Mother, daughter plan tea party to raise money for wells in Africa
Images Madison Crook saw on TV of African children drinking contaminated water bothered her enough to ask her mother how she could help.
"I thought Jesus put it on my heart to do something," said Madison, 10. "I want to help the kids and grownups to get water to save their lives."
Madison and her mother, Susan, developed a plan to raise $4,800 - the cost to build a well in Africa. They will host the American Girl Tea Party: American Girls Saving Lives Around the World. The party will include tea, sandwiches and a silent auction to raise money for the well through Mission: Water for Life, which is part of LIFE Outreach International.
"I'm touched that God nudged the heart of a 10-year-old girl in Kansas to help people she's never even met," Susan Crook said.
The party has been a team project. Madison and Susan found friends and neighbors to help them make decorations and gather donations.
"We've had a lot of great conversations about how blessed we are and about helping others," Susan Crook said. "It's been wonderful to work together as a team and to see her so enthusiastic."
Madison also has approached store owners about donating to the silent auction. She asked a pizza shop owner if he had anything to donate, and he gave her gift certificates to help out.
"It's been a lot of fun," Madison said. "We've done a lot of work. I hope a lot of people will stay alive and have fresh water."
According to LIFE Outreach International, 18 percent of the world does not have access to clean water. The organization plans to build 200 new wells this year in Africa.
"It's truly about a community in our own back yard caring about people they've never even met," Susan Crook said. "Not only is it girls excited about a tea party, they're excited about helping others."
The party will be from 3 to 4:30 pm July 13 at the Bell Cultural Events Center.
For more information on making a reservation for the party, visit www.AmericanGirlTea.com.