Heal Africa – Women Of Congo Bowl-A-Thon
March 23, 2009 by Jim Walberg · 15 Comments
Jim Walberg and a small group of Rotarians in Danville, are promoting information, and support regarding this international tragedy.
It started about two years ago when the International Committee for the Danville/Sycamore Valley Rotary Club heard about the needs of a hospital in the Democratic Republic of the Congo - Panzi Hospital. All our committee heard about was the need for equipment and supplies. We are unaware of main 
patients of the hospital – women who had been raped and mutilated by the Congolese soldiers in the on-going civil war.
As we learned more about the horrible situation in the Congo we got more involved in how we could better support, not only the Panzi Hospital needs, but also Heal Africa. Heal Africa is a small, grass-roots organization is lead local program directors and is training and 
equipping new leaders for the long-terms needs of Africa, rather than just solving short term issues. They are leading the way in addressing this ignored holocaust.
Two of the members of our Rotary’s International Committee took on the role of getting the word out regarding this issue that is not easily addressed because it is so horrific. Melanie Prole and Leslie Baxter spear headed the 
showing of documentary “The Greatest Silence – Rape In The Congo” in the Town of Danville last month. It is a very disturbing documentary. Anyone who watches it will be moved beyond belief to take action. It is easy to ignore issues because of ignorance, but it is impossible to ignore them when you become fully aware of them.
The next step that Melanie and Leslie took was organizing a simple Bowl-A-Thon at the 
Danville Bowl. The idea was to have teams of four sign up with the entrance fee being at least $500. Well, it was held yesterday and over $6,000 was raised. We are still looking for more community partners to participate in donations. 100% of them will be used to support the Panzi Hospital program. We were so delighted that some of our high school kids from Rotary’s Interact Club formed a team and raised money.
We now have a copy of this documentary and are looking for more venues to share it with; churches, schools, community service organizations, and more. If you have places you would like to have preview this documentary please contact me. Also, please review the links that are a part of this article and see if there is room in your budget for some type of financial support. Any will be appreciated. Contact me for details of how you can get involved.
Related posts:
- Women’s Council Of Realtors – 2009 Top Producers Panel
- Women’s Council Of Realtor’s East Bay 2008 Fashion Show
- Danville/Sycamore Valley Rotary & Jim Walberg Welcomes Kirk Bailey As New Member!
Filed Under: Agents, Blog, Buyers, Giving Back, Memorial Moments, News, Real Estate, Sellers
Tagged: Danville Bowl, heal africa, Jim Walberg, women of congo
Good Article. Very informative, and about a good cause.
Jim,
Congratulations to you and your team for a ANOTHER job well done!
What wonderful work you do! You really “give back” a lot.
Thanks for all the emails that have been coming in about Women of Congo and Heal Africa. It is critical for this topic to be sent out to everyone you know.
Fabulous Job Jim and Rotary of Sycamore/Danville! This is a great example of how a few can make a BIG difference!! We all need to spread the word and get involved to Heal Africa and Heal the WORLD.
Jim,
What you are doing in helping women of Congo is incredibly heart warming, you once again show the community that you care, you have a heart of gold. you make all of us proud.
Thank you Jim
Danville has done it again! Great Job Jim.
Hey Jim,
How do I help out? This looks a good way to get the cause out. You are awesome.
Lana
Wonderful Jim! What a blessing you are to the precious women and girls in Congo! This truly warms my heart.
Love, Mo
This article illustrates good people trying to help good people. I am impressed at the Rotary’s efforts and gratified that the situation is receiving it’s due illumination.
Jim when you had this on facebook I ready through the article about the woman they were featuring. I cried, I couldn’t finish the article. I emotionally am so affected by things like this. I’m so proud to have you as a friend one that steps up where this is a cause that needs help. When you need help on something like this again let me know.
Jim, as always, you lead with your heart. Great to get this word out so all can see where we can pitch in. Even with our troubles in the US today, we are blessed beyond our knowledge. Thanks for sharing this.
Jim, you look like you were born to bowl! Looks like a very worthy cause.
Jim and Rotary members,
Keep up the good work…as someone once said “it takes a village”…
Hi Janet,
Thanks for your kind comment. And…when do I get a full report from your last sailing adventure?