Global Colors began a collaboration with Development in Gardening (DIG) in the summer of 2006, and we have been working to raise money and awareness for their efforts ever since. In addition, the founder of DIG, Steve Bolinger, accompanied GC to Mozambique to aid us with our CAA Volunteer Vacation - as we both benefit by combinining our expertise.

The gardens create over 500 lbs. of vegetables per month, with the outpatients being able to sell the excess to help with their transportation costs to and from the clinic.

They have introduced new gardening techniques along with new vegetables such as kale and collard greens - to replace the more traditional (although with much lower nutrition value) cucumber and eggplant. The garden has been an overwhelming success, both nutritionally and socially, creating a sense of community with a gathering place for those receiving treatment.

Last fall, we proposed DIG to “The Penitent Yanks” - a group competing in the “Plymouth to Dakar Rally” for charity - and they raised thousands of dollars for DIG through their efforts, primarily through a fundraiser at Former Senator Tom Daschle's home.

Also, after our collaboration on previous projects, we were asked by the White House about groups in Africa we thought Mrs. Bush may be interested in. We immediately proposed DIG, and were working on getting her there for nearly a year.

June of 2007 she arrived...

Barton was placed among the Senegalese dignitaries to greet her to Africa and the site, while Steve gave her and Jenna a tour of the garden as they picked vegetables to help prepare lunch for the patients. She also met privately with some of the women affected with HIV, handed out over 2,000 malaria nets with USAID, and spoke of the importance of nutrition for HIV patients, as well as eradicating malaria.

It was a wonderful event that was covered by Suzanne Malveaux at CNN, and will change the course of the attitude of the Senegalese towards those who are HIV positive.

We are incredibly grateful for everyone’s support on this, and you really have helped us change this part of the world.

CLICK HERE FOR THE CNN ARTICLE...
Mrs. Bush’s staff has been very supportive of Global Colors and our work, and their kindness has been humbling. It is truly strange experience to see a black motorcade pull up to see you in Africa, with The First Lady of the U.S. and First Lady of Senegal step out, watch the ambassador arrive, and see a years worth of work come to fruition. It was an amazing day.

 

We owe a debt of thanks to Derek Booth in the Secret Service, Mrs. Bush’s staff - Cherie Harder and Anita McBride, and her former press secretary, Susan Whitson. Susan has continued to be a champion for GC, and we are incredibly grateful for her support.

Other events Global Colors has been part of with Mrs. Bush include: