Celebrating the success of our second annual event in Saratoga Springs, NY.

Last week, we were thrilled to host our second local fundraising event in Kupona’s hometown of Saratoga Springs, at Saratoga National Golf Club.

Photo credit: Niki Rossi Photography

Through the support of our sponsors, friends, family and volunteers, A Night (and Round) for Health & Hope was a resounding success, raising over $50,000 to support life changing care for children living with disabilities in Tanzania.

Photo credit: Abbey Kocan

We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day as golfers played a round on Saratoga National’s pristine golf course, followed by an evening cocktail reception. Local musicians Leah Woods and Just Nate shared their talent as guests enjoyed Saratoga National’s delicious cocktails and appetizers, and bid on a stunning range of silent auction items.

Photo credit: Niki Rossi Photography

We were excited to bring back (by popular demand) handmade items crafted by women recovering from obstetric fistula at The Mabinti Centre. We were practically sold out within an hour!

Photo credit; Niki Rossi Photography

A huge thank you goes to our generous sponsors, including Ally Sponsors Beebe Financial Services, D.A. Collins, Lancaster Development, Tom & Laurie Longe, Bob & Denise Schwed and Steve & Debby Seaboyer, our Event Sponsors Pet Partners, Saratoga Hospital and Tim & Liz Ostrander, our Partner Sponsors Carpet One and Iron Roost and all of our Friend of Kupona Sponsors. We are also grateful for the amazing staff at Saratoga National Golf Club, our golf committee, Tom Longe and Steve Seaboyer, and our event committee chair Kelly Trendell, for making the event such a success. Thanks also to Niki Rossi Photography for capturing the event, and to Leah and Nate for contributing their time and talent.

During the evening, Kupona’s External Affairs Manager Alexandra Cairns recounted meeting a young boy named Frederick in rural Tanzania. Frederick lives with cerebral palsy, and due to a lack of resources, he used to spend his hours lying in the dark on the dirt floor of his home, almost completely isolated from the world. Then one day, our sister organization in Tanzania provided him with a wheelchair and regular physiotherapy, and Frederick’s life was completely changed. You can see the smile on Frederick’s face and read more of Frederick’s powerful story, here.

Alexandra shares Frederick’s story.
Photo credit: Niki Rossi Photography

Meet Frederick. Photo credit: Benjamin Eagle

The $50,000 raised on Thursday night will help change the lives of 387 children just like Frederick.

Photo credit: Benjamin Eagle

The generosity of our supporters has unlocked access to the healthcare services children like Frederick need to improve their mobility, giving them the opportunity to play with friends in their community and go to school.

We invite you to stay involved with this work. Why? Because it’s your support that is breaking the cycle of poverty for thousands of families in Tanzania. Here’s how you can help:

Help us reach 77 more children with a gift today
We want to change the lives of  77 more children like Frederick. We invite you to join us in reaching this goal and making dreams come true with a gift. It’s your support that can break the cycle of poverty for thousands of families in Tanzania. Help us reach our goal of raising another $10,000.

  • Donate today! A gift of $130 will support a child living with a disability, improve their mobility and give them the chance to learn and play. Reach out to someone who might want to learn more: a friend, colleague, teacher, minister, or neighbor.
  • Check out the photos from the event.
  • Follow us on social media. We’re on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

L-R: Abbey Kocan, Alex Cairns, Sami Bossalini, and Kupona Board member Robert Schwed.
Photo credit: Niki Rossi

We’re so proud to call Saratoga Springs home and so grateful for the incredible generosity and support of this community.  Thank you.