In January of 2008, Cole Miller and Ann Cothran of No More Victims came to Mariposa County for two presentations. The first was in El Portal, a community that is coordinating with the Chico chapter of No More Victims to help a young girl named Noor. The other presentation was in Mariposa at the local independent cinema. Though sparsely attended because of inclement weather, a small group of people were inspired to do something for No More Victims.
This group of four decided on a name for their efforts: “Neighbors Across Borders”. That name was chosen because those involved become “neighbors”, reaching out in a sense of community and caring. The core group of people working for No More Victims are: a local artisan and mother of a 32 year old, Tracy Greenwood; a ‘previously uninformed’ protestor and mother of 2 young children, Amelia Biagi Labbe; a spit-fire of an involved citizen and father of a 2 year old, John Friedrich; and a magical jack-of-all trades, father extraordinaire of 2 young girls, Jon-Paul Salonen. Their efforts began in earnest in March of 2008.
Our First Fundraising Effort
The first event was a benefit dinner on May 17, 2008 at the Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort (offering their venue free of charge!). The benefit was well attended by Mariposa standards, with approximately 65 people. It was a beautiful evening of an informative No More Victims video presentation, Peace Readings, a dinner completely donated by various local and national suppliers, music by local artists, a well-supplied (by local businesses and artists) silent auction and t-shirt sales. Our net for the evening was around $5,300! Besides the monetary gain, many people were moved by the No More Victims video and were glad to have been made more aware of the plight of these children.
We were moved to see the community rise up for this cause. Over 45 individuals and businesses contributed to the evening and we could NOT have done it without them. One individual attending the evening’s event was a professor at the nearby University of California at Merced. She would help us to bring No More Victims to UC Merced, the site of the next fundraiser.
Summer/Fall 2008
The summer of 2008 was busy and tumultuous for Mariposa with wildfires disrupting the community. But by the fall things were shaping up for the next NMV fundraiser. Nathan Moreno, a senior at UC Merced, contacted members of Neighbors Across Borders, expressing his willingness to help. Meetings were held to discuss what format would fit the best at a university. Nathan, being a violinist and music lover, wanted it to have classical music. He set about organizing the musicians, Neighbors set about promoting and organizing.
NABA designated to Neighbors Across Borders NMV-Mariposa Chapter!!
In early November of 2008, No More Victims contacted Neighbors Across Borders to inform us about the child we would be supporting. Naba was very similar in age to the children of the Mariposa volunteers—thus heightening the sympathy and energy for her cause. We were very excited for this second fundraiser to have a face to connect with our efforts.Naba lost her father and brother in the attack from U.S. forces on the car she was traveling in. Her story is detailed here.
Our Second Event
The second event was held at the Lakiredy Auditorium at UC Merced, on November 21st 2008. Three professional musicians participated: Lorraine Walsh, a soprano vocalist; Ionut Zamfir, a cellist; and Dennis Brown, a pianist. An hour presentation on NMV and Naba preceded the music. Then the musicians serenaded a rapt audience. Many remarked on the tears shed both during the performance and the video. There were about 75 people in attendance. We also sold some t-shirts after the performance had ended. This evening translated into another $1200 netted for Naba!
Our Third Event!
Plans are being made for another benefit in early 2009, please check back to see what is decided on!
Our Goals for NABA
Our goal is to help pay for Naba’s medical treatment and to provide her with an ongoing monthly stipend for her and her mother.
Ongoing Ways to Support NABA
We actively promote T-shirt sales (see photos). If you would like to purchase a t-shirt, please contact Jon-Paul at 209-617-1945 or jp@blueoakom.com, or Amelia at abiagi@hotmail.com. All the proceeds from these t-shirt sales go directly to Naba. THANK YOU!
We have a local recycling program at the Mariposa landfill where you can donate your redeemables to NMV.
We have developed a charitable program through a co-op named Melaleuca. They are a green-products company, emphasizing safe, practical, and economical products. When people shop through Melaleuca 5% of their order goes directly to No More Victims! The Melaleuca charitable program was started in March of 2008. About 25 individuals/families are already participating in this co-op program which generates about $75 a month for Naba. If we can grow that number of customers to about 100 families the monthly stipend for Naba would be realized without effort. We began this program because some of those involved in Neighbors Across Borders were already using Melaleuca, and were satisfied customers. We offer this as a way of giving because of its practicality; the vast majority of those who try Melaleuca stick with it because they love the products.
