As the mother of three grown girls, it's been especially frustrating to see women's rights challenged around the globe. So, I've set a goal. With your help, I plan to raise the funds to sponsor the secondary education for three deserving young women.

As many of you know I have deep ties to Kenya, where my mother was raised and where my uncle continues to run our family's farm. In 1997, my uncle Hamish established the Vanessa Grant Trust (VGT) in his widow's honor, with the mission to improve the local school system. Over the years the Trust has transformed the educational offerings in its rural corner of Kenya, and among other Herculean projects, founded a leading secondary school for girls, The Vanessa Grant Girls School (VGGS).

To learn more about the trust, please watch this video, lovingly narrated by Seiya Grant, Hamish and Vanessa's daughter.

All the schools supported by the trust are feeling the effects of the pandemic. It has forced families to prioritize which, sadly, has reduced enrollment at the VGGS. VGT has identified tuition aid as the most critical area of needed support so it is here that I want to focus my efforts.

In the spirit of safegiving, I invite you to join me in this armchair movement now. Once Covid restrictions are lifted, I plan to host a gala concert to celebrate our shared achievement, at which time my favorite local band, Mr. Know it All (featuring American Idol contestant Hannah Jane Campos) will perform. Details to follow.

https://www.vanessagranttrust.org/