Rise Up Malawi raises funds at The Ridge
Rise Up Malawi held its first golf tournament at The Ridge. Co-founder of RUM, Megan Mathis, is wearing a traditional Malawian skirt called a “chitenje” and is pleased that almost $40,000 was raised for the capital development campaign.
On August 22, Rise Up Malawi (RUM) held its first golf tournament to raise funds for the nonprofit’s goal: to build living quarters for guests in the African country of Malawi. Held at The Ridge at Castle Pines golf course, there were 22 sponsors, 88 golfers and almost $40,000 was raised.
“We were fundraising to support a capital development campaign for a guest-house build next to our rural community center in Malwai,” said Megan Mathis, the co-founder of RUM.
She added, “The guest house will be an economic investment into our community to create in-country income, create jobs, and create longer-term impact and sustainability for the community.”
The idea is for visitors, mission groups and the like to come and stay at the guest house, fish on the nearby lake (one of the largest in Africa) and become acquainted with the simple, safe and happy lifestyle in Malawi. Malawi translates to “the warm heart of Africa.”
The groundbreaking for the guest house will be in October. “In Malawi, the rainy season starts in November so our goal is to work with the landscaper and builder to begin landscaping and lay the foundation for the four main structures,” said Mathis. Because the rain is so prolific, the foundation for the buildings will shift, sink and stabilize into the ground before they begin the build in January, she added.
Mathis concluded that she is overwhelmed by the success of the first tournament but said more funds are needed to complete the build campaign. “It was a great day out and the Lord willing, we hope to work with The Ridge again next year and finish funding this project.”
This golf foursome enjoyed a day on the course for a great cause. There were 22 teams of golfers at Rise Up Malawi’s first golfing fundraiser.
Malawi has a population of 19 million and is ranked almost always in the 10 poorest countries in the world by gross domestic product.
To learn more or get involved, visit riseupmalawi.org or contact Megan, megan@riseupmalawi.org.
Article and photo by Hollen Wheeler
