A school in Haiti may be able to keep its doors open, thanks to a donation from the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Great Bend.
The church’s outreach committee served its annual Monterrey Dinner on Feb. 12, feeding over 300 people. Through ticket sales and donations, church members were able to present Ellinwood resident Barry Borror, president and chief executive officer of Star of Hope, with a check for $2,731.50.
“The church deeply appreciates the people who attended and supported us,” said Marilyn Button from the outreach committee.
For years, Button said, money raised from the dinner went to a medical clinic in Honduras. That ministry is now self-sustaining. “They said they didn’t need our money any more,” she said.
Borror said he was impressed with what church members have accomplished through the annual fundraiser.
“Star of Hope has a school in Marigot, Haiti, that’s in danger of being closed for lack of funding,” he said. The nonprofit organization supports seven schools and three children’s homes in Haiti. The school in Marigot has 335 elementary and preschool students.
It costs $4,500 a month to provide education, books and meals for the children at the school, Borror said. The organization is also seeking sponsors for children.
 For information on sponsorships call 620-564-3355.