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This article appeared in the June 28 issue.

Strings of beads connect cultures
Proceeds from jewelry parties support poor women in Uganda.

Author: Nicole Lee, nlee@news-sentinel.com

Edition: FINAL
Section: NEIGHBORS
Page: 4N

A low hum permeated Sheryl Galliher's home as women primped in front of mirrors posted on two tables encircled with jewelry.

The dark magenta, fire red, sunburst yellow and cool turquoise of the necklaces, ankle bracelets and chokers dangled from the women's fingers as they made their selections, sipped lemonade and munched on brownies.

"The beads look so neat," said one woman. "They're so soft," said another.

Unlike other parties where merchandise is sold, the gathering had a significant twist. The beaded jewelry, made of rolled paper strips from discarded magazines, was crafted by women in the eastern African country of Uganda, whose smiling faces were captured on cards placed near the jewelry. Galliher, a member of Pathway Community Church, was hosting a "BeadWear" party to send funds to the Ugandan women and invited several friends to help.

"They're just like us, just over there," said Galliher to attendees. "Sometimes you have to stop and think there's more to life outside of Fort Wayne, Indiana."

The cost of the jewelry, which is distributed by Colorado-based, non-profit BeadforLife, ranges from $5 to $30. Proceeds support several projects in Uganda, including community programming and education. For example, when a $10 necklace is purchased, $1.50 is given to the beader, $1.10 supports BeadforLife's Ugandan operations, $2.60 supports its U.S. operations and $4.80 is reinvested into community development projects in Uganda.

Many of the beaders have endured civil war in Uganda for 19 years, and are widows caring for children with AIDS, according to BeadforLife. Some live in one-room huts with no electricity or running water. Prior to becoming beaders, their jobs consisted of pounding rock in a quarry, earning about $1 a day.

In 2005, BeadforLife proceeds enabled its 150 beaders to earn enough money to lift them above the poverty line. The organization spends about $15,000 monthly to purchase merchandise from the beaders. BeadforLife also swaps its products for health items, such as insecticide-treated mosquito nets used to decrease the incidence of malaria.

Bead parties in North America can raise between $500 and $1,000 depending on the number of attendees, said BeadforLife co-founder Torkin Wakefield. "It's a way of connecting beyond the checkbook," she said. "It's women helping women."

Galliher read about BeadforLife in Family Circle magazine, and the story resonated with her. She had recently shared a story with her women's Bible study group about Ugandan children being kidnapped and used as soldiers by rebel armies. She and her study group prayed for the children.

Later, more information on the civil unrest landed in her lap, and Galliher now knew how she could make a difference.

"I couldn't get it out of my mind," she said, and then decided, "I'm doing this. I can help." A total of $1,300 was raised during Galliher's bead party. "It was a huge success," she said.

One of her friends, Jackie Smith, ordered loose beads from BeadforLife to make jewelry to sell. All proceeds will go to the organization, said Smith, who believes her skill was God-given to share with others. Last year, she sold jewelry to support the Allen County Cancer Society. She also teaches classes to her fellow members at Huntertown United Methodist Church.

"When you do something and it's purposeful, it's more rewarding," said Smith.

After reading about the turmoil in Darfur and other parts of Africa, BeadWear party attendee Teresa Johnson hopes to one day visit the continent.

"There are so many areas in Africa that need attention," she said. "My heart is really calling me to go there."

Learn more
* BeadforLife was created Sept. 4, 2004, by Ginny Jordan, Devin Hibbard and Torkin Wakefield. Last year, proceeds from the organization brought the 150 beaders it supports above the poverty line.

* Learn more about BeadforLife, buy merchandise or learn how to host your own bead party at www.beadforlife.com.

Caption:
Nikki Miller, left, tries on a necklace, while Wendy Metzger looks over the price list during a BeadforLife party held at Sheryl Galliher's home. The beads are handmade by women in Uganda, and the party raised money for them to support their families. Metzger and Galliher are members of Pathway Community Church. Photos By Ellie Bogue of The News-Sentinel
Teresa Johnson holds her bead selections during a BeadforLife party. The beads are made of rolled paper strips from discarded magazines, then painted different vibrant colors and coated with lacquer.
Galliher, left, thanks Cindy Thompson for her bead purchase at a recent BeadforLife party at Galliher's home. The party raised about $1,300 money for Ugandan women.PHOTO (3)