Benefit raises awareness for Syrian school project

Food, fellowship and entertainment came together July 27 at Bernice Garden in Little Rock in an event designed to raise money and awareness for a sobering cause.

Hope for the Wisdom House, the annual awareness summer fundraiser for the Wisdom House Project, is an Arkansas-born initiative that since 2016 has supported a school for orphans, and a women’s center, in war-torn Idlib Province, Syria.

Guests made donations; perused items for sale, such as T-shirts, special bracelets and a cookbook; and enjoyed libations as well as buffet dishes from La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant. The group also shared its meal with members of the homeless population that frequents the garden.

Ganelle Holman was mistress of ceremonies for the short evening program, which included remarks by Natalie Larrison, Syrian Emergency Task Force outreach director and a founding member of the project. The main speaker was Mouaz Moustafa, executive director of the Syrian Emergency Task Force — parent organization for the Wisdom House. Moustafa spoke about the grave conditions and slaughter of innocent civilians in Syria, and the work of the organization, taking a number of questions afterward.

Rounding out the agenda was the heartwarming, childrich video that demonstrated the work of the project; and a performance by The Colliers, a three-piece band from Branson.

The Conway-based Wisdom House Project has celebrated three classes of kindergarten graduates and provided women with vocational training. The organization’s local grass-roots team, supporters and volunteers have been mobilizing local schools, universities, faith groups, businesses and other entities that have connected personally with the Wisdom House through its Letters of Hope for Syria campaign and the Wisdom House Project; they also raise awareness to the ongoing atrocities in Syria. (Attacks on the Idlib province, near the school, have begun.)

Hope for the Wisdom House was the first of two of the organization’s events that weekend. On July 28, a vigil for Idlib was held at the state Capitol.

Cheryl Howe, Chuck Larrison and Joe Howe, all of Hot Springs; Patty Howe Criner; Laura Larrison, also of Hot Springs; and Natalie Larrison

Humam Shahare; Mouaz Moustafa of Washington, Syrian Emergency Task Force executive director; Wiam Martin of Hot Springs; and Aziza Al-Sakkaf

Darlynton Adegor, Anushree Jumde of Conway; Salina Adolph; Ganelle Holman and Crystal C. Mercer

Kelley and Frank Udouj

Dr. Abdel-Rahman and Yamam Saleh with their children, Reema, Judi and Seema

Art Norris, Mike and Kelley King, and Jerry Adams, all of Conway

Photos help share the work of the Wisdom House Project.

Bracelets and cookbooks are additional moneymakers.

The Colliers, a three-piece band from Branson, performs.

Keeley Ausburn and Rachel Frank, both Maumelle High School East students and volunteers