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Congratulations to the 5 Winners
The Beginning.
In 2006, Keep a Child Alive (KCA) Co-Founder Alicia Keys journeyed to South Africa to visit children and patients at the orphan care centers and clinics KCA had begun to fund. This journey changed her life forever and now, in 2010, she is going back to see the transformations over the past 4 years and meet more children and families. Our 5 lucky Americans who won our 'Text ALIVE for 5' contest out of 24,000 people by texting ALIVE to 90999 will witness the reality for orphaned children, our patients and will experience Africa for the first time with Alicia and KCA. South Africa will be transformed and at the forefront of the media this June as they play host to the 2010 World Cup, but it is also the country with the highest HIV/AIDS statistics in the world. After apartheid, now there is AIDS.
In 2006, Keep a Child Alive (KCA) Co-Founder Alicia Keys journeyed to South Africa to visit children and patients at the orphan care centers and clinics KCA had begun to fund. This journey changed her life forever and now, in 2010, she is going back to see the transformations over the past 4 years and meet more children and families. Our 5 lucky Americans who won our 'Text ALIVE for 5' contest out of 24,000 people by texting ALIVE to 90999 will witness the reality for orphaned children, our patients and will experience Africa for the first time with Alicia and KCA. South Africa will be transformed and at the forefront of the media this June as they play host to the 2010 World Cup, but it is also the country with the highest HIV/AIDS statistics in the world. After apartheid, now there is AIDS.
This journey back to Africa following Alicia Keys and the 5 winners to meet the children and families at KCA projects is sponsored by Procter & Gamble (P&G) and will be filmed, with plans of a documentary to air in the Fall. Thank you P&G!
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Getting Rich in South Africa…..from Talaina
June 30th 2010
WEALTH…
When I entered this contest, I knew the odds against my winning were tremendous. (Who actually WINS these things?!) However, given the cause, the $5 texting donation was easy. Now, as I reflect, it was the BEST investment I could have ever made because it was the seed money to fund the riches I acquired in South Africa…
From the village in Soweto, I gained the strength of endurance from people who make so much of their lives with so little resources; from Mum Carol and Ikageng, I received the fortune of wisdom from children who shoulder burdens too heavy for their years, but who do it with such a determined faith; from Rhona and the Blue Roof wellness center, I collected a new appreciation for a healthy life as I watched the tenderness with which they worked to treat and heal the “wholes” of their patients; from the incredible souls of Operation Bobbi Bear, where my heart profited from the strength and selflessness of Jackie and the rest of the warriors who are committed to fighting for the innocent…I truly experienced wealth beyond all imaginable measures, and I intend to multiply my newfound wealth by sharing it with everyone I meet
STARS…
Though winning this contest was a long shot, an even greater improbability was that I would find myself thoroughly surrounded with such beautiful people. From the other contestants to the staff, the native South Africans (my other new family), the film crew, and so on, EVERY SINGLE PERSON involved in this endeavor acknowledged the beauty of this experience and radiated positivity throughout our circle.
The other four of “the 5 contestants” (*inside joke*) shared so much! Rachel’s emotion, Aaron’s humor, Sonya’s passionate altruism, and my K-D’s free spirit…we truly complement each other and are family for life!
Louise and Noelle are extraordinary beings; Earle is a genius; Leigh is an explosive force for mankind. I wish I could name everyone, but KCA has the amazing problem of being overrun with talented, caring, phenomenal people! Let’s just say this: every person involved with KCA has become my hero.
Okay, I can’t pretend that there isn’t the “superstar” factor in this experience; EVERYONE I know has genuinely inquired about my experiences in South Africa, asking all types of polite versions of “How was it?” But the burning question that seems to loom is: “WHAT WAS ALICIA KEYS REEEEAAAALLLLY LIKE?” I can’t blame anyone, because I would ask the same thing!:) Here goes:
-YES, Alicia actually spent time with us.
-YES, I actually had REAL conversations with her.
-YES, she’s THAT beautiful in person.
This woman is a walking ray of light. She lives, breathes, and emanates love. I honestly never felt like a stranger to her during a single moment of our time. She surrounds herself with a loving family and staff (THAT doesn’t happen by accident;)). Above anything: she’s real; she lends her hands, heart, and time into Keep a Child Alive and one forgets, momentarily, that she’s an international superstar. She asks a question and then listens to your answer, takes a few moments to think about what you said, then looks you dead in the eye as she thoughtfully responds. You don’t remember that she’s a celebrity because she makes you feel like a “V.I.P.” Alicia Keys is a beautiful human…my new friend;).
With this trip to South Africa, I inherited an immense wealth of spirit and basked in the company of the stars of humanity. When people ask, “How was Africa?” I simply reply: “I GOT RICH and hung out with STARS”
Love,Talaina
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