2017 Books For Africa Kilimanjaro Society Reception and Poolside Reggae Concert

The annual reception honoring Books For Africa’s Kilimanjaro Society donors (who donate $1,000 or more per year) was held July 27 at the University Club of St. Paul. It was also attended by 25 young African leaders in residency at the Humphrey Institute of the University of Minnesota. We are excited and honored to have hosted a contingent from the State Department's Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) for the third consecutive year, and are pleased that these relationships have led to more books being put in the hands of African students.  Our thanks to the YALIs, who also observed Mandela Day International on July 18th by volunteering at our Saint Paul Warehouse!

Vince Barton was presented a plaque in memory of his wife, Susan Barton, a Books For Africa Ambassador and Kilimanjaro Society member. Libraries will be established in her memory in African schools, sponsored by Vince Barton, Phyllis Sharp, and friends.

After a dinner reception, local reggae band Ipso Facto entertained guests poolside with two hours of lively music.  Ipso Facto, the "most popular reggae band to ever emerge from the Minnesota tundra," returned for a second consecutive year at this great event, and had the crowd rocking, all for a great cause!

Check out more photos from this great event!