services are needed now more than ever. Masks, sanitizers, food, and other needs remain in demand in the countries we serve. We continue to provide up-to-date virus information in 5 different languages. Without funds, Alfalit cannot help. As classes resume, so do more expenses. The virus is real, and so are our shortfalls. Literacy opens many doors, please be the key – make a difference in someone’s life.
What can one person – YOU – do to help? Here are just four suggestions. Make our students feel loved this Christmas.
1. Make a financial gift to Alfalit—any donation of any amount is welcome and needed!
2. Honor someone you love by making a gift in their name—and they’ll receive a handwritten thank you letter from one of our students.
3. Do your holiday shopping at our virtual auction at the Alfalit Auction Site for jewelry, dining experiences, getaways and more.
4.Go to Give Miami Day for Alfalit to contribute for this 24-hour online charity taking place tomorrow, November 19.
On behalf of the 8 million people whose lives have dramatically changed – thanks to caring, compassionate people like YOU, Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, Happy Kwanza, Happy 2021! Like God, Alfalit loves all.
