This past Saturday evening, JBFC hosted its annual Spring fundraiser, Tanzanite Nights, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. For us at JBFC, this event is definitely one of the highlights of our year here in the US. It gives us the opportunity to share news and updates with our supporters, answer questions they may have, and most importantly, join together to celebrate all that they have helped JBFC accomplish!
While last year's Tanzanite Nights celebrated JBFC's 10th anniversary, this year's fundraiser proved even bigger and better. The focus of this year's event was "Nurturing Brighter Tomorrows", and highlighted JBFC's expansion to a second community and increased impact on our flagship campus in Tanzania.
Guests were welcomed to the 60th floor of the CityPlex Towers and were treated to stunning views of Tulsa. They mingled with JBFC staff (including our Chief Operating Officer, Seth Diemond, visiting from Tanzania), and met our two visiting residential girls, Salome and Leticia. Prior to dinner and the program, guests also had the opportunity to read about JBFC's history via our timeline, enjoy shopping in our market filled with unique items direct from Tanzania, and try their luck at our Mystery Boxes! This year, thanks to some very kind supporters and sponsors, JBFC was able to fill boxes with unique items, gift certificates, and very unique experiences, which supporters could then purchase and see what prize they received!
To continue the theme of nurturing and growth, this year's amazing Tanzanite Nights Decorations Committee created beautiful table centerpieces out of fresh produce which can all be found on JBFC's 35-acre farm. A dinner also inspired by JBFC's farm was served to guests, family-style of course since this is how JBFC's residential girls eat, while Chris Gates emceed the program. Supporters were treated to a special song from Salome and Leticia, and a speech by Chief Operating Officer, Seth Diemond, before watching a newly created promotional video about JBFC.
The evening concluded with a lively live-auction, which featured some really spectacular items such as a Tanzanian safari, courtside tickets to an Oklahoma City Thunder Game, beautiful Tanzanite stones, and a Labradoodle Puppy.
Thanks to our generous supporters, this year's Tanzanite Nights raised over $150,000 - a record for JBFC! The proceeds from this event will go to support JBFC's operations in Tanzania. Thanks to all of those who bid, purchased, and donated, JBFC will be able to continue to provide a home for 56 vulnerable girls, quality education to over 390 boys and girls, access to healthcare for our community, and jobs for more than 80 people on its first campus, and begin to affect change in a second community through our second campus in Kahunda!
Thanks to you, JBFC can continue to nurture brighter tomorrows!
