Humanitarian Aid: Jack's Team
Adoptive parent Gus Demeo formed Jack's Team in 2001. "Jack, our adopted son from Moldova, a small country near Romania, is seven now and robust and healthy. I can't say the same for the children and babies left behind," Gus explains. Jack's Team has already raised more than $70,000 to date.
In May 2004, Gus joined senior WHFC staff on a trip to Moldova, which he describes in this way, "We saw things that would make you cry, and we did. We met with government officials to encourage them to make adopting easier. Unfortunately, most of these abandoned children will not be adopted. The needs are great and we have identified several projects that will help the children have a better life...Here's the deal, if you provide the funds, I'll get it done."
Also last year, Gus started a movement at WHFC by establishing the first parent-led fundraising committee for the needs of homeless children in Moldova, called A Better Life. For more information, Gus can be reached at gus.demeo@gmail.com.
Some of the funds raised by Jack's Team were used to renovate this orphanage's kitchen, which was in a state of disrepair.
Now the staff is able to prepare clean, healthy meals for the children who live there.