Giving: Mothers offer help one child at a time

Noting how horrible conditions are for so many children and how fortunate they all were, a group of local mothers decided to combat those conditions. Burlingame-based Moms Against Poverty has a simple mission: To help children. Started by a group of mothers who felt blessed, the young nonprofit is gearing up for its second annual dinner dance and auction. Ninety percent of the proceeds go to children’s charities in Cambodia, Afghanistan and locally.

It started innocently. Friends were sitting around a table talking. Three of the women had adopted children from orphanages in Iran and knew first-hand the insufficiencies of the facilities. By the end of the conversation, despite a number of different thoughts and passion, one idea was shared by all — every child deserves care and support.

"We just needed to do more,” said Executive Director Delfarib Fanaie.

The operation began in June 2008 and is still volunteer-based. Since it started, the group already began partnering with other organizations using proceeds from its first dinner dance and auction.

Mothers Against Poverty decided to support a school in Kabul giving 30 girls a chance at an education. Last year’s donation went toward teacher training and peace and literacy classes.

Children in Cambodia benefited from a donation to a safe house called Aziza’s Place, home to 22 children who were otherwise living by means of what could be found in the trash. Donations by the local group allowed for a number of education and health programs for the children.

Locally, Mothers Against Poverty supported CASA, or Court Appointed Special Advocate, by donating funds to train volunteers. In the program, volunteers are matched with foster children to ensure their needs are being met.

The grassroots organization hopes to grow. And although its name pays tribute to matriarchs, Fanaie was hopeful anyone wanting to volunteer to help would do so, regardless of gender.

Patricia Love, a mother from San Carlos who works for Burlingame as the economic development director, met Fanaie through a work function. As the two women got to know each other more, Love was introduced to Fanaie’s passion.

"It was fascinating; passion put into action,” Love said.

The women all have other jobs and dedicate time raising money to support efforts that help children.

"There’s no staff and no empire building. It’s simple,” Love said describing the local effort.

Funny enough, Fanaie also described the group’s effort in the same way.

"Our effort is simple: One child at a time can influence the world,” she said. "Shouldn’t we at least try for our children?”

For more information about Moms Against Poverty visit www.momsagainstpoverty.org. Donations can be made on the group’s Web site. The second annual dinner dance and auction will be held 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 3 at 801 Mahler Ave. Suite G, in Burlingame. Tickets are $80 per person and include authentic Mediterranean food, music, dancing and more. Alcoholic beverages will be available for sale. For more information contact Nooshin at (510) 815-8248 or nooshin@momsagainstpoverty.com.

Heather Murtagh can be reached by e-mail: heather@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 105.