Photos of the Cherry Sale that raised money for
"Nets Save Lives" project mosquito nets in Malawi

posted August 23, 2006
updated February 5, 2007

Group shot of almost everyone who helped with the cherry fundraiser

From Christina Davis: I am thrilled to report that our latest fundraising project brought in about $4000 for our Nets Save Lives project. This corresponds to about 800 nets for our Balaka, Malawi community. This was truly a group activity that could not have happened without the generous support of many. A local cherry farmer, Ron and Judy McNeill, provided us with over 11,000 pounds of cherries at a reduced price. This years crop was amazing. The McNeills were blessed with almost 4 times their usual yield and the fruit was perfect. The local Portland United Church of God teen group helped run two fruit stands for a week and we also were able to sell fruit directly to two large supermarkets. We were also invited to sell cherries during a Beach Boys concert. In a few weeks we will know exactly how much money was raised. Many local organizations helped us in our efforts. Oregon had record breaking temperatures, but a beverage distribution center let us use their cooler to store our cherries. At one point we had 14 teenagers and parents, wearing coats, packing cherries in the cooler for Stein Distributing while it was 108 outside. Wal-Mart also allowed us to sell in front of one of their stores for one week. After we were finished they said we had increased their overall sales and want us to present to their corporate headquarters about the benefits of allowing charities to use their facilities.

When I started this project I had a goal of $5000 or 1000 nets. This seemed like an overwhelming task at the time. I am so encouraged that we have nearly accomplished our goal and am looking forward to setting my sights even higher.

This money will reach Malawi just in time for the coming wet season when the mosquito infestation and malaria epidemic is creating the greatest problems. Please keep signing up for the Albertson's community partners program.

A huge thanks to everyone for the continued support!

Christina Davis with Ron and Judy McNeill

Another volunteer, Kimberly Schuster, a college student at Portland State University in Portland, Oregon, is very enthusiastic about working with LifeNets. During the cherry fundraiser, one of Kimberly’s involvements, was to help organize and run the cherry sales in front of the Wal-Mart store. Kimberly, along with her sister Kourtney, worked with David Browning and other teens to man the Wal-Mart booth.

Kimberly has bigger plans yet to help raise funds for LifeNets. In addition to working with Christina Davis on this year's cherry fundraiser. Kimberly has set the ball rolling to tie in Lions International on some very unique fundraisers, like Lunch Specials Today and Dinner Specials Today. These innovative and self-motivating fundraisers will kick off in about February/March of this year. More will be coming about this later.

In addition to Kimberly wanting to bring about community awareness of how LifeNets can work with Lions International. She is enthusiastic about continuing to help raise monies for mosquito nets and drilling wells to provide fresh drinking water and irrigation in water-starved Africa.

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Ron and Judy McNeill being presented with a token of appreciation from the Portland Teen Youth group