Grapes for Humanity Raises $100,000 for Coffeelands Trust

On October 24, 2007 Grapes for Humanity U.S. hosted a dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel in New York to benefit the Coffeelands Landmine Victims’ Trust.

The dinner raised $50,000 which was matched by the U.S. Department of State Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement. The elegant and informative event featured wine from the famed Chateau Margaux, and speakers such as Chateau Margaux owner Corinne Mentzelopoulos, Grapes for Humanity U.S. CEO Arlene Willis, and Dean’s Beans Fair Trade Coffee CEO, Dean Cycon, among others. The atmosphere was festive with moments of reflection as Grapes for Humanity showed a documentary about the Coffeelands Trust and landmine victims in Central America.

All of us who are part of the Coffeelands Landmine Victims’ Trust extend our heartfelt thanks to Arlene Willis and her wonderful team at Grapes for Humanity U.S.

Grapes for Humanity has contributed more than $280,000 to the Polus Center to help people with disabilities to help themselves. With this financial support, resources to assist people with disabilities are now established in areas where few if any supports were available.

Since 1999, Grapes for Humanity has supported Walking Unidos in Leon, Nicaragua. Walking Unidos is a prosthetic clinic providing prosthetic devices for landmine victims, including women and children.

• Since opening in 1999, Walking Unidos has produced over 600 prosthetic limbs, repaired over 700 prosthetic devices, and has fitted over 2,700 orthopedic mobility aids.
• In 2005 Grapes for Humanity purchased a much-needed vehicle for Walking Unidos
• In 2002 Grapes for Humanity built and equipped Vida Nueva, a new prosthetic clinic in Choluteca, Honduras. Vida Nueva has produced over 180 prosthetic limbs, and over 1,150 orthoses.
• Grapes for Humanity supports a micro-credit & small business development program for women with disabilities affected by leprosy in Ethiopia
• Grapes for Humanity supports a village banking program and has provided over 27 mobility aids for people with disabilities in the community of Lusaka, Zambia

To learn more about Grapes for Humanity please visit grapesforhumanity.com

To learn more about the State Department matching grant, visit www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2007/dec/97934.htm