A few days ago, our reporter Jvstin Tomorrow gave his report of the Many Midnights event that Prim Perfect co-hosted at the Gaiety Theatre, Caledon Penzance in association with the Theatre and Radio Riel to raise funds for the Project Gardens of Hope.
We promised then to let you know how much was raised at the event and at the silent auction that ran throughout the day of celebration.
Well, the total was a very exciting one of L$105, 633 – which which is equivalent to approximately $370.00US. The photo shows the cheque presentation ceremony which was attended, among others, by Riversong Garden (curator of Better World Island , where the Gardens of Hope project is located in Second Life), Zeke Poutine who heads the project in Second Life, Gabrielle Riehl of Radio Riel, Saffia Widdershins of Prim Perfect.
At the cheque presentation ceremony the Green Lantern Core of Second Life (who act as the guardians of the island) added $12,500.00L (approximately $45.00US) to the pot bringing the grand total raised to $415.00US!
The money is intended for a project involving a group of eleven HIV-positive women and their children and dependants – a total of thirty-three people in Lesotho who are creating a nursery garden that will create not only a sustainable resource for their own benefit but also a source of income. Riversong Garden is currently in Southern Africa and plans to visit the group if she can – she’s promised us pictures from the blog!
People were so generous with donations for the auction that some items were unable to be sold on the night – Radio Riel is therefore hosting a small ongoing silent auction on their land in Caledon Penzance. Do pop in and see what you can find!
Prim Perfect 
Saffia, again, thank you for supporting our efforts and championing the Gardens of Hope project. All the money transfers and conversions have been done and we will be sending $431.84Cdn so the Raphoka group can start working on their gardens.
I received an email from River just the other day. She is now in Swaziland, almost fully recuperated from jet-lag and getting acquainted with her new daughter. She will be visiting Lesotho some time in February when her husband returns with the other children. I will send along pictures as soon as I have them.
I’d like to thank everyone involved with the Many Midnights benefit for the Gardens of Hope. You’ve done a tremendous thing here! And made some Basotho people VERY happy. Not quite sure how River is going to explain where and how the money was raised but I’m sure she will give it her best shot!
Be well,
Zeke