The annual fundraiser for Father Kombo Peshu’s Mughamba Scholarship Foundation is scheduled for this Friday, Oct. 22, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Molly Malone’s in Forest Park, and we are anticipating a successful evening!
Just to give you a little background, having been granted a scholarship in 1998, Father Kombo left his village of Mwanda to come to the U.S. to complete his studies. After his ordination, he served as the associate pastor at St. Giles Parish in Oak Park. It was during his first return to his village in 2002 that he saw how families were being destroyed by the HIV virus, and children were unable to resume their basic education. He felt he had to do something for his people, and upon his return to the U.S. began the process of establishing the nonprofit status for the Mughamba Scholarship Foundation.
Through this foundation, he has been able to go form personally supporting seven children to providing further education to more than 80 students in Mwanda, as well as Tanzania. He knew that education would give them the hope for a better future. In 2007, Father Kombo was appointed the pastor of St. Simeon’s Church in Bellwood, and despite the added responsibilities for his church and parishioners, he continues to work for his people in Kenya.
Sadly, major funding through world-wide, recognized organizations never reaches the small, outlying villages, but through your generosity these students have been table to complete their high school and even college or university education. They are so thankful for this opportunity, and proud of their accomplishments.
If this is our initial request to you, or if you made a donation for the silent auction last year, please consider supporting the silent auction this year as well. Monetary donations are most certainly appreciated to make this event a success. It’s the support of people like you that keeps the foundation prospering.
Again, on behalf of Father Kombo, thank you for opening your hearts to the children of Mwanda.
Barbara Moch
Oak Park
Fundraiser coordinator
