One Week Later and We’re Still Glowing: Evening of Hope Cultural Fundraiser Recap
Published: December 12, 2025 | By Dr. Adama Kalokoh, CEO Impact Sierra Leone
Oh wow, friends.
We know you should have received this message immediately after our Evening of Hope Cultural Fundraiser wrapped up last Friday, December 5th. But honestly? We've been basking in the goodness, the love, and the overwhelming support from every single one of you.
Thank you from the depths of our hearts.
It's been one week since that magical evening—one week since over 500 people came together to the beauty of Sierra Leonean culture we brought right into their homes.—and we’re still feeling the warmth and still smiling at the memories. Still amazed by what we all created together.
What a Night It Was: Evening of Hope by the Numbers
The Evening of Hope Cultural Fundraiser wasn’t just an event. You became part of the ISL United We Rise, Together We Stand movement.. Here's what we accomplished together:
$1,455 raised in one night through ticket sales, live donations, and broadcast support
500+ viewers on Facebook Live with WBGR Network (and still counting!)
Countless shares, likes, and reposts amplifying our mission across the globe
One community brought closer to transforming futures through vocational training
Every single dollar, every like, every share, every view—it all matters. It all plants seeds of opportunity. It all brings us closer to transforming lives in Foindu Village, Sierra Leone.
Here's What We're Building Together: Foindu Village, Northern Sierra Leone's Impact Vocational Skills Training Center
The women farmers and families of Foindu Village are grateful beyond words. Because of your generosity at the Evening of Hope, we're one giant step closer to completing the Impact Vocational Skills Training Center, launching in Spring 2026.
What This Means for Sierra Leone
Imagine this: Women in Foindu Village pursuing their dreams of becoming:
Fashion designers
Professional chefs
Licensed hairdressers
Skilled entrepreneurs
Community leaders
It’s not only job training—but also about workforce development that creates legacies. It's about futures transformed, families uplifted, and a community thriving.
That's what you helped build last Friday night.
A Cultural Celebration That Transcended Borders
What touched us most about the Evening of Hope? Seeing how deeply involved everyone felt. We weren't just hosting a fundraiser—we were bringing Sierra Leonean culture right into homes across America and beyond.
Through music, stories, and authentic cultural expression, we created a bridge between the diaspora and the homeland. Over 500 people experienced the beauty, resilience, and hope of Sierra Leone—and they're still watching, still sharing, still being inspired.
Our Hearts Are Full: Thank You to Our Evening of Hope Community
We want to say a special thank you to everyone who made the Evening of Hope possible:
To Our Talented Performers & Guest Speakers
Your gifts brought Sierra Leonean culture to life and inspired everyone watching.
To Every Attendee
You showed up and showed out. Your presence made the evening magical.
To Our Generous Donors & Sponsors
You believed in this mission and invested in Sierra Leone's future.
To Our Tireless Volunteers
You worked behind the scenes to make everything run smoothly.
To Everyone Who Engaged Online
Every like, share, view, and repost helped us reach more people and amplify our impact.
You didn't just attend an event. You became part of a movement. You joined hands with us across oceans and borders to say: Hope is alive. Hope is growing. Hope is unstoppable.
This Is Just the Beginning: Join the ISL Movement
The Evening of Hope Cultural Fundraiser may be over, but the impact is just beginning. Spring 2026 isn't far away, and we have so much work to do to complete the Impact Vocational Skills Training Center. We need you with us every step of the way.
How You Can Stay Involved
1. Learn More About Our Mission
Visit impactsierraleone.org to discover how the Vocational Skills Training Center will transform lives in Foindu Village.
2. Become a Monthly Supporter
Consistent support helps us plan long-term programs and sustainable development initiatives.
3. Share Our Story
Help us reach more people who care about women's empowerment and community development in Sierra Leone.
4. Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Get exclusive updates, impact stories, and opportunities to make a difference. Subscribe here.
5. Watch the Replay
Missed the Evening of Hope? Experience the magic of our cultural celebration. [Watch now]
Hope Is Alive and Growing in Sierra Leone
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for believing in Sierra Leone. Thank you for believing in the women of Foindu Village. Thank you for believing that together, we can change the world—one seed, one skill, one life at a time.
The Evening of Hope showed us something powerful: When we come together with purpose, when we celebrate culture while creating change, when we invest in women's empowerment and vocational training—miracles happen.
And this is just the beginning.
Hope is alive. And it's growing.
Impact Sierra Leone is a Maryland-based nonprofit dedicated to reducing poverty in Sierra Leone through education, agriculture, empowerment, and waste management programs. Learn more at impactsierraleone.org.