Three professional women are hosting Evening with Angels and mobilizing talents to build an orphanage for 40 HIV/AIDS orphans in Cameroon.
It's not every day someone gives precious time and talents to HIV/AIDS orphans on the other side of the world. But that's exactly what three friends with a vision to help orphans are doing.

HOUSTON, TX, July 23, 2011/24-7PressRelease/ -- The Evening with Angels Event, July 23, 6:30 p.m. at Alliance Francaise, 427 Lovett Blvd is to raise funds and help build an orphanage for 40 HIV/AIDS orphans in Cameroon West Africa.

Monique Aiken, VP with an Investment Bank by day, French student and international volunteer for orphans by night, mobilized a team of 8 volunteers to raise funds and then travel to the site in September to help build the project.

"I'm in Commodity Sales and outside of work I have a lot of hobbies. Free time is scarce, but last Christmas my 8 year old nephew shared openly his gratitude for his family and for having a house to live in because some children do not have either. His earnest words touched me deeply and I began to cry. I knew that I had to do something and that I had to do it now," Aiken said.

Aiken searched online for a nonprofit and found 200 Orphanages Worldwide, a Minnesota based nonprofit. They help partner organizations raise funds for building projects to better serve orphans. They also help organize volunteer trips to help with partner projects. "I was especially inspired when I read about the Angel of Mercy orphanage project in Cameroon West Africa, Aiken said. "I shared it with my family and friends and they all wanted to do something."
Christina Aiken-Yulfo, a LEED certified architect and Monique's sister, designed the plan for the orphanage. She lives in Charlotte and will be on hand July 23 to share more about the sustainability of her design. "When I was about 13, I had a dream to design, build and operate an orphanage," she said. "That was 20 years ago. This orphanage project has reignited a passion in me and I am so glad for the opportunity."

Danielle Lewis, a close friend of Monique and Christina, is a medical student in Phoenix. She's studying naturopathic medicine and intends to bring health and healing to the children who are suffering with HIV/AIDs. "There are things we can do to help the children live better," Lewis said. "I hope to help the organization develop plantings that will bring healing and comfort. I never dreamed I would be able to go to Africa and help orphans in need. This is a lifelong dream of mine and we're making it happen." Lewis started a cause so all of her friends and family can follow the project progress and contribute funds as well she said.

The Angel of Mercy orphanage project is 200 Orphanages Worldwide's primary fund raising project this year, said Jan Hanson, executive director of 200 Orphanages Worldwide. "We look for groups and individuals to adopt projects. Monique and her friends are inspiring to me. Their dream was to one day build an orphanage and even with their full, busy lives they're doing it. I am just trying to stay out of the way!"

The night includes food by local Ouisies Table, African drummers, entertainment and a silent auction featuring local artists and well known signature pieces. The goal is to raise enough money to build the orphanage during the dry season which starts in September, Hanson said.
The goal of 200Orphanagesworldwide.org is to help raise funds for existing organizations worldwide that are already providing care and shelter for orphans and the needy in our world.

The need is so great. With the rise of civil strife, poverty and HIV, the need for housing the most vulnerable in our world has reached epidemic proportions. There are groups across the globe with feet on the ground trying to help the children and 200 Orphanages Worldwide wants to help them do their work."


For information on the event contact Monique Aiken 201-320-8383
For more information on the project contact: Jan Hanson 320-217-4944

Press Release Contact Information:

Jan Hanson
200 Orphanages Worldwide Inc.
Executive Director
2921 35th St. N
Sartell,, MN
USA 56377
Voice: 320-217-4944
Website: Visit Our Website