by Laura Gardner Salazar

The inspiration for FAF began with my trip to Kenya in August of 1998, at the height of the AIDS crisis in Kenya. To read about my experience that lead to the development of the organization, please read the section The Founding of FAF, which can be found on this website under the heading, "About Us."

AGENCIES FAF SUPPORTS IN KENYA

THE GOOD SAMARITAN HOME

John and Mercy Thuo founded the Good Samaritan Home in the mid 1990's when they found tow orphans who needed a home at the same time theor owne home had a spare bedroom. Today the Thuos and their volunteers and workers serve 500 children, 200 of whom live on the premises. Located in the Marhare Slum of Nairobi, Kenya, The Good Samaritan Home has a fine reputation for helping boys and girls with nutritious food, a clean, positive environment, and a good education. It is an island of calm and order, cleanliness and hope in a se of dirt and crime and alcoholism.

A kindergarten through eighth grade school is located within the home. Elementary school is government supported in Kenya, but high school is not. Each year more children from the GSH pass their exams to enter high school, so more and more tuition is needed every year. Much of the money FAF sends to Africa goes for high school tuition.

To present a taste of the problems the Thuose face every day, here are excerpts from Mercy Thuo's letter dated January, 2006.

Because of famine and drought which are facing our contry many children will not go back to school due to lack of school fees. This year we will not enroll new students to high school as former ones, instead they will repeat standard eight. This is because we have accumulated a huge balance in school fees. . . We are seeking your wisdon into this problem. This year we have enrollde 32 children in Government University which is cost sharing, and three children in computer colleges and three girls in beautitian/hair dressing courses. . . As you are aware AIDS and poverty has lead to people through [throwing] away many children of whom we are rescing every day. Recently we rescued one-day-old baby girl into our center and her brother was already dead. We found in one polythene paper being thrown away by poor mother and community report the incident to us.

WOMEN FIGHTING AIDS IN KENYA [WOFAK]

Women Fighting AIDS in Kenya was founded about the same time by professional women in Kenya who had contrated HIV/AIDS from their prominent husbands. Dorothy Onyanga was one of these women, and is the only survivor from the group. The women had power and influence, and they saw that they could make a difference.

At first WOFAK's goals were to support dying women--women who needed to teach their children how to plant and harvest crops, how to stay clean and cook nutritious food, how to continue their eduations, and how to hold their families in their memories befor AIDS claimed them.

With the introduction of anti-retroviral drugs, the work changed. Now WOFAK has foud stations around the country. Each supports families of HIV/AIDS by disbursing drugs, feeding families, counseling pregnant worm with AHID/AIDS and making sure that children stay in school.

Charles Kaduwa, Program Officer of WOFAK, wrote this letter excerpted below to FAF in December of 2008.

Currently we have needs within our orphan support program, with an ever-increasing numbers of children who require foodstuffs, schooling and life skills. Year 2008 was a year of clients-influx, compounded with the harsh economic times that engulfed Kenya and the world at large. Many of our clients hardly managed to access basics of life and dependency on WOFAK went up three-fold. For now, any support you extend to our program will go towards supporting orphans in ways that touch their lives in the immediate, aminly foodstuffs and schooling needs.

TRENDS IN THE FIRST TEN YEARS

"May God Bless you Dearly." Mercy and Staff

Emphasis in the early days of FAF centered on an unstoppable disease, HIV/AIDS. We worried about 8000 people dying daily and 600,000 children born with AIDS in 2002. There was a frantic search for a way to stop of somehow control the spread of AIDS. The climate of our newsletters sugested high optimism in our ability to help women and orphans through our making and selling African textiles. At the same time one of our 2000 newsletters noted, "It is hard to be chipper." Laura Salazar passionately lectured many non-profit groups about the dreadful circumstance.

Early in the Tweny First Century, companies developed anti-retroviral drugs to fight AIDS. At first this added to the frustration, as they charged $30.00 per day per patient, and insisted that people in undeveloped contries would never take their medicines with any regularity. This prejudice against peoples in poorer countries proved to be untrue. In 2003 through pressure from governments and NGOs everywhere, this charge was lowered to $2.00 per day. Governments and private groups jumped in; and over the years, most people with AIDS now received free or low-cost medications. It was noted in 2006 that AIDS deaths had dropped to 100,000.

The emphasis changed at FAF from helping mothers live a year to two so they might teach their children practical and ethical lessions, to helping mothers and children stay healthy on a good diet and with the promise of a high school education. The orphan problem continues today, although the number of new orphans has dropped. The average incom in Kenya remains at $300.00 per year, so many of the orphans in the Good Samaritan Home result from poverty. FAF currently supports women and children by feeding, and paying for tuition. Each year seems to bring famine, riots, and more children in need of tuition. The need has not gone away. New areas of work are focused on Malaria and tuberculosis and the need for poorer countries to support themselves, thus becoming independent of the Western World.

CLOTH

From the beginning FAF centered its work around the beauty of African textiles. In 2000 FAF boldly stated, "We promis to be colorful and fabulous.

Over the years FAF introduced hundred of people to African textiles and designs. Soon in our existence, we discovered Chicago Fabrics, Buddy Miller, Prop. This store specialized in importing African Fabrics. Our cooperation helped our image and Buddy's coffers. FAF begged everyone we met who might be traveling to Africa to buy textiles while abroad. Often these were donated to FAF by the traveler. Laura went on the road and talked to quilt groups and others about the history and types of textiles we use. FAF gained friends in museums, alleries and sewing groups. maintaining high standards in all of the items it sold. The Board of FAF always included artists as well as those interesed in the welfare of children and women around the world.

FAF expanded to fine art with the drawing by the talented Daniel Machaia, a young man who grew up in the Good Samaritan Home. Daniel donated four painting to FAF, two of which became greeting cards, "My Village Home." and "Under the Watchful Eye of God." FAF developed a relationship with the artist and AIDS activist Mary Fisher whose work has been exhibited throughout the United States. She said of FAF, In the wake of AIDS comes disease, suffering, death, and finally societies that crumble. FAF blends marvelous art with social purpose and the result if human good. . . here is a devoted crew of artists, proving again that small groups with big hearts can make massive contributions.

Jill Hamilton, Costumer at Grand Valley State University, and the second President of FAF, provided advice on all things artistic. The Surface Design Guild of Tampa Bay helped Laura with her development as a textile artist. Sarah Butz, a well-known artist in Florida joined our board in 2007. Her advice and work with art from the Good Samaritan Home children gave our work a new audience. Walter Peterson, co-owner of Amazuii Contemporary Art Gallers in Saugatuck, MI became a member and provided his expertise.

THE ORGANIZATION AND MEMBERS AND FRIENDS

The organization was started by Laura Salazar and some of her closest friends: Margaret Carlson, Roger Ellis, Jill Hamilton and Shirley Harbin. FAF branched out by sending brochures, letters and conversations to all the friends and relatives we knew. As the years went by and FAF grew, members joind first and became friends later. Members have been very loyal over the years with a stable number in the range of fifty. A third of these fifty have family memberships, giving us about seventy people actively supporting our expenses, so that donations and sales can go directly to Africa.

In 1999 Laura started living in Florida half of the year, and grew the organization in Florida as well as in Michigan. With all of our contacts, members now come from Arizona, California, Florida, Hawaii, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and the countries of Canada, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Kingdom.

FAF receive its 501 (c) (3) status in 2001, and donations became tax deductible, which lead to mor ways to raise funds. The Board grew with the membership, and soon we had a working board in both Michigan and Florida. The larger board drew more members, and made it possible for us to find new venues for sales. A variety of churches became a part of our work and fun.

Over the years the FAF Board and members and friends had great fun. Celebrations of all kinds drw us together: birthday parties, celebrations to introduce artists and friends, parties to celebrate good news, parties to draw new people into the group. Potlucks introduced us to African foods and ways to entertain. Jill Hamilton made delectable deviled eggs which we auctioned off at shocking prices. Soon every good dish became an auction item, giving us hilarious bidding wars. Always we sought out people with connections to Kenya who helped us understand the country and its customs, and taught us to love Kenya and its people.

SALES

As the organization grew, so did sales and sales venues. FAF became well known at the Farmer's Markets in Grand Rapids, MI and Safety Harbor, FL. Galleries, art markets and church sales became important places to sell our goods. Currently we specialize in sales at the Grand Rapids Art Market in Michigan and churches in Florida.

Revenues began modestly, with donations to Africa at $200.00 several times a year. Currently we send thousands of dollars each year, equally dividing the payments between The Good Samaritan Home and Women Fighting AIDS in Kenya.

LOOKING FORWARD

Fabulous African Fabrics members and board look forward to the day when our work with widows and orphans in Kenya will no longer be needed. We can not fool ourselves. That day will not be soon. Our loyalty to those who through no fault of their own are cast into poverty, disease, and suffering is strong. Emphasis will remain on the children and women we serve--keeping them alive, healthy, and becoming educated, well-adjusted people.

At the same time, we know that we will change. Current thinking emphasizes the need for peoles in wealthier nations to help those in poor nations become independent of our support. For now, our decisions about giving will keep that idea formost in our minds. Our faith is on an education population that can solve problesm on their own and can build a bright future for the Kenyan people.

FUNDS AND FUNDRAISING

FUNDS SENT TO AFRICA

$39,518.00

With the addition of Rotary International's Contribution: $53,418.00

In Kenya this would do $480,762.00 worth of work.

Year Amount sent to Africa

2000 $878

2001 $1800

2002 $3300

2003 $3600

2004 $3600

2005 $5390

2006 $4050

2007 $8450

2008 $6550

2009 $2000 (to July)

FAF AT A GLANCE

SUPPORT AND PROJECTS IN KENYA

High School Tuition

Hunger Relief

Emergency Response as needed i.e. unrest in 2008

Youth Career Coundsling--WOFAK Project, 2005

Bed Project with Rotary International

Mosquito nets for Good Samaritan Home

ARTISTS

Betty Betts

Boys and Girls Club of St. Petersburg, FL

Sarah Butz

Children of Waldon School, Blue Lake, CA

Children of the Good Samaritan Home, Kenya

Friends of the Good Samaritan Home, Kenya

Nancy Gardner

Grace Garlid

Sue Hallack

Edda Juhl

Joni Kobernik

Daniel Macharia

Maggi McKerrow

Barbara Powell

Gina May

Lucy Ramshaw

Laura Salazar

Trish Sande

Tampa Bay Surface Design Ghile

Christy Taylor

Mary Voss

Dian Zahner

FUND RAISING No donation is ever too small--Dorothy Onyonga

501 (c) (3) Granted May of 2001

Sales of Art and Crafts 1999- Present

Farmers' Markets

Art Markets

Craft Fairs

Galleries

Miscellaneous Donations in Honor

Schuler Books and Music Book Days

Annual Anthony Salazar Memorial Fund 2005- Present

February Black History Month "Chicken Feed" First UMC, Dunedin, FL

Garage Sales 2008-9

ACTIVITIES IN THE USA

Lectures

Meetings

Parties

Picnics

"Dash About Bear" travels to sales and ends up at the Good Samaritan Home, 2005

Pen Pals between Good Samaritan Home & Waldorf School, Blue Lake, CA

Celebrations

Study

Trips

Website--2003- Present

PARTIAL LIST OF ITEMS FOR SALE

Aprons

Cards

Dolls

Jewelry

Oven Mits

Paintings

Purses

Scarves

Toys

Wall Hangings

BOARD OF FAF, 2009-2010 Listed with date of joining Board

Nancy Abbott, At Large--2008

Sarah Butz, Publicity--2008

Margaret Carlson, Past President --1999

Patricia Callan, Vice President--2000

Christine Coggins, President--2003

Roger Ellis Ph. D., At Large--1999

Jill Hamilton, Past President--1999

Shirley Harbin, Ph.D., At Large--1999

Constance Jones, Treasurer--2003

Betsy Knox, Secretary--2002

Laura Gardner Salazar, Executive Director--1999

CELEBRATE OUR BIRTHDAY

FABULOUS AFRICAN FABRICS IS 10 YEARS OLD!

Join us on July 22 at 1:00 P.M. as we visit the Michigan State University Museum's exhibit of African testiles,

eat at an Ethiopian Reataurant,

and tour the msu african studies progam.

The only cost will be for travel and dinner.

For those of you in the Grand Rapids area, we will carpool.

To register for the day, call Christine at 616-975-5590

or Laura at 616-735-4109 by July 15.

1:00  P.M. Meet at the MSU Museum.

1:30 P.M.  Threads of Change:  The Transformation of West African Textiles Exhibit.

      Chris Worland, exhibit curator will provide a tour.  Chris co-leads a MSU Study Abroad group to Mali and West Africa every other year with her husband, the Dean of MSU Residential College for Arts and Humanities.  Chris is a fabric artist and a retired Special Education teacher.  While at the museum, you will have an oportunity to tour Tanzania in deep Time:  A View from the Rift Valley Exhibit.  Thise exhibit documents ongoing research that has produced a series of exciting fossil discoveries from Rukwa Rift Basin of western Tanzania.

3:30 P.M.

     Tour the MSU African Studies Center and engage in an informal conversation with Dr. John Metzler, Outreach Coordinator for the Center.  John is also on the faculty of Teacher Education with specializations in South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

5:00 P.M.

     Dinner at Altur's Ethiopian Restaurant

CELEBRATE OUR BIRTHDAY

FABULOUS AFRICAN FABRICS IS 10 YEARS OLD!

Join us on July 22 at 1:00 P.M. as we visit the Michigan State University Museum's exhibit of African testiles,

eat at an Ethiopian Reataurant,

and tour the msu african studies progam.

The only cost will be for travel and dinner.

For those of you in the Grand Rapids area, we will carpool.

To register for the day, call Christine at 616-975-5590

or Laura at 616-735-4109 by July 15.

1:00  P.M. Meet at the MSU Museum.

1:30 P.M.  Threads of Change:  The Transformation of West African Textiles Exhibit.

      Chris Worland, exhibit curator will provide a tour.  Chris co-leads a MSU Study Abroad group to Mali and West Africa every other year with her husband, the Dean of MSU Residential College for Arts and Humanities.  Chris is a fabric artist and a retired Special Education teacher.  While at the museum, you will have an oportunity to tour Tanzania in deep Time:  A View from the Rift Valley Exhibit.  Thise exhibit documents ongoing research that has produced a series of exciting fossil discoveries from Rukwa Rift Basin of western Tanzania.

3:30 P.M.

     Tour the MSU African Studies Center and engage in an informal conversation with Dr. John Metzler, Outreach Coordinator for the Center.  John is also on the faculty of Teacher Education with specializations in South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

5:00 P.M.

     Dinner at Altur's Ethiopian Restaurant

This will be a busy summer for Fabulous African Fabrics, as we celebrate our 10^th year. We invite you and your friends to celebrate at one or more of the activities listed below.

June 14 and following Sundays 11:00 A.M. To 3:00 P.M. Through August:

FAF booth at Fulton Street Artisan's Market

Corner of Fulton and Fuller, Grand Rapids, MI

July 22 Tenth Year Celebration

You and your friends and family are invited to meet at the Michigan State University Museum,

East Lansing, MI to see an exhibit of African textiles. We will car pool from Grand Rapids

for those of you in that area. Lunch will be at the Ethiopian Restaurant in Lansing. Afternoon

program at MSU International Center's African Studies. Hostess, Betsy Knox, Michigan 4H

and FAF Secretary.

Laura Salazar will create an interactive banner to fly at events this year. Be looking for

how you can be a part of this project.

She will also write a history of FAF to honor our work.

August 1 8:00 A.M. Through 4:00 P.M: FAF Garage Sale

At Member Rose Stein's House, 1854 Leonard St, Grand Rapids, MI.

Donate clean useful items for resale. Drop off July 31 1:00-4:00 P.M.

To volunteer to work the sale, contact FAF at 616-735-4109.

Come to the sale and find treasures.

August 3 through 9: Schuler Books and Music Week:

Buy books at any of the three Schuler Books and Music stores in Grand Rapids and

FAF will receive 20% of your purchases..

Be sure to mention that it is Fabulous African Fabrics week as you check out so we get credit

for your purchase.

OTHER NEWS

At FAF's annual meeting, Sarah Butz was elected as Publicity Chairperson for FAF 2009-20012. Sarah has been on the Board for a year and designed and created the latest FAF brochure. She also was responsible for designing and making the banners featuring pictures by the Good Samaritan Homes children.

Some of pictures from the children are now being made into greeting cards. Laura has made a paper doll with four dresses. Both of these new items will be available on June 14.

THE CLOTH AND THE MUD #37

Spring, 2009

News from Fabulous African Fabrics

A 501 (c) (3) organization

727-946-5322 and This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

www.fabulousafricanfabrics.org

COMING EVENTS

FABULOUS AFRICAN FABRICS TURNS 10 YEAR OLD!

LOOK FOR CELEBRATION EVENTS

ANNUAL MEETING MAY 16 AT 2:00 P.M.

1158 KENSINGTON ST NW

GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49534

NEWS FROM AFRICA

In thanks for $750.00 sent in December to Women Fighting AIDS in Kenya, Charles Kaduwa, Program Officer wrote,

With Thanks, I write this mail with appreciation for the kind suport you have continued to provide to our work over the years. As we indicated in our last letter to you, hard economic times are geing felt ravagely in families affected by HIV and AIDS. Orphans are bearing the brunt, as their chances of a meal or schooling are diminshing everyday. This [is] the time when we really need the type of support you have given to intervene ad hoc, where a critical need arises.

On January 7 Mercy Thuo and Staff sent this item:

Happy new year, it is good news that the children have done better compared to last year in grade 8, girls are shining more than boys, it is a wonder though last year we were challenged by high prices of food and energy. We appreciate much for your helping hand and indeed it has a lot of impact toward raising underprivileged children my you keep up. The fund is in our account thanks.

We are now working hard to make sure they all join secondary school, we are appealing to our friends and partners to slip in so that we help this children to meet their objective

The following item are most needed

uniform

statonery [books,pens]

school fees

the number of children who are in grade 8 are 30

The children are happy for mosquito nets and they are frequently remembering you in their prayers

The February 2 New York Times reported on the death of over 100 people killed when a gasoline tanker exploded on a Kenyan highway as looters tried to scoop up the spilled fuel. 'The high death tolls seem to have been exacerbated by a mix of crime, poverty and questionable law enforcement.

The same paper reported on March 1 that 10 million people face starvation, partly because farmers had to leave their farms after the ethnic fighting the winter of 2008. The coalition government formed last year has been a disappointment. Kenya's safari business has not bounced back from last year's riots. “Many victims of last year's violence feel totally abandoned,” said Mary Macharia, one of those injured in the disturbances.

The Washington Post noted that the Pope may be right about condoms in Africa. While condom enforcement worked in such countries as Thailand and Cambodia, where AIDS is spread through commercial sex, in Africa high HIV rates are found in general populations where people may have 2 or more regular sex partners. What has worked in Africa is the encouragement to monogamy or reduction of the number of sex partners. The use of condoms there seems to suggest a lack of trust. Condoms do not address the challenges of cross-generational sex, gender equality, domestic violence, rape and sexual coercion—all problems that add to HIV infection in Africa.

A new website dedicated to increasing male circumcision, which has proved to lower HIV infections, started this winter. The World Health Organization created the website, www.malecircumcision.org to fight misinformation and the surge in complications from surgical caused infections.

In Nairobi, Kenya a partnership between Rotarians for Fighting AIDS works with young people to develop a smart campaign targeting teens. The partners hope to cut HIV rates in 10 to 24 year olds by 50%.through using grassroots volunteers, vocational counseling, and improving the quality of schools.

DEATH OF HUGO SALAZAR

Member Hugo Salazar and husband of founder Laura Salazar died on January 25, 2009. Hugo was a faithful supporter of Fabulous African Fabrics, Hugo accompanied Laura to most of the sales sites over FAF's nine and half years. His job was to help unpacked the van, read his book and hold down the booth when needed. At the end of the day he helped with the packing and celebrating high sales days. He proudly sported his FAF vest, tie, and shirt. It is fitting that his fatal fall took place at a FAF sale on January 24^th. He is missed and loved. Thanks to the members and friends who honored Hugo through donations to Fabulous African Fabrics.

FUNDS SENT TO AFRICA

No monies were sent to Africa this quarter, but we have $2000 in funds available to send next week It was a difficult time for FAF's sales this winter as the fates worked against us. In December our tent broke in a wind storm, and was fixed by FAF fan, Chuck Maready. FAF return to sales on January 24, was sadly cut short by Hugo's fall. Ironically, when Laura returned to sales in late March, she tripped over the tent, cutting her forehead and breaking her thumb. Is it time for FAF's tent sales to end? Fortunately FAF did well at its spring garage sale, winter donations, and occasional sales. FAF will continue to raise money for AIDS Widows and Orphans in Kenya through old and new means.

THE CLOTH

Since President Barak Obama's election, there has been a new interest in high end African art. African textiles are being seen in high couture shops in New York and Washington DC.

THE BOOK SHELF

Continuing arguments found in Giles Bolton's Africa Doesn't Matter, Bolton entertains the whys of Africa's poverty. He contends that day to day poverty is fueled by Africa's misrule, corruption, and instability. In addition, Africa suffers from endemic diseases such as malaria and AIDS, difficult geography, environmental degradation, and climatic vulnerability. He notes that Asian countries have done better than African countries in moving out of poverty because they have had long histories of nation-statehood before they became colonized.

FAF HEROS FOR WINTER, 2009

The Anthony Salazar Fund for Emergencies in Kenya raised $1000 this winter. Twenty people, including two new families donated to the fund.

Paul and Hilary Stratford have joined Fabulous African Fabrics. In their home church in Whitechurch, England, Hilary raised $150 in scarf sales this winter. Hilary and Paul have been great boosters of FAF over the years, and plan to spread the word with talks about how FAF came into being.

The good people of First United Methodist Church, Dunedin, FL raised over $100 by donating their coins to FAF this February.

Approximately $400.00 was donated to honor Hugo Salazar.

This quarter's donors include Gwendolyn Betts, Arthur and Pat Callan, Jane Campbell, John and Margaret Carlson, Lora Lee Dole, Rose and Roger Ellis, Pat Forrest, David Gardner, Tara Jacobsen, Curtis and Connie Jones, Elizabeth Knox, Joni and Carl Kobernik, Jennifer Militzer and Benjamin Kopperl, Bryant and Lanyce Mills, Tom and Jo Obenberger, Charles and Lucy Ramshaw, Hugo and Laura Salazar, Kiri and Alexei Salazar, William and Mary Seeger, Elizabeth Segal, Brian and Britta Smith, Rose Stein, Amy Tetzlaff, June Williams,

MEMBERSHIP

Members are the life blood of this organization. Do you know someone who might like to join our work? Pass on a brochure or this membership form; or e-mail Laura at our website www.laurafabulousafricanfabrics.org or This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it or Christine Coggins at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it with the name of the potential member and we will do the rest.

I WOULD LIKE TO BECOME A MEMBER OF FABULOUS AFRICAN FABRICS

Annual Membership: Individual $20.00 Family: $30.00

NAME _______________________________ PHONE________________________

ADDRESS____________________________________________________________

E-MAIL ADDRESS _____________________________________________________

I would like to receive my newsletter

_____ on the website

_____ at my e-mail address

_____ delivered by the US Mail

Mail this with your payment to

Fabulous African Fabrics

1158 Kensington St. NW

Grand Rapids, MI 49534