Hi everyone, my name is Sydney Berry, and I’m raising money on behalf of the Ethiopian Adoptees Foundation (EAF) for our 5th annual Gathering.

The Gathering is a weekend where Ethiopian adoptees from across the country come together to connect, reflect, and build community. It’s a place for mentorship, cultural celebration, and friendships that last far beyond the weekend.

Funds raised will go directly toward:

• Venue and lodging costs | 4 nights

• Food for 5 days

• Activities and programming

• Supplies to create a welcoming, supportive environment

Our goal is to keep registration as affordable as possible while still providing a meaningful, high-quality experience. Fundraising helps reduce the overall fee so that finances don’t prevent someone from attending.

Our Gatherings have steadily grown over the years, showing just how important this space is. We started with 17 attendees, grew to 32 the next year, welcomed 65 the year after, and last year had 55 participants. Each Gathering builds on the last, creating a stronger, more supportive network for Ethiopian adoptees across the U.S.

I’ll be sharing photos and a video from last year’s Gathering so you can see the impact firsthand. To learn more about EAF, visit our website and follow our social media pages

Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference. If you can’t donate right now, sharing this fundraiser is just as helpful. Thank you for supporting EAF and helping us continue building a space where Ethiopian adoptees can feel seen, supported, and connected.