A Unique 50th Birthday Request

When deciding how to celebrate her big 50th Birthday, Lori Parsons, Senior Catering Sales Manager from Colorado, asked for a very different sort of gift from her friends and family!

For her birthday, Lori decided to ask
for her friends and family to donate so that she was able to volunteer alongside many other good people from the U.S., Ireland, U.K., Australia & South Africa. She was ready for a week of hard work building and renovating schools in the impoverished areas outside of Cape Town, South Africa during a Mellon Educate Building Blitz.

Share the Dough and Change for Children were able to give to Lori’s fundraising efforts after learning about this amazing event and how the money would be used in incredible ways.

The funds Lori raised were used for required materials, equipment, supplies, and items needed that directly affected the construction build and renovation of the schools assigned.  During the seven days, Lori and other volunteers worked
hard in many capacities needed from plumbing, electrical, roofing, painting,
landscaping, construction, installation to generate new classrooms, toilet blocks, libraries, playgrounds, covered shelters, outdoor gyms, and a sports field.

Thank you, Lori, for your heart to give back on your birthday. And for shining a light on an incredible organization!

“Again, Manna’s support was so appreciated and
the contribution is having a huge impact on the lives of these children and
their families.” – Lori Parsons

The pictures say so much but the video linked below is so worth watching to truly see all that was done. https://www.melloneducate.com/2019-mellon-educate-building-blitz-highlights/ 

Hear and see our very own Lori Parsons at the 0:44 mark! And a quick peek at 8:54 and 9:56 😊