Safe haven for women being built on Roatan

On March 7th, 2009, Kids Matter International is hosting a family event at Gumbalimba Park. The fundraiser is to raise money and awareness for a women’s home to be constructed on the island of Roatan. The main event will be a Willie Nelson tribute band, including all the family activities available at Gumbalimba Park such as the canopy zip line, bird park, underwater snuba, hiking, and swimming. Possible special guests at the event will be members of the Dallas Cowboy football team, a professional Indianapolis Formula-1 driver, Honduras´ first lady, and U.S. Ambassador Hugo Llorens, all for a price less than the normal entrance fee for the park while contributing to a worthy cause.

This family event will be preceded by the center’s groundbreaking in Mt. Pleasant on Friday, March 6 at 3 p.m. Present at the groundbreaking will be U.S. and Honduran dignitaries and the Board of Directors for Kids Matter International.

Kids Matter International is a 501 (c)3 nonprofit organization that supports children and women around the world. They have undertaken the creation of a home in Roatan which will provide young women who are in abusive situations with a safe and nurturing environment. In addition, Kids Matter International presently provides the entire financial support for an orphanage in India. To date, the Roatan project has received a donation of two acres of land for the shelter, building materials, architectural renderings, and paved road access.

The CEO of Kids Matter International is Joe King. He has led a distinguished career in nonprofit management, marketing, government affairs, and fund development. He has also been recognized as a national leader in the areas of volunteer management, sports marketing, corporate fundraising, cause-related marketing, government and public relations. In addition, Joe has served as Director of Marketing and Development for MADD, as well as the National Director of Fundraising for the United States Olympic Committee.

The director of the Roatan project is Colin Fullilove. He has been a pioneer in missions around the world over the last 20 years. He is in charge of operations and fundraising on the island.

For further information on Kids Matter International please visit the website at www.kidsmatterinternational.org or come by the office in Alba Plaza, Sandy Bay.