Footsteps | Page 14

HER: Hope. Educate. Rise. is an exciting new movement to fund girls’ education. HER supporters are harnessing their creativity and talents to find unique ways to fundraise for HER. All funds (100%) raised go directly to supporting CAI programs. Create for HER is one of the many ways to support CAI: SHARING THE GOOD LIFE PEACEFUL PAINTINGS After working in the corporate world for years, Kathy Gundesen decided to make a change last year. She started Cape Haven Designs, which sells handmade bags and other products inspired by the outdoor and beach life of the San Juan Islands. The company’s tagline is “Sharing the good life…bags that help educate girls worldwide,” and 10 percent of all bag sales are donated to HER. This past December, Anya McManis, a long-time supporter of HER: Hope. Educate. Rise. and Central Asia Institute held an art show in her home town of Denver, Colorado. She and her husband Joe sold original paintings. Some of Anya’s subjects were women and girls who have benefited from CAI programs. The art show had a successful turnout, and Anya donated a generous portion of the show’s profit to HER. Do you have an art or craft that you can use to support HER? Join HER and paint, sew, knit, and create your way to promoting peace through education. If handicrafts aren’t in your wheelhouse, there are plenty of other options to get involved with HER. Go to forHER.org to learn more. 14 | CENTRAL ASIA INSTITUTE