By Merritt Frey, Executive Director

We want to send out a huge thank you to everyone who made a donation in honor of Alou Doumbia, our staff person who passed away last month. Thanks to you, we exceeded our goal and raised nearly $4,400 for Alou’s wife and children.

The staff, board, and volunteers of Mali Rising were all so sad to say goodbye to Alou, who was a key part of our success over the last eight years. Alou’s importance and connection to our community was underscored not only by your generous donations, but also by the thoughtful notes you all left for his family. We will deliver those notes and the gifts to his family later this month, and I am sure your support will be truly meaningful to the family.

Thank you again to everyone who donated and shared your thoughts — you are a deeply kind community of people.