A Tribute to Denny(SIMBA) and Jeanne Grindall

Denny and Jeanne Grindall introduced people in Seattle and Kitsap County to the Maasai people in the Greater Oloshoibor area, Kenya. They spent 14 years of their lives living with the Maasai for about 6 months a year. They brought these people education, water and the word of God.

If it were not for Denny and Jenne, MWEEP would not exist. Due to the love shared between the Grindalls and the Maasai, we were able to visit and begin our own relationship which became Maasai Women's Education and Empowerment Program (MWEEP), both in Kenya and the USA.

We feel privieged to continue the education work, especially for the girls and woman, that Denny and Jeanne began.

Jeanne passed away August 19, 2008 Denny passed away August 6. 2009

Enjoying a Sunset over Hood Canal, eating Oyster and Hearing About the Need for Education for Maasai Girls and Women

Cindy Dodge with her husband Mike opened their home to an event that included an amazing view of Hood Canal. Cindy had two friends join her in hosting the event: Carole Osterhaus and Sharon Heim.

They gave MWEEP an opportunity to come and share the stories of the Maasai girls and women in Kenya and highlight the need for their education.

Jon Day brought oysters off the beach for a BBQ treat. After a good deal of conversation and yummy food, a presentation, and wonderful desserts, women were touched to share their resources to make a difference for a girl or woman in Maasailand.

Another "friend" of MWEEP, Sallie Snyder, we in attendance to help in the kitchen. She had things running smoothly. We appreciate each person who contributes to the success of an event.

A Peony Farm Benefit Event

Ann Mossman, with her husband Jim, opened her Boone Brier Peony Farm for a benefit event that touched all our senses. We had wonderful food, beautiful peonies and iris' to view.

Those who attended were touched by the educational needs for the Maasai girls and women.

It was a very successful event.

We are so grateful to our event hosts. They are making a difference for women in Kenya.

If you are interested in talking about hosting an event, please email mweepboard@maasaiwomen.com. We would love to discuss this with you.

MWEEP Participation at Kitsap Arts and Crafts Festival

Due to a fantastic suggestion by Maria Mackovjak at Old Town Custom Framing and Gallery in Old Town Silverdale, WA, the MWEEP board voted to have a booth at the Kitsap Arts and Craft Festival in Kingston, WA on July 24th, 25th and 26th. She supported our decision with the payment for our booth. The Festival was including non-profits. http://www.oldtowncustomframing.com/

The event itself was a great deal of work; however, it was very successful. In the three days, we spoke with 250 - 300 people. They did have a chance to make a donation to MWEEP or to choose Maasai beadswork for a donation.

Liz D. one of our board members made beautiful cards with photos of MWEEP women from Kenya and some of the girls who receive help with school fees.

Sheila T., 3rd grade teacher at Pearson

Elementary in the N. Kitsap School District, taught her students about Africa, an African artisit Tessa Edwards and about making charitable contributions. Her class created art work in the style of Tess Edwards, making them into cards and selling them to parents and friends and donating the funds to MWEEP. Seven parents gave permission for the artwork to be made into more cards. For a donation, people could acquire the cards. They were a BIG hit.