Fundraiser aims to provide help half a world away

At first glance, it may be hard to distinguish a connection between Oklahoma City and the West African nation of Liberia. But the bond between the two could help change lives around the world.

My Heart’s Appeal (MHA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is hosting its 4^th Annual Benefit Fundraiser Dinner Thursday, February 11, 2016, at Church of the Servant in Oklahoma City.

The event is designed to help raise funds to create a campus in Liberia, West Africa, where teenagers and adults with intellectual disabilities can train, work and be productive.

Attendees of the benefit dinner will enjoy food, friendship, information, as well as a gallery walk, donation drawing and special entertainment.

Lovetie Major, M. Ed. founded My Heart’s Appeal in 1996 to create more opportunities for people with disabilities like her sister Titema, who has Down syndrome. Major hopes to raise $300,000 to purchase 100 acres of land in Liberia.

In conjunction with the fundraiser, the North Oklahoma City Rotary Club has partnered with MHA for a 15,000 friends, $20 international challenge. If 15,000 people each donated $20, My Heart’s Appeal would reach its goal in the land fund drive and help create the campus that will provide vocational, occupational and residential needs for the individuals it serves.

Who: My Heart’s Appeal

What: 4^th Annual Benefit Fundraiser Dinner

Where: Church of the Servant, 14343 N. MacArthur, Oklahoma City

When: Thursday, February 11, 2016, 6:00-8:00pm

Tickets: $30/person or table of 8: $200 (RSVP by Monday, February 8, 2016). Register online

Contact: Lovetie Major, 405-603-2799, info@myheartsappeal.org

Founded in 1996, the mission of My Heart’s Appeal is to facilitate the establishment of quality training and employment to teenage and adult persons with disabilities in West Africa. Visit us online: myheartsappeal.org

Dale Rogers Training Center (DRTC) is the oldest and largest community vocational training and employment center for people with disabilities in Oklahoma. With multiple locations in Oklahoma, DRTC trains or employs more than 1,100 people with disabilities per year. Visit us online: DRTC.org.