GRÁ Quiz Night
On April 30 2010, Frances and Len Wiley held a GRÁ Quiz Night in the Raleigh, Essex UK. The local community came together to support our work and raise funds for the GRÁ projects in Kenya.

“Stars in their Eyes” Extravaganza
On February 5 2010, GRÁ hosted a Party with a Purpose – “Stars in their Eyes” Extravaganza –which was a tremendous success. Thanks to Grainne Crowley and Joy O’Neil for organising this fun event. The Party was held in Clontarf Rugby Club. It was a tremendous success, raising almost €5,000 net funds to educate children and invest in development projects in Kenya. Everything raised on the night goes directly to GRÁ’s projects. Over 130 guests attended this fun and affordable event (only €40 per person). Paul Ryan MC’ed for the evening and Joy O’Neil (GRÁ volunteer) and Grainne Crowley (Committee Member) spoke about GRÁ and the projects we are involved in. The evening included a fabulous 3 course meal, complimentary wine, a “Stars in their Eyes” extravaganza, raffle & spot prizes and topped off with some dancing!!! Thanks to the courageous and talented singers who generously took part. A highlight was definitely the pre-recorded video where each performer gave some clues as to who their mystery “star” was. We had the Scottish legend - Rod Stewart; Queen performed their 2-man version of Bohemian Rhapsody; Frank Sinatra definitely did it his way; and Dolly Parton was certainly working overtime! Dublin’s 98 FM Siobhan O’Conner came second, donning a PVC Nuns habit for her version of Sinead O’Connor’s “nothing compared to you”. Alison Murray, owner of Alila Boutique, was the well-deserved winner with her brilliant lifelike impersonation of Amy Winehouse! Guests voted with €1 donations. All this was possible because of the energy and commitment of Grainne Crowley & Joy O’Neal. Joy spent time on the ground volunteering in Kenya with GRA.

Hallowe’en Fun by Pamela Southern
“I volunteered in Kiukini, Kenya with Mafanikio last year (picture left). I was so impressed with the work they were doing that on my return home I decided to organise a fundraiser for Mafanikio. I arranged a Hallowe’en Fancy Dress Fundraiser on 23rd October 2009 In NV Nightclub, Kobra Bar, Leeson Street with a raffle and drinks promotions. Tickets were affordable at €10. It was a great night; lots of fantastic costumes and lots of fun!! In total I raised approximately €1,200 and the money is being for the primary school I volunteered in.”- by Pamela Southern

The Dublin Mini Marathon for GRÁ
On June 1st 2009, an enthusiastic GRÁ Team took part in and conquered the Dublin Mini Marathon. Well Done to Donna Walsh, Caoimhe McWeeney, Laura Brett, Deirdre Gallagher, Aoife Garry, Brenda Dalton, Ali Murray, Grainne Crowley from GRÁ! Over forty thousand women - young and old- took to the streets of Dublin; running, jogging, walking, crawling and all united for the best causes at home and overseas. GRÁ’s Mini Marathon team had ten fit female athletes on the start line and ten at the finish line. “The Flora Mini Marathon is an inspiring day. The feel good factor is immeasurable! It reminds us of the unfaltering goodness of people and just shows how when we girls get together we are sure to cause a stir! I will most definitely be back next year and I have no doubt that the GRÁ contingent will be bigger, better and fitter than ever!”, said Donna Walsh, one of the GRÁ team and GRÁ committee member. Thanks again to all for their fundraising. GRÁ is deploying the funds raised by Mini Marathon Participants to maintain our projects and to expand our Third Level Education Fund. GRÁ will sponsor young Kenyan girls to commence and complete degrees in University, starting in September 2009. The students will begin after an application and selection process, which is currently underway. GRÁ is founded on the belief that, access and dedication to education can change peoples’ lives, and help people achieve their life goals. We continue to invest in the education of disadvantaged students in Kenya and we are very proud of all students in our Scholarship Programme. Read more about our projects.

Everest Base Camp for GRÁ
In March 2009, Andy Butler from Myshall, Co.Carlow, trekked in Nepal- a great adventure to Everest Base Camp. His group took the more challenging, Gokyo Lakes/Peak route and crossed the Cho-la pass down into the traditional Everest Base Camp route. The Base Camp is at almost 19,000 feet which is a long way from Andy’s local, Mount Leinster at 2610ft. In addition to this personal triumph, Andy raised almost €2000 for GRÁ - which is greatly appreciated. We are very grateful to Andy for supporting GRÁ. Thank you and Well Done!! Andy with Everest in the background from Kala Patthar, the highest viewing point before Everest Base Camp