AAUW Livonia Awards “Salute to Women 2012″ to Rachel O’NeillRachel O’Neill, of Little Dresses for Africa, gratefully accepted the “Salute to Women 2012″award presented by the Livonia Chapter of the AAUW at a Salute to Women Luncheon in Livonia, Michigan. This award was presented for her role in the enhancement of the lives of children and the encouragement of community involvement. The American Association of University Women (AAUW) empowers women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. Their nonpartisan, nonprofit organization has more than 150,000 members and supporters across the United States, as well as 1,000 local branches and 700 college and university partners. Since AAUW’s founding in 1881, their members have examined and taken positions on the fundamental issues of the day — educational, social, economic, and political. Little Dresses for Africa is honored to accept this award on behalf of all of the women who join together to help the children of the world.
Classy Awards in San Diego, CA
I find myself on a plane, having been flown to San Diego for the Classy Awards this weekend. First of all, grateful for the free ticket, (thanks, Southwest!) secondly, amazed that I can be on line and answering email from my coveted “middle” seat (I forgot to sign in yesterday due to the excitement!) The Classy Awards did not result in the prize money for which we hoped and worked. I have to admit to being disappointed, but in all fairness, there was some incredible competition at the awards. My husband and I were treated well, and had the bonus of being with my best friend and her husband. I’ll take a moment to thank Donna and Joe for coming, as well as Donna being my right hand in data entry. So many things contribute to the success of Little Dresses for Africa and Donna is a good example of the importance of behind the scenes support. When your packages are received, the return addresses or SASE are scanned and sent to Donna who enters them, without complaint, week after week. So many tasks like this go on behind the scenes, and once again I pause to thank all of you for your support! What I found overwhelmingly at the Awards weekend, is that there are a ton of really good people doing really good things. There are a lot of people, both young and old, who are giving their all to make a difference world wide. Although, the prize money would have been a much needed bonus, we are reminded that this is not our ministry. This has always and continues to belong to God and he has grown it to connect thousands of churches, communities, schools and individuals, to hundreds o thousand of children and their care takers all across the world. I believe that he will continue to provide for our needs. I believe that we still have a lot to do to honor Him and I believe you are all amazing. Once again, I thank you for your continued support. Love and thanks, Rachel
O’Neill Receives DKG AwardRachel O’Neill, Founder and Director of Little Dresses for Africa, was the honored recipient of The Distinquished Woman Award 2011, at the The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International Regional Conference, in Romulus, Michigan, on Saturday, April 16, 2011. The nomination was submitted by LDFA Supporters Phyllis Swonk and Suette King and voted and approved by the Executive Board of DKG. This award honors the woman who has made a difference in education, but is not a teacher. Mrs. O’Neill received this award for her work in beginning the Nan Ray School of Learning, in Malawi, East Africa,a primary school named in honor of her mother, a lifelong educator. The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International promotes professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education.
Community Award to you all from the DARI accepted a Community Award on behalf of all of you from the Daughters of the American Revolution, on Saturday, March 13, 2010. The room was buzzing with interest as I shared what you all have done. We also received 45 gorgeous new pillowcases which I know some of you will want to turn into beautiful dresses. The organization puts a great emphasis on patriotism and community involvement and it was a great reminder to me how blessed we are as a country and why these dresses mean so much to the children coming from all of you around the USA. Thank you, again for all you do and thank you to those of you who send in these thoughtful nominations to help spread the word about Little Dresses for Africa !
Awards and RecognitionsRachel O’Neill, Founder and Director of Little Dresses for Africa has been honored to receive awards on behalf of all of you who have helped this mission grow. The honor goes to all of YOU who contribute in so many ways. As we make an impact in the community we bring awareness to the children and we shorten the distance between our world and theirs. When we help others, we help ourselves. Mulungu. God Bless.
 Rachel with Thelma at the Soroptomist Regional Awards Banquet, Columbus, Ohio
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