Help send my niece, Charisma Edwards, to Quito and the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador! Mom, TC, is a hard-working single mom of two teenage girls, with Charisma being the oldest. We know these opportunities can shape and mold our youngsters into well-rounded adults who are able to positively contribute to society. Charisma is a sophomore at Loy Norrix High School and an employee at the YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo, where she provides excellent child care to our staff and members.

Charisma has been playing the violin since 4th grade and continually practices to hone her musical skills. She also loves all kinds of art and has had her artwork featured at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. Charisma's Spanish teacher sees the growth and potential in her Spanish-speaking skills so much so that she was invited to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel to Ecuador. Upon completion of this trip, and along with completing the post-curriculum, Charisma can earn credits toward her high school graduation.

I could go on and on about what a wonderful young lady Charisma is, but I won't create reader burnout and I'll get to the gist of my ask. On behalf of her mom and Charisma, I'm asking for your support and assistance in sending her abroad for her first international experience. When TC shared the news with me, I said, "She's going! We're going to do what we can to get this young lady on that plane next June!"

We are raising funds for the cost of the travel program ($5,000.00) and a round-trip airplane ticket ($1,500-3,000 - most recent prices to fly out of DTW in '26). Thank you in advance for your assistance. Every dollar, no matter how big or small, helps and is greatly appreciated!