Each year, Path From Poverty holds its spring fundraiser, Walk for Water. The Walk has grown from a location at a local Seattle park to a virtual event that brings teams together in several states. Team captains lead groups of 1-30 people as they raise funds for our mission of empowering women. On the day of the Walk, each team gathers to celebrate their fundraising. Some groups walk with heavy jerricans to experience what our partners in Kenya do, and some celebrate with food and friends.

This year, Mary and Gretchen hosted a party for Team KenyaOly(WA)ter in Olympia. Team members from Pamoja joined as well. In the morning, we gathered at Mary and Gretchen’s home. The house was decorated in a safari theme, and food was being set up in the kitchen.

Those of us who were walking headed outside. First, we tried picking up the full jerrican, which weighs 44 pounds. It was hard to imagine carrying this over miles of uneven, dusty ground! We left the jerrican behind and did a walk in the neighborhood. We had walkers of all ages and one canine participant.

The day was starting to heat up, and we were glad to return to the party to experience a Kenyan tea, modeled off what the team experienced on the spring Work Team trip. Kenyan chai was available. Mary found a recipe for mandazis (Kenyan doughnuts) and collaborated with a local baker to have them freshly made. Gretchen cooked mukimo, a traditional dish made with corn, potatoes, and peas. Laura brought vegetable samosas from Safari, a Kenyan restaurant in Seattle. Each dish, including the popular mangoes, was labeled with a description of the food or origins.

We filled our plates, grateful for the food and company. Photos from the Work Team 2023 trip played onscreen. Members of Pamoja Team shared what it was like to grow up in Kenya, the strides women have made towards equality there, and the challenges they still face. We celebrated the work that is being done, that these friends and supporters make possible.

Here is what our hosts, Mary and Gretchen, said while thanking the friends who supported them in raising enough funds for two water tanks and a solar panel:

“It is not often that we can say we are a part of something impactful, life changing – even lifesaving; something that truly makes a difference, an effort that creates untold opportunities. This is one such effort. Your donation will be a part of a lasting legacy that will make a difference for decades. 

Our goal was to raise $3,400 – enough to support women on a path from poverty through the purchase of two water tanks and a solar panel. You and we, together, raised $3,500! 

In Kenya, when a woman receives a tank, her group members, family, and community gather to celebrate with song, dance, prayers, and food! Today, let us celebrate the giving of this gift of two water tanks and a solar panel to our Kenyan sisters.

YOU made a difference! Thank you!”