Volunteer pledges funds raised from 50-mile

Keith Kohler’s first “wedding” was at the Grace Care Center during a 2008 volunteer trip with Tara Rondy. Keith and Tara were treated to an informal beach ceremony – hosted by the Grace Home girls – to prepare them for the Hawaii nuptials in early 2009. Tara, who first traveled to Grace in 2005, introduced her fiancée to the Care Center, and the newlyweds remain active with the Michigan oversight committee.

To further support Grace, Keith will run an “ultra” challenge - the North Country Trail Run on Sept. 19 – an event that nearly doubles the standard marathon distance with a staggering 50-miles through Manistee National Forest. Donations pledged to each grueling mile Keith runs will support VeAhavta’s efforts in Trincomalee as the new management committee works with Sri Lankan authorities to prepare the children’s home for a future where peace is now possible. (See Aug. 17 report, ‘Grace at the forefront of children’s homes’ for more information.)

Since traveling to Sri Lanka last year, Keith and Tara learned that improvements were needed with management, communications and oversight of the orphanage. Working closely with other Michigan volunteers, Keith is dedicating his pledges from the Trail Run to support a 30-day on-site visit by VeAhavta volunteer Jim Mitchell, who traveled with Tara in August 2005 and spent two months at Grace this summer. Contributions will support Jim’s trip as well as any funding needed at the orphanage during this visit. Keith and Tara hope to raise $3,000 for this purpose.

The first dozen donors who pledge $100 or more to the effort will receive a copy of “But For the Grace: Profiles in Peace From a Nation at War,” Jim’s book chronicling the orphanage, and what it has survived since opening its doors in 2002. (See “Grace Book” on the VeAhavta Home Page at www.you-shall-love.org for information.)

Contributions by-the-mile can be made here or by responding to Keith via email or Facebook. Thank you for your consideration and support.