Here's to the Ladies of Bali Who Care

(6/24/2006)

One of the highlights of the local community calendar in Bali each year, the Bali International Women's Association (BIWA) Annual June Fair was held at the Discovery Plaza Shopping Mall on Sunday, June 11, 2006.

In all, some 200 booths, including 30 booths donated by BIWA to local charities, presented information and merchandise to more than 3,700 visitors who attended the day-long event.

Local handicraft makers, leading Bali shops and merchandisers, and tempting local food specialties were among just some of the items available for purchase at the Fair with proceeds for stall rentals and drawings going to support local community projects.

A total of Rp. 45,203,700 (approximately US$4,800) was raised at the BIWA event with funds earmarked to support the following projects:

• Children's & Education Programs: Nutrition, and Scholarships for underprivileged children

• Women's Programs:: Domestic Violence Prevention, Training & Skill Building

• Health Programs: Pap Smear Pre-treatment and Mobile Dental Clinic

• HIV/AIDS and Drug Education Programs

• Environmental Programs

• Yogya Relief Programs

In announcing the total funds raised by this year's event, Mayke Boestami, BIWA President acknowledged the many members of the local community who supported the Fair saying, "on behalf of the Board and all of the members of BIWA, we would like to thank everyone for generously supporting BIWA in a fight against poverty and ignorance."