A Big Valentine for My Heart’s Appeal

A Commercial Oven on Order

February began with the John Mulherin, Chair, Glen Ellyn Rotary Foundation, announcing that $16,000 is available for the commercial oven project put forward by International Neighbors, Inc. The vocational baking and coffee shop hub of My Heart’s Appeal Center, Monrovia, Liberia, will be the recipient of a propane fueled, California built, convection oven, along with installation and training costs.

It was after midnight in Liberia, when Executive Director, Lovetie Major saw the announcement. She phoned immediately to express her delight and excitement! This is a key part of the community-based center to show that young adults with intellectual disabilities can lead productive lives. The oven will replace a dangerous charcoal burner that the young women had been trying to bake with.

John Mulherin and Sue Martin, Grant Chair, of the Glen Ellyn Rotary, have spearheaded efforts to spread the word of the opportunity among nearby Rotary Clubs. They guided us through a series of presentations in support of our effort to leverage International Neighbors’ donation of $1,200. Sue told us that being a self-sustaining entrepreneurial project was key to successful funding.

Many thanks go to the members of the several Rotary Clubs which banded together to fulfill this project. These include Rotary Clubs of Glen Ellyn, Wheaton (both morning and lunch clubs), The District Matching Fund and the Glen Ellyn Rotary Foundation.

We will keep everyone up to date with photos as the oven is installed, and the baking begins!