The Becky Fund

Greenhouse and Health Project Updates

2010-02-24T21:46:00.002-09:00

The January trip to Peru was very successful. Becky Fund representatives Aaron Ebner and Michael Cutino met with several people and organizations to arrange partnerships for the completion of our greenhouse and health projects during the summer of 2010. Upon arriving in Peru this June, our team will work together with the Ministry of Agriculture office in Calca, the Institute for Alternative Agriculture, Educa, Desea Peru, Clinica Kausay Wasi, and the Director of Community Health in Cusco.

The agricultural project includes the construction of greenhouses in three rural communities and the implementation of an educational curriculum to teach school children about nutrition and greenhouse maintenance. The health project consists of a community health needs-assessment and the introduction of a wellness training program for rural citizens.

Along with the Rotary Club of Monterey, CA, Becky Fund members will be hosting a fund-raising event at the Monterey Institute of International Studies on Friday, March 12 between 6-8pm. You can now purchase tickets for this event online at http://mintrotary.org/. Please contact us for more information about the event or if you want to get involved in our projects including the spring trip which takes place April 16-30.

Becky Fund video

2009-12-09T10:40:00.001-09:00

Summer 2010 Greenhouse Projects

2009-12-04T12:25:00.009-09:00

We are extremely excited to officially announce our summer greenhouse projects! The Becky Fund will be partnering with a student organization called Team Peru, from the Monterey Institute of International Studies, to construct greenhouses in three villages of the Sacred Valley. The trip is scheduled to take place between June 15 and August 15, 2010. Fund-raising efforts are already underway, including a collaboration with Global Giving (http://www.globalgiving.org/projects/nutritioninperu/).

Next month, Becky Fund Vice-President Aaron Ebner and I (Michael Cutino, Project Manager) will be in Peru (January 4 - January 29) planning and organizing the summer projects. During this time, we will consult with several Peruvian non-governmental organizations, technical experts, government officials, and community leaders to ensure successful completion of the greenhouses this summer. Additional details will be provided upon our return in February. Feel free to contact us with any questions about the projects or to inquire about donations.

Aaron Ebner (tebner@miis.edu)
Michael Cutino (mcutino@miis.edu)

Spanish Translation

2009-11-07T11:02:00.001-09:00

We now have many sections of the website in both English and Spanish thanks to University of Alaska student Libby Gebhart who volunteered to do the translation.

Spring 2010 Trip

2009-10-26T22:15:00.001-08:00

Mark your calendars!
Our 2010 trip will be April 16 – 30

Contact Us to Volunteer or Donate

Becky Fund Video

2009-07-14T18:53:00.001-08:00

Roberto Garmendia from Cusco made this video for The Becky Fund.

2009 Trip Report

2009-05-31T11:58:00.007-08:00

Dear Friends of the Becky Fund,

So many times people have reminded me that good things often come from tragedies. And so it is. On this day the 6th anniversary of Becky's death I am sending the report of our 6th annual Peru trip. We continue to reach more and more children, parents, and teachers and we are able to get supplies to many of the remotest villages that have been all but forgotten by their government and other aid agencies.

It was especially gratifying this year to have 5 family members, including two generations, accompany me. Also, one old, and two new friends from Las Cruces. All of these people made the considerable commitment of time, energy and money to help our cause. Our Las Cruces contingency and 2 "younger" cousins, with their youthful exuberance, brought us the gift of laughter!

Thank you to Allison Pena for writing the report this year, and for keeping such good records of numbers of schools and kids visited. And to all of you, who with your continued generosity, make it possible for us to answer YES when asked if we will be back next year!!

Dinny

TRIP REPORT 2009

THE BECKY FUND

The escuela squad consisted of 9 volunteers this year. Two stayed for one week and then we were seven. Dinny, Leonard, Kelly and Rachel from New Mexico, Alison and Kent from Wisconsin, Suzanne and Aaron from California and Genie from Michigan.

As has been stated on previous reports, the peacefulness and beauty of the Sacred Valley contrasts in extreme the poverty and filth in which these children live. Their toothless smiles warmed our hearts as they excitedly awaited their notebooks and bread, but as we handed them out, their little hands were caked with mud and clay, as if their flesh had never been exposed to sunlight. Small faces stared at us with open sores. We cleaned them and applied Neosporin knowing that the next day would repeat the history of how they came to have scabies in the first place. One village we visited had an epidemic of fever.

Nurse Kelly had Tylenol in her bag so we halved the pills and passed them to the parents with instructions on how often to give them. It seemed so little, yet days later when we passed through this same village, it seemed, if not only in our hopes, that there were less feverish children at the roadside. This is the the thing that made us feel as if our short two weeks here was in some small way making a difference.

We arrived with over 1000 toothbrushes, toothpaste, donated clothing, soaps, shampoos, and toys. Dinny purchased 5000 notebooks, significant school supplies for the teachers, and soccer and volley balls for the schools we planned to visit. The balls are always the most anticipated delivery for these children. It means they no longer have to play with the ball they made from rags. Each day we would head into the mountains with our supplies at 7 AM. We returned when the schools let out and were back in Calca at 2:00 for our fabulous lunch by Yolanda.

After lunch, and market purchases for the next day, the doorbell began to ring and Dinny would greet teachers, from afar, walking long distances to pick up supplies for their distant schools. We traveled to as many schools as we could in two weeks time, but there were always many more in need that we could not possibly reach. Dinny was grateful they came to her. There were often visitors in the evening, and in true Peruvian tradition, we shared food, wine, and company with our guests.

Genie and Aaron ventured off the second week to Coche Cancha, a 13 hour bus ride into the Andes, to deliver supplies to remote schools there. Their adventure resulted in sleeping in the police station due to no other place to go, eating “rare” Guinea Pig offered in gratitude for their travels, and Aaron meeting his Godson for a second time in two years. He is two. The library Aaron built is still in use and graciously received.

Kent and Aaron met with the Department of Agriculture and Aaron with a non-profit organization in order to begin work with green houses in a few select schools. We were pleased with the results of these meetings, knowing that the Becky Fund is growing, and hopefully will soon embark on new traditions that will seed new projects that will hopefully bring food and nutrition to remote areas that normally would not be able to grow vegetables due to altitude and weather.

In the course of two weeks the group left 5000 notebooks, 3,889 of which were personally handed out, left supplies with 150 teachers and visited or gave teachers supplies for 80 schools.

The Becky Fund Facebook Page

2008-12-23T09:06:00.004-09:00

The Becky Fund now has a page on Facebook. Go to Facebook to join. Thanks to Ann Woolf Smith for creating the page.

2009 Trip planning

2008-11-21T19:08:00.001-09:00

Mark your calendars!
Our 2009 trip will be April 17 – May 1

Contact Us to Volunteer or Donate

El viaje de 2008

2008-11-07T11:08:00.001-09:00

Este año fuimos afortunados de tener 6 miembros de nuestro grupo que ni conocían a ninguno de nosotros ni sabían exactamente lo que iban a estar haciendo. Eran personas valientes y generosas que agregaron diversidad, entusiasmo y una gran energía a nuestro trabajo. Los dos doctores y la enfermera añadieron una dimensión médica. Viajaron por 3 días en colchones en la parte trasera de una ambulancia con un grupo médico local a unos pueblos retirados. La primera noche los colchones se convirtieron en sus camas, colocados lado a lado en el suelo de un edificio de la comunidad. Cuando se empezó a correr la voz que teníamos doctores, por las tardes la gente hacía cola en frente del portón. Con paciencia le dieron atención personal a cada persona que venía. Desafortunadamente, la mayoría de los tratamientos solicitados estaba un poco más allá de lo que se podía hacer en nuestra sala… ¡como tumores cerebrales! También quiero agradecerles a nuestros donantes de Nueva Zelanda con cuyas contribuciones se recuperó el déficit de fondos causado por la bajada de 25% del valor del dólar estadounidense.

Gracias de nuevo de todos del Becky Fund por su apoyo continuo de nuestro proyecto. Como a lo mejor ya saben, ahora les dedico nuestro trabajo a ambos Becky y Michael.

¡Marca tu calendario!

Nuestro viaje de 2009 será el 17 de abril al primero de mayo.

Con gratitud, Dinny

Gracias a nuestra voluntaria fiel, Ann Smith, por armar la carta de 2008.

Boletín informativo de Becky Fund

Este año el grupo que se reunió en Perú para seguir con el trabajo del Becky Fund fue compuesto por Dinny, su hermana Christina y su cuñado Ross de Nueva Zelanda, Leonard Jiménez de Las Cruces, Nuevo México, viejos amigos Ann Smith (Massachusetts) y Melissa Cole (Texas), y nuevos amigos Arash Babaoff y Drew Schnitt, doctores con Operation Smile, Susan Hoelle, una enfermera de Cincinnati, Ohio, Safari McDoulett (Florida), Asha Vida (Michigan), y Lana Rahme (Michigan).

Como siempre, teníamos mucho apoyo en Calca de la familia Wilson. Como en los años pasados, disfrutamos de una comida grande preparada cada día por la Señora Yolanda Wilson. Hernán Wilson nos acompañaba en nuestros viajes y mantenía archivos. Ligia y Carlos nos mostraba una calurosa hospitalidad en Cusco y Urubamba y nos facilitaban la adquisición de provisiones. La familia entera nos dio la bienvenida con los brazos abiertos, nos dieron de comer y nos entretuvieron.
Este año, para añadir una nueva perspectiva en el trabajo del Fund, nos gustaría ofrecerles algunos de los comentarios que escribieron los nuevos miembros del Escuela Squad después de volver a casa:

<Gracias a todos que hacen esto posible. ¡Escuela Squad es lo mejor!>>
Safari McDoulett

<Fue maravilloso trabajar contigo y estoy bien impresionado con lo que están haciendo ahí. El Becky Fund Mission 2008 fue todo lo que un voluntario podría esperar y más. La hermosura del Valle Sagrado es un telón de fondo increíblemente hermoso para las tareas actuales. He viajado por todo el mundo haciendo trabajo humanitario y algunas de las peores condiciones de vivienda y de nutrición que he visto están en el Valle Sagrado. Aunque las necesidades básicas de la gente indígena no son cumplidas, la gente es amigable y agradecida. Los niños están encantados de recibir los útiles escolares y puede que los maestros estén aun más contentos. El proporcionar asistencia médica por primera vez en una misión del Becky Fund también fue muy informativo. En estas regiones retiradas hay mucha necesidad de asistencia médica que podría ser mejor cumplida con un poco más de esfuerzo. Las condiciones de vivienda y de nutrición se podrían mejorar muchísimo con una intervención mínima mientras se preservan el ambiente y la cultura locales. >>
Drew Schnitt

<le entregamos un par de bastones con puntas de goma para ayudarle a mantener el equilibrio en las escabrosas y pedregosas montañas. Fue entonces cuando me di cuenta que el Becky Fund no sólo toca a los niños de Perú sino a las familias de esos niños también. >>
Melissa Cole

<
Estoy completamente de acuerdo con la evaluación de Drew acerca de las necesidades de atención médica que tienen los niños del Valle Sagrado. Viajamos a los pueblos más retirados y así tuvimos la oportunidad única de ayudar a la asistencia médica local. La pobreza y la desnutrición son la norma ahí, y hasta las contribuciones más pequeñas reciben una gratitud increíble y una serenata. La naturaleza bondadosa y sencilla de la gente te enternece. Los niños del Valle Sagrado, como todos los niños, siempre están listos para jugar contigo, y su alegría y entusiasmo te atraen.

Estoy emocionado de echar a correr la voz acerca del Becky Fund. Los voluntarios reciben una perspectiva única e íntima del Valle Sagrado, su gente, su paisaje, sus necesidades. No creo que sea posible hacer una misión como ésta sin recordarla y compararla con futuros viajes. Siempre está presente en mi mente.

Les felicito a Dinny y a su equipo. Su increíble dedicación ha creado una oportunidad modelo para ayudar a la gente del Valle Sagrado tanto como a los voluntarios que tienen la buena fortuna e iniciativa de participar.>>
Arash Babaoff

El viaje fue maravilloso con toda la emoción de los niños y la diversión de conocer a nuevos amigos. Tuvimos noches de celebración, pero también unos momentos más sombríos cuando nos acordamos de Becky y de Michael. Todos nosotros admiramos mucho a Dinny por llevar sus espíritus con ella para darles a los niños del Valle Sagrado el regalo de aprender.
Para concluir, el Becky Fund ha ayudado a más de 4.500 de alumnos este año con útiles escolares individuales y materiales para el salón de clase. Cada año se adapta el sistema para asegurar que los materiales lleguen a los niños que más los necesitan. Nada de esto sería posible sin su ayuda y apoyo. Gracias de todos nosotros.

2008 Trip Update

2008-09-13T11:41:00.013-08:00

This year we were fortunate to have 6 new members of our group that didn’t know any of us, or exactly what they were going to be doing. They were brave and generous souls who brought diversity, enthusiasm and great energy to our work. The 2 doctors and the nurse added a new medical dimension. They traveled for 3 days with a local medical group on mattresses in the back of an ambulance to some remote villages. The first night the mattresses became their beds, laid side by side on the floor of a community building. As word spread that we had doctors people would line up outside our gate in the evenings. They patiently gave personal attention to every one who came. Unfortunately, most of the treatments requested were a bit beyond what they could take care of in our living room….like brain tumors!

I also want to thank our New Zealand donors whose contributions made up the shortfall in funds caused by the 25% drop in the value of the dollar.

Thank you again from everyone at the Becky Fund for your continued support of our project. As you probably know, I am now dedicating our work to both Becky and Michael.

Mark your calendars!
Our 2009 trip will be April 17 – May 1

With gratitude, Dinny

Thanks to loyal volunteer, Ann Smith, for putting together the 2008 letter.

Becky Fund Newsletter
April 2008

The group that gathered in Peru this year to carry out the Becky Fund work was comprised of Dinny, her sister Christina and brother-in-law Ross from New Zealand, Leonard Jimenez from Las Cruces, old friends Ann Smith (MA) and Melissa Cole (TX), and new friends Arash Babaoff and Drew Schnitt, doctors with Operation Smile, Susan Hoelle, a nurse from Cincinnati, Safari McDoulett (FL), Asha Vida (MI), and Lana Rahme (MI).

We were well supported as usual by the Wilson family in Calca. As in years past, we enjoyed a large main meal cooked each day by Señora Yolanda Wilson. Hernan Wilson accompanied us in our travels and kept records. Ligia and Carlos showed us warm hospitality in Cusco and Urabamaba and facilitated our purchase of supplies. And the entire family welcomed us with open arms and fed us and entertained us.

This year, for a new perspective on the work of the Fund, we would like to offer you some of the comments that first time members of the Escuela Squad wrote after returning home:

“I loved my experience in Peru. The family of Becky and the volunteers who were there are inspiring. It was like going to camp for adults! I still haven't come down from my camp high and I hope I never do! Coming home from this trip has rekindled my desire to seek out living a life with more meaning. Not only do they accomplish a lot for the kids, the group gave us the opportunity to glance through the eyes of others in an intimate way. It is inspiring the same way a smile creates a catchy energy in a room. I'm excited and thankful for a refreshed outlook on what is possible in the world through ordinary (and extraordinary) people. Be inspired and get involved!

Thank you to everyone who supports making this possible.
Escuela Squad Rocks!!!”
Safari McDoulett

“Dinny,
It was great working with you and I am really impressed with what you are doing there. The Becky Fund Mission 2008 was all that a volunteer could expect and more. The beauty of the Sacred Valley is an unbelievably beautiful backdrop for the task at hand. I have traveled the world doing humanitarian work and some of the poorest living and nutritional conditions I have seen are in the Sacred Valley. The basic needs of the indigenous people there are poorly met yet the people are incredibly friendly and gracious. The children are so overjoyed to receive much needed school supplies and the teachers may be even happier. Providing health care for the fist time on a Becky Fund Mission was also quite enlightening. There are many health care needs that could be better met in these remote regions with a little more effort and the nutritional and living conditions could be vastly improved with some minimal intervention while preserving the local atmosphere and culture."
Drew Schnitt

“While my initial focus on our drives high into the Andes lining the Sacred Valley of Peru was the myriad of children that the Becky Fund was to serve, it soon changed to the entire community supporting those children. My eyes couldn't help but be riveted on the brightly clad ninos looking like a flock of red cardinals flying to meet us. They were joyful and appreciative. But trailing behind them were always parents, teachers, and others within the community with offerings of handshakes, or sometimes potatoes. Their gratitude shone as brightly as their smiles.
Dinny had brought some rubber tips for walking canes as she had discovered a large need for something more substantial than the rickety tree limbs most elderly or debilitated folks used to support themselves. We searched the city of Cuzco for the wooden dowels for the sticks themselves and then assembled the canes at night. One day after traveling more than three hours to a remote village where the children had to wade across a cold river to reach us we found an old woman who came from the field where she was working to see what the commotion was about. She was bare-footed and lived where the terrain would require a lot of steep climbing. Dinny dug into our stash of donated clothing and shoes to find a pair of flip-flops for the woman. But she seemed to not know how to keep them on her feet. So Dinny and Leonard set about creating a unique way of helping her keep them on with a dash of pizzazz and red ribbon. She beamed with the attention and the shoes. Before heading back to her field she was presented with a pair of rubber-tipped walking sticks to help her balance in the rugged, rocky mountains. I realized then that the Becky Fund not only reaches the children of Peru but the families of those children too.”
Melissa Cole

"I feel so fortunate to have happened upon the Becky Fund Mission this year. Yet it comes as no surprise to me, since I was quickly taken into the fold after being introduced to it by my friend, Melissa Cole, a veteran of this mission in past years, and my divining rod for important causes. I, in turn, had the good fortune to invite friends and loved ones to participate, and before you know it, we really had a remarkable group of people.

I don’t think that I can agree enough with Drew’s assessment of the health care needs of the children of the Sacred Valley. We had the rare opportunity to join in with the local public health care effort, being transported out to the most remote villages. Poverty and nutritional deficiencies are the norm there, and even the smallest of contributions are met with incredible gratitude and serenading. The people touch you with their kind and unassuming nature. The children of the Sacred Valley, like all children, are always ready to play with you, and their joy and enthusiasm just draws you in.

I really look forward to spreading the word about the Becky Fund. Volunteers get such a unique and intimate view of the Sacred Valley, its people, its landscape, its needs. I’m not sure that it’s possible to go on such a mission and not to think back to it or to compare it to future trips taken. It stays with me.

My hat is off to Dinny and her crew. Her incredible dedication has created a model opportunity to touch both the people of the Sacred Valley as well as the volunteers who have the good fortune and initiative to join in."
Arash Babaoff

The trip was wonderful, with all of the excitement of the children and the fun getting to know new friends. We had evenings of celebration, but also some more somber times of remembering Becky and Michael. All of us greatly admire Dinny for carrying their spirits with her to give the gift of learning to the children of the Sacred Valley.

In conclusion, the Becky Fund reached over 4500 students this year with individual and classroom supplies. Each year there is some adjustment to make sure that the supplies are going to the children who need them most. None of this would be possible without your help and support. Thank you from all of us.

2008 Trip a Success

2008-05-11T11:14:00.002-08:00

The 2008 trip to Peru went very well. We delivered supplies to over 4000 students. We will post a full trip description soon.

Michael Prichard

2008-01-11T06:56:00.002-09:00

To friends of the Becky Fund:

It is with great sadness that I inform you of the accidental death of Becky's older brother, Michael on September 14, 2007. He leaves behind his wife, Christine, and his beloved children, Marley, age 6 and Avery, age 3.

Aaron Ebner, who has done two summer projects for the Becky Fund, has graciously agreed to join the Becky Fund Board. Becky's brother, Alex, has taken over Michael's position of President and Aaron will be the new Vice President. Jessie Epstein, Becky's childhood friend, remains as Secretary and I stay on as Treasurer.

Our annual trip is scheduled for April 11-25. I will continue our work in Peru in honor of both of my children, Becky and Michael.

Thank you all for your continuing support.

Dinny Bomberg

Acerca de Mike

2007-11-26T21:55:00.001-09:00

La siguiente historia acerca del hermano de Becky, Mike, se publicó en el Birmingham News el 11 de noviembre de 2007.

Amaba la vida pero ponía en duda los convencionalismos.

Erin Stock

Periodista

Pedazos de la vida de Mike Prichard cubren una parte de la pared en un pasillo estrecho en el Bare Hands Gallery en Birmingham, Alabama.

Los artículos y las fotos abarrotan la ofrenda dedicada a él dentro de un espacio más o menos el ancho de una chimenea y salpicado con caléndulas.

En el centro, sobre una repisa de madera montada en la pared, está una carta escrita en letra cursiva y firmada con un beso con lápiz labial: "Querida Christine, ¡estoy tan enamorado de ti! ¿No serás mi querida por favor? Con amor, Michael."

Alrededor de las palabras están fotos de Prichard con su esposa, Chris, y otros miembros de la familia. En la repisa hay un libro en miniatura, "The Joys of the Garden" y un pequeño jarrón con batería de cocina que alude a uno de sus talentos. La colección de cosas de la vida de Prichard es parte de la exhibición de la galería para El Día de los Muertos. En los últimos años Prichard honró a su hermana menor por medio de la exhibición. Este año su esposa lo está honrando a él. Prichard murió en septiembre a la edad de 40 años en un accidente en su casa de Forest Park. La ofrenda muestra una foto de Prichard haciendo senderismo con su hija, placas de los seis estados donde había vivido con Chris antes de que tuvieran hijos, guantes de jardinero manchados de tierra, entradas de concierto del House of Blues y una pegatina de parachoques de Bob Marley: "Emancípate de la esclavitud mental. Nadie más que nosotros mismos puede liberar nuestras mentes."

Prichard, quien adornaba su carro con pegatinas de parachoques políticas, llamaba a Russ y Dee Fine y discutía con los presentadores de programa de radio. En sus conversaciones cotidianas, animaba a otros a poner en duda los convencionalismos y le encantaban las discusiones provocadoras.

También vivía el cambio que exigía. Hace poco él y su esposa empezaron a renovar casas utilizando productos ecológicamente sanos y planeaban abrir un negocio que proveyera material de construcción <>. Comía comida orgánica mucho antes de que la práctica se volviera popular. El jardín de su patio trasero tenía pimiento, tomate, quingombó, frijol, maíz, fresas y hierbas – ingredientes que usaba para crear platos ricos en sabor, sorprendiendo a visitas que pensaban que la comida vegetariana no podría ser tan sabrosa.

Cada día mandaba a su hija de 5 años, Marley, a la escuela con una ensalada del jardín y le enseñaba a cocinar. Prichard les leía Mark Twain a ella y a su hijo de 3 años, Avery.

"Después de que nació Marley, dijo, "Sabes, mamá, tenías razón,"" dijo Dinny Bomberg, recordando que una vez le había dicho a su hijo que si tuviera hijos, los amaría mil veces más que amaba a los perros y otros animales.

Durante la mayoría de su carrera, Prichard hacía trabajo independiente de producción de cine y de televisión, incluyendo el departamento de arte, la mezcla de sonido, tareas de iluminación y cámara. Era trabajador y un verdadero "MacGyver" que venía a un rodaje con una caja de herramientas y encontraba una manera de hacer que las cosas funcionaran, dijo Allen Rosen, un colega y amigo. La mamá de Prichard dijo que su hijo nunca tenía miedo de intentar cosas nuevas. Cuando tenía 3 años, quitó los ruedines de su nueva bicicleta y aprendió a andar en ella sin ellos.

Tocaba el bajo, el violín, la guitarra y el piano y fue miembro de varias bandas durante su vida. Cuando Chris lo conoció, dirigía una galería de arte en St. Paul que daba conciertos en el sótano. La primera vez que lo vio, Chris estaba con su novio y le soltó la mano. Los ojos de Prichard la cautivaron. Eran ojos azules e intensos que contenían un poco de travesura.

La pareja viajaba juntos y vivieron en Montana, Utah, Maine y Nuevo Hampshire, finalmente se mudaron a Birmingham en 1997.

Un huerto de arándano e higuera se está sembrando en su memoria al Jones Valley Urban Farm. Si a alguien le interesa ayudar, puede reunirse con los voluntarios los sábados desde las 10 de la mañana hasta mediodía.

Schoolchildren of Choquecancha benefit from Becky Fund Volunteer Efforts

2007-09-28T19:39:00.000-08:00

It has been another successful summer session for Becky Fund volunteers Aaron Ebner, Dave Scott, Sean Duffey, and myself, as we traveled to Choquecancha in support of the local elementary school. The small pueblo of Choquecancha rests halfway up the Lares valley, in a picturesque spot about two hours drive from the Becky Fund base in Calca.

Aaron and Dave arrived in early July to make preparations, after spending much of the previous year diligently fundraising thousands of dollars. They spent significant time and effort in the purchase and transport of materials, in hiring construction expertise, and in the general arrangements with the Choquecancha school administrators. They also purchased books and school supplies for the school library. Most of the materials had to come from Calca and Cuzco, so Aaron and Dave made many a trip among these towns via motorcycle, taxi, and the ever-crowded combi mini-bus! After days of making such arrangements, they were able to begin work on the kitchen/cafeteria building at the schoolyard. Traditionally, the schoolchildren are provided a nutrient-rich corn-meal and biscuit lunch by the Peruvian government, which is cooked on an open bonfire in the schoolyard. The new facilities, as funded by the Becky Fund, would provide a kitchen area with a gas-powered stove for the school cooks (often the local parents). The new facilities would also allow for some limited cafeteria space. Finally, a school library would be set up and furnished with new books and materials.

To begin the work, Dave and Aaron carried dozens of mud bricks down a winding mountain road to the job site, where our construction experts were there to evenly cement them into place. Upon the completion of these crude walls, trees from astride the main road were felled to provide roof beams. After a thin metal roof was installed, a bright white layer of stucco provided an impressive aesthetic improvement. Much work remained on the interior of this building, however, and luckily Sean and myself arrived soon after to help tackle this task. Upon our arrival, we four merry gringos set to work digging out the floor of the new building and installing floor beams. We had a great deal of interest, and a bit of help from the schoolchildren as well, who would wake us from our tents in the morning and keep us entertained through midday. Magic tricks and the occasional futbol game often ensued during lunch periods.

We also constructed a second building in order to house some of the kitchen equipment, and this entailed the transport of some 300 adobe bricks from the village supply, about 150 meters up the winding road. Between carting these bricks and a great deal of cement mixing materials, we were quite filthy and exhausted at the end of our workdays. Our locally hired experts, however, often worked 10 hours a day for the entire month straight! Needless to say we were quite inspired by their work ethic; we often blamed our own short 8 hour days on the altitude!

During the continuing construction and completion of these two school buildings, we set to work furnishing the school’s library. We were able to purchase an impressive collection of books from Cuzco, thanks again to The Becky Fund. We brought full encyclopedias, Spanish-Qechua-English books (a favorite of the teachers), story books, practical guides, math and science books, and even a few Harry Potter translations! We spent a few days setting up the library and cleaning out the area, hanging maps and posters, and arranging the shelves and desks. As we neared our departure date, Aaron was able to bring a group of students into the library for a cross-cultural exchange. He had previously arranged for some local schoolchildren in Marshall, Michigan to write pen-pal letters to the students in Choquecancha. Now it was time to produce the return letters, which we all helped the students to write. It was a wonderful experience to work with these children on their letters, especially given the backdrop of the newly furnished library.

Upon our departure date, the school administrators were incredibly gracious. Many of the students lined up to sing songs of thanks, while the parents and teachers cooked us each a 4 lb choice cut of goat meat. A small ceremony was held during which one of our administrator friends, Ephraim, said a few heartfelt words of thanks. We broke a bottle of champage over the vestibule, said many friendly goodbyes, and headed on our way home.

Arrangements were also made for the 8^th grade class to take a trip to Machu Picchu, and take advantage of this amazing Peruvian cultural center. Funding for this trip, as often provided by the school, was lacking this year. The Becky Fund was able to step up and secure a spot for each 8^th grade student.

We would like to send our thanks and best wishes to our friends in Choquacancha, Calca, Marshall, and elsewhere. Our friends Ruben, Pio, Hector, Julian, and little Percy were an immense help during the construction phase. Jorge, Ephraim, Juan, Marco and the other school administrators were also dear friends during our stay. It was a delight to visit Hernan and Yolanda; as usual we benefited from Yolanda’s fine home cooking! Carlos from Cuzco helped a lot as well. We appreciate all the donations and assistance from friends and family from Marshall, and the surrounding areas in Michigan. Finally, to Dinny and the Becky Fund, once again we immensely appreciate the opportunity to do such meaningful and fulfilling work.

-Ethan Ebner

Thank You Phi Gamma Delta (U of Mich)!

2007-07-10T17:59:00.002-08:00

Dear Dinny,

Greetings from the University of Michigan! On behalf of the fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta (Fiji) here at the University, I would like to present you with this donation of $375.22 in support of The Becky Fund. Perhaps my mom told you about the fundraiser we held here on campus; we had about 35 members of our organization out bucketing on a mild spring day this past April. It was a very successful event; on top of the money raised, we were able to spread the good word about the work being done in becky's honor...

As I am sure you have heard, Aaron and I along with our friend Dave Scott, and Sean Duffy, will be heading back to Peru in the next few weeks. We plan to undertake the school building upgrade/construction project that Aaron has been working so hard on. He has made it his goal to raise an impressive amout of money for this project, and hopefully this donation can help as well.

We are glad to lend our support to The Becky Fund, and hope that the organization can continue to assist the indigent students of Peru. in addition, my brother Aaron and I greatly appreciate the opportunity to do such important work for such a noble cause.

Thank you again; Good luck and best wishes!

Sincerely,
Ethan Ebner
Graduate Advisor
Phi Gamma Delta (Fiji)
University of Michigan

Read entire letter.

2007 Trip Report

2007-07-08T10:04:00.001-08:00

Dear Friends and Family,

I asked my friend Toby to write the report this year for a fresh perspective. She and I were on the very first trip when we "made it up as we went along". Those ideas have been expanded and refined, but we continue the original mission. The report is a little delayed as Toby was busy welcoming her first grandchild. Thanks again for your continued support. As long as we have you, we will continue this work.

Love, Dinny

“THE BECKY FUND IS WORKING TO PROVIDE HOPE FOR THE FUTURE THROUGH AID TO THE
CHILDREN OF PERU’S SACRED VALLEY.”
Indeed it is……and very successfully thanks to all of you and your generous donations.
The BECKY FUND celebrated its fourth annual working visit to the Calca-Pisac area in April, 2007.

We had a dynamite international crew this year.

From up north came Becky’s mother, La Senora Diana and her amiga, Molly, Las Cruces, NM; Tio Peter and Tia Anna, Ennis, MT; amiga Ann and her hija Marie, Boston; amiga Toby (that’s me) from Spokane, WA. Crossing the Pacific all the way from New Zealand came Tia Cristina and Tio Ross, prima Britt and their amiga Jo.

Down south, the Wilson family - Hernan and Yolanda (Yoli) in Calca, Carlos and Ligia and Richard and Sandra in Cuzco - are rock solid as our Peruvian anchors. Their commitment to THE BECKY FUND, invaluable contacts andYoli’s magic menus each afternoon remain fundamental to our collective success.

As in past visits, the primary thrust was providing school supplies to the children and their teachers in the high mountains around theCalca-Pisac area…….

and so it was again this year.

Off we went each morning: Justo, our fearless driver at the wheel of his trusty van: Hernan riding shotgun with the map and directions.

Loaded from top to bottom with notebooks, rulers, pens and pencils, erasers, glue and tape, paper for creative projects and writing exercises, story books and dictionaries, colored pencils and Magic Markers, maps and posters, scissors, tempura and paint brushes, puzzles and puppets, towels and soap to introduce the rudiments of basic hygiene, netting filled with soccer and volleyballs, clothing collected at home to hand out where needed most, stacks of pancitos – the traditional whole wheat rounds of local bread, the BECKY BUNCH was a familiar sight heading out of Calca.

We climbed the highest mountains as far as we could go. We forded rain-swollen streams and roadways, dodged llamas and their tenders, wedged in the locals if they needed a ride and hung on tight as we pitched into and out of the deep ruts and giant potholes on most certainly these roads less traveled. If the schools were still too remote or the track too primitive and muddy,Justo simply found a wider spot on the mountainside and we waited for the teachers and students to come to us.

When we finally tallied all those teachers and schools, teachers who waited patiently each afternoon at our Calle Jacaranda house, teachers we met on the road or at the market, teachers we met on previous visits and knew we were returning, students on the road, little people with their moms at the schools when the BECKY BUNCH drove through the school gate………..well, the numbers were truly extraordinary, the gratitude immeasurable.

THE BECKY FUND gave basic school supplies to at least 4,000 students in dozens of schools, assembled more than 200 teacher’s boxes and handed out at least 5,000 whole wheat pancitos.

Teachers told us again and again that what THE BECKY FUND provides is often what they have to work with for the entire year. Without these materials, their jobs and the fierce dedication to making the lives and futures of these mountain children and their families just even the tiniest bit better would be virtually impossible.

Each trip would not be complete without a stop at the SCHOOL FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS in Calca. This is a toughie, indeed. Regardless of the limitations and the profound need beyond anything possible within the walls of this modest facility, the director and her staff are totally committed to these children. Books and pencils are welcome, but as important is warm clothing. As we waved goodbye, the little group at the door waving back sported toasty sweaters and winter jackets.

Not by books or bread alone, The BECKY FUND also shopped in the Calca market for brooms and buckets, cooking pots, protein powder to supplement grossly inadequate diets, cups by the dozen, tire pumps, even a gas ring and propane tank. All BECKY FUND monies are spent in Peru. These purchases, large and small, have significant impact on the regional and local economies. They also create jobs and hope.

Literally because of a terrible fall last year and Tio Ross’ broken legs, the New Zealanders arrived this year with a huge bag of orthopedic supplies thanks to Ross’ very generous orthopedic surgeons. Word travels quickly in the world of need and pain: Before long, old men and women were hobbling away from our gate, standing a little straighter, the new braces, canes and crutches replacing their primitive wooden sticks.

There is no question that THE BECKY FUND is honoring its mandate and your trust: The City of Calca , by proclamation, acknowledged the work of THE BECKY FUND; A mountain
school was renamed to honor Becky; A special Mass was dedicated to thank THE BECKY FUND and its work. Teachers, students, people we didn’t even know came daily to offer tokens of their appreciation.

As successful as THE BECKY FUND is, there is so much more to do. Basic nutrition, medical care, family services and children’s rescue are increasingly urgent. THE BECKY FUND is taking a look at these areas, too, and if there are others in the Sacred Valley who share the same values and concern.

On behalf of THE BECKY FUND and our Peruvian friends, thank you all for your part in helping make the success of THE BECKY FUND a reality. No broken promises here; no hollow rhetoric, either. Each of your dollars goes directly to support these critical
projects. There are no administrative costs or fees. Each person on each visit pays his or her own expenses.

We thank you again for your past generosity. We ask that you continue your support for the work that lies ahead.

Respectfully submitted,

Toby C. Wolf

THE BECKY FUND – April, 2007

A footnote:

Celia, one of the Calca market vendors, has become a good friend of Dinny’s.

We arrived just as Celia and Hugo were finalizing their wedding plans. They asked Tia Cristina and Tio Ross to be the nuptial sponsors and Dinny to be Godmother to their 12 year old son. Everyone agreed.

The BIG DAY arrived. Off we all went to the ancient chapel in the little town of Lamay just down the road from Calca. The bride was beautiful, the groom so handsome, the flowers lovely and the decorations simply gorgeous. There were tears, applause, hugs and kisses all around, rice in everyone’s hair, a fiesta awaiting us back in Calca.

It was not until we left the chapel that we realized that all the lovely swags and bows were made out of……white toilet paper…….and that many guests were carefully rolling up the tissue and tucking it into their pockets. So simple, so beautiful and so very-very practical.

About Mike

2007-01-12T11:13:00.001-09:00

The following story about Becky's brother, Mike, appeared in the Birmingham News 11/11/07

He loved life but questioned convention
ERIN STOCK
News staff writer

Pieces of Mike Prichard's life fill a portion of the wall in a narrow hallway at the Bare Hands Gallery in Birmingham.

The items and photos clutter the "ofrenda," or offering, dedicated to him in a space about the width of a fireplace and sprinkled with marigolds.

At the center, above a wooden mantel mounted to the wall, is a letter written in cursive handwriting and signed with a lipstick kiss: "Dear Christine, I am sooo much in love with you! Won't you please be my Valentine? Love, Michael."

Circling his words are photos of Prichardwith his wife, Chris, and other family. The mantel beneath holds a miniature book, "The Joys of the Garden," and a small vase of wooden cooking utensils that hint at one of his talents. The collage of items from Prichard's life is part of El Dia de Los Muertos (the Day of the Dead) exhibit at the gallery. Prichard in recent years honored his younger sister, who died four years ago, through the exhibit. This year his wife is honoring him. Prichard died in September at age 40 in an accident at their Forest Park home. The ofrenda displays a photo of Prichard hiking with his daughter, license plates from the six states he lived in with Chris before they had children, gardening gloves tinted with earth, House of Blues concert tickets and a Bob Marley bumper sticker: "Emancipate yourself from mental slavery. None but ourselves can free our minds."

Prichard, who adorned his car with political bumper stickers, used to call Russ and Dee Fine and argue with the radio talk show hosts. The St. Paul Minn., native challenged others to question convention in his daily conversations, delighting in provocative debate.

He also lived some of the change he professed. Recently he and his wife had begun renovating homes using eco-friendly products, and they planned to start a business that would provide "green" building supplies. He ate organic foods long before it started catching on. The garden in his backyard sprouted peppers, tomatoes, okra, beans, corn, strawberries, herbs - ingredients he used to craft dishes that were rich in flavor, surprising guests who thought vegetarian food couldn't be so tasty.

He sent his 5-year-old daughter, Marley, to school every day with a salad from his garden and taught her how to cook. Prichard would read Mark Twain to her and Avery, his 3-year-old son.

"After Marley was born, he said, `You know, Mom, you were right,'" said Dinny Bomberg, recalling how she once told her son that if he ever had children, he would love them 1,000 times more than he loved dogs and other animals.

Prichard did free-lance TV and film production work for most of his career, including art department, sound mixing, lighting and camera work. He was hard-working and a real "MacGyver" who would show up at a shoot with a toolbox and find a way to make things work, said Allen Rosen, a colleague and friend. Prichard's mom said her son never feared trying new things. When he was 3, he stripped off the training wheels that came with a new bike and learned how to ride without them.

He played the bass, violin, guitar and piano, and was part of several bands in his life. When Chris met him, he was running an art gallery in St. Paul that held concerts in the basement. The first time she saw him, Chris was walking with a boyfriend and dropped his hand. It was Prichard's eyes that caught hers. They were intense, blue eyes with a hint of mischief in them.

As a couple they traveled together and lived in Montana, Utah, Maine and New Hampshire, eventually coming to Birmingham in 1997.

A blueberry and fig orchard is being planted in his memory at Jones Valley Urban Farm. Anyone interested in helping can join volunteers Saturday from 10 until noon.

Radio Story and Slideshow

2006-11-11T17:28:00.001-09:00

Listen to a series of radio interviews with Dinny on Las Cruces station KRWG and watch a slideshow of 21 pictures from the work of The Becky Fund.

Desks for Students

2006-07-31T15:53:00.001-08:00

In July Ethan and Aaron Ebner went to Peru to build desks for students (they are the sons of Dinny's cousin Genie). They wanted to participate in the project during their summer break from college and did a great job that will be greatly appreciated by many children, teachers, and parents.

The Becky Fund in Sudbury Town Crier

2006-07-04T21:59:00.000-08:00

The Sudbury Town Crier and the Lincoln Journal both printed the following story on the most recent trip of The Becky Fund.

Grads Bring Supplies to Peru

By Carole Lamond/Staff Writer
Thursday June 29, 2006

It was something of a culture shock to arrive in Calca, a town high in the hills of the Sacred Valley of Peru, where his small group from Sudbury were the only gringos in town, but for Matt Moore that was part of the adventure.
It was also the beginning of a two-week trip that touched the lives of hundreds of schoolchildren in villages so poor that a pencil and notebook are treasured items.
Moore and fellow 2004 Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School graduates, Marie Smith and Dan Kamen, volunteered to deliver school supplies for The Becky Fund, a small charity named in honor ofBecky Prichard died just north of Cuzco in an automobile accident in 2003 at the age of 27 [30] and her mother, Dinny Bomberg, established the fund in Becky’s memory.

Smith’s mother, Ann, and Bomberg are friends who have worked together on Habitat for Humanity projects, and the Smiths accompanied Bomberg on a trip to Peru to deliver school supplies in 2005. When Smith told Moore and Kamen about her plans to for a second trip to Peru with The Becky Fund, and asked, "Anyone, want to go?" her two friends decided to spend their spring college break on the charity trip.
"I kind of blindly went into it, but it sounded like a good cause, it sounded like an adventure and it sounded like fun," said Moore. "It definitely proved to be all three."
Many of the Indian children in the remote mountain villages attend windowless schools with no heat or electricity where pencils and paper are luxuries. Many of the teachers buy school supplies from their meager salaries of $100 per month.
This year the fund delivered gift bags to 3,250 children in 78 schools and gift boxes to 70 teachers. The volunteer also bought cooking pots, plastic cups and food for several schools and contracted with a local carpenter to build tables and chairs for a preschool. They also supplied yarn and musical instruments which are used to teach the children to knit and play music in their cultural traditions.
The volunteers, who all pay their own expenses, are assisted by the family of Becky’s fiancé, Mendel Wilson Muniz, who provide lodging and a place to store supplies while the volunteers go out each day to different schools which the family has contacted in advance.
"We leave early in the morning and go to the market to buy bread. We give each child a few pieces of bread which they would share with their siblings and parents," said Smith, 19, a student at Massachusetts School of Art in Boston. "We would give them the bread and their school supplies. Some of the kids still had their little plastic bag from the year before. It’s sad, but also really exciting to see how thrilled they are by getting a pencil or a balloon."
The group drove their van as far into the hills as the roads would take them and traveled the rest of the way on foot to a meeting spot. Some of their destinations were 14,000 feet up in the mountains. Once there they would shout for a resident of the village to get the local teacher.

It was amazing that they knew which day we were coming and they were ready for us. We would call out and after a little while the teacher and children would come walking down the mountain," said Moore. "The teacher would usually know Spanish and the kids would know a little, so communication was very basic. I learned some Quecha, the Indian language they speak."

Each child receives a plastic bag with notebooks, pencils, erasers and sharpeners. The teacher receives a box of 30 to 40 items including story books, puzzles, scissors, glue, masking tape, paper, markers and other craft supplies.

"That they got to own their very own pencils was huge for them. They would even save the boxes the pencils came in to play with," said Moore. "Kids literally won’t go to school if their parents can’t afford to buy a pencil and a notebook, so the children don’t get an education."
They also gave the children volley and soccer balls.
"Their eyes lit up when they saw we brought them a ball," said Moore, 20, a student at Northeastern University in Boston. "They were playing with a bunch of rags tied together, that was their ball. We blew up balloons for them to play with and that was a big novelty for them."
The children were dressed beautifully in colorful hats and clothing woven in the Indian patterns. The youngest children were often shy with the American students who looked and dressed so differently, but families were generous with the visitors, sharing gifts of corn or potatoes, or playing music and dancing for them.
"The whole country is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been and the culture there is so rich," said Smith. "You see people singing and playing instruments that they made."
The Becky Fund is researching ways to bring better nutrition to the people in the remote mountain villages and is experimenting with a grain/milk combination to supplement the children’s diet. Their diet consists mostly of corn or potatoes.
The Sacred Valley of Peru was the heart of the Inca civilization during the 14th to 15 centuries. Many of the villagers live very much the way they did prior to the Spanish Conquest of the country in 1532.
"You can read about the conditions, but you really have to be there, it’s really an amazing experience," said Smith. "It’s easy to feel you can’t help much, but it’s really important work, and it definitely makes me want to go back and do more things for the project. I hope that other people will want to help too."

March 2006 Trip a Success

2006-06-14T08:59:00.001-08:00

Dear Friends of the Becky Fund,

Please excuse my delay in getting the 2006 trip report out to you. I was hopingthat the 3 college students, who we were fortunate enough to have accompany us this year, would be able to participate in the writing, but their busy schedules haven't allowed that to happen.

Our trip started out on a sad note as my friend Toby, from Spokane, learned her mother had terminal cancer the day her tickets arrived, so she was unable to go. Two weeks before the trip my brother-in-law, Ross, from New Zealand fell off his roof and injured both ankles and legs. However, I did have incredible participants in Ann Smith, her daughter Marie, and two college friends of Marie, Matt and Dan, all from Boston.

This was our third trip and the people were waiting for us! Everyday we had teachers or parents coming to find us, on the street, at the hotel, etc. It still amazes, and humbles me that they so value the supplies that we provide. We also get such wonderful and loving support from the whole Wilson family and the many friends of Becky and Mendel. Without them it would be impossible to do this work.

Every morning we load up the van with the boxes of teacher's materials, supplies for the kids, and head to the oven to buy fresh bread (500 pieces). Next we head out and I have no idea where we are going. They tell me which schools we are going to visit that day, some as far as three hours up the mountain. Miraculously we find the schools and they seem to know we are coming. I still don't know how it all happens. In several schools the parents had gathered to thank us for our gifts. The children sing or dance, and the parents and teachers serve a soft drink, some potatoes, or crackers. Sometimes they present us with homemade presents. These people who have so little share what they have with such dignity and pride it makes my heart ache.

This year we gave a box of supplies to each teacher, instead of one to each school. We were hoping that this would eliminate any competition. Also, we recognize that they each desperately need these things, as they often have to buy supplies out of their own meager salaries. We include such items as scissors, glue, rulers, masking tape, 3 kinds of paper, magic markers, colored pencils, pens, story books, puzzles, clay, soap, towel, etc. Of course, the most popular items with the children are still the volley and soccer balls. It still is the only thing they have to play with. Each child receives a plastic bag with notebooks, pencils, erasers and sharpeners.

I still can't believe how excited they are to receive these simple things. This trip we gave to 3,250 children and gave supplies to teachers in 78 different places . In addition, we were able to buy cooking pots and plastic cups for several schools so the teachers and parents can cook something for the children with the few commodities the government provides. Often the families send a few potatoes or yucca to augment what they prepare. One of the preschools had been given a fairly nice building, but there wasn't a thing in it. We contracted with a local carpenter to build desks and chairs, painted in bright colors. We were also able to assist a nun who makes a noon meal for about 120 kids, without any government or agency support, by buying some large quantities of food.

In one remote village the teacher is working to keep the young people participating in their cultural traditions by having the girls knit and the boys play the traditional musical instruments. We were able to assist in this effort by purchasing enough yarn and instruments for the school year.

As always there were some very touching things that happened. One that moved me deeply was when a man approached me and told me that his son had chosen Becky for his godmother. They had waited for my arrival to ask if I would consent to be the godmother in her place. The young boy came to meet me, and I guess I passed as we are scheduled for the big celebration next year. A woman who we buy many supplies from in the market, and who has been very supportive of our work, also asked if I would be the godmother to her only son. When I consented, she also asked if my sister would sponsor her at church so she and the boy's father could get married. We are going to be part of in some meaningful celebrations next year!

We are happy to announce that we have been granted tax-free status, thanks to the hard work of Angela Larson. Michael Prichard is the President of our Board, Alex the Vice-President, Jessica Cannon the Secretary, and I am the Treasurer, but Frank does all the work of keeping us fiscally compliant. The real force behind this project is all of you who make it happen with your incredible generosity!!!!

There are thousands of desperately poor children and parents who thank you with humble gratitude.

Love, Dinny

PS: I want to include a few comments I received from Matt and Dan:

"The teachers we met were some of the most dedicated I have ever known"

"In nearly every political conversation I heard it was mentioned that the Quechuas were being manipulated by politicians. Promises would be made for better living conditions and more prosperity, vague assurances that are rarely followed through on. Education gains a whole new level of importance within this context"

"The gratitude of the children surprised me at each school. At one school there was no teacher, because she had a meeting. Still, the children waited for us most of the day, and when we arrived they sang for us, and a couple of them gave speeches on the school's behalf. These were words of appreciation from children who couldn't have been more that 12 years old"

"I saw poverty in these villages, but I did not see much despair"

"Dan remarked that through this experience he felt like he had gotten to know Becky, and I (Matt) felt the same way. Neither of us had known her, but after spending as little time as two weeks with people who had, I did start to get a sense of what kind of person she was. Her family and her friends had taken a tragic event and built something positive out of it. For her death to inspire others in that way gave me an impression of who she was"

The Becky Fund in LoreMagazine.com

2006-03-04T13:58:00.000-09:00

The Becky Fund was recently the feature article in Loremagazine.com, a magazine for residential real estate associates, and brokers.

Upcoming Trip

2006-01-11T17:35:00.000-09:00

The next trip to Peru is scheduled for April 11-25, 2008. To volunteer or donate contact us.

Our Mission

2005-11-17T23:14:00.001-09:00

The Becky Fund was established with a vision of aiding the children of Peru, who continue to be the most vulnerable victims of the crippling poverty of the region.

Since its beginning in 2003, the fund has provided thousands of children in rural areas
of Peru with individual school supplies and almost 100 schools with teacher materials. In schools where the few items available are usually purchased by the teacher with his or her own money, these supplies can make the difference between a child having only a rudimentary understanding of the language and being truly literate, opening up options for that child’s ability to make a contribution to his or her community in the future.

Throughout the region, children exhibit the signs of suffering from poor nutrition. These signs include delayed mental and physical development, and lower resistance to infection. In response to this need, a nutrition component, called “the guinea pig project”, was initiated in 2005. Focusing on a traditional source of protein in Peru, a plan was presented to the schools to provide the young animals. In the participating schools, the parents and teachers have made a commitment to build a habitat for the animals and to prepare meals for the children at the school.

The work of the Becky Fund is possible through the generosity of hundreds of donors. Over 95% of what is donated is spent in direct aid to the children of Peru. Volunteers to the program pay their own expenses. The activities afforded by the Becky Fund have affected thousands of lives, those of the children, their parents and the teachers. Through the education and energy of their
children, the Peruvian people see hope for lifting themselves out of poverty.