It is time again for the annual silent auction and dinner for Youth Enhancement and Training Initiative, Inc. (YETI). YETI is a not-for-profit organization that helps underprivileged children abroad and at home. YETI's main goal at this time is to complete construction of an orphanage in Nepal, and donate 10% - 15% of all funds to underprivileged children in Indiana.
YETI is led by a board of ten Directors: Jeff Papa (President), Ann Thrasher Papa, Steve Wolff, Rupa Chatterji, Allison Buckner, Jim Owen, Zach Stock, Megan Kelly, Tracy Rongers and Sarah Dillinger. Jeff Papa previously taught English in Nepal and has visited the group's orphanage project in that country twice, and Dillinger previously worked in Nepal through the auspices of the IU-I Law School's Human Rights Program.
Construction of the YETI orphanage began in October 2004, and housed its first ten children in February 2005. The orphanage is located near Royal Chitwan National Park, the future site of a Nepalese school, and a world-renowned elephant conservation/breeding facility. When fully constructed, the orphanage will provide housing, food, and supervision to at least 40 orphaned children.
YETI funded Phases I and II of the orphanage construction, will fund the remainder of the construction (which is estimated to be only about $8,000 per year for one more year), and will provide funds to sustain the orphanage thereafter, with estimated operating costs at around $14,000 per year.
Locally, YETI provides 10-15% of all donated funds to underprivileged children in Indiana. To date, YETI has donated money to:
YETI's Third Annual Fundraising silent auction and dinner will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2006, at the National FFA Center located on the northwest side of Indianapolis (6060 FFA Drive, Indianapolis). The event will consist of a reception, silent auction, dinner, and speakers promoting YETI's endeavors.
Tickets for the reception/silent auction (6 p.m.) and dinner (8 p.m.) together are available for $30 per person. YETI has 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, and $17 of your ticket is tax-deductible. Anyone interested in attending the event, or in making a donation without attending the event, should contact YETI by visiting the group's website at www.yetikids.org or by calling (317-769-6102) or emailing.
Seating is limited; please RSVP by February 24, 2006. Checks and RSVPs may be mailed to YETI, 6651 S. 650 E., Zionsville, IN 46077, or by PayPal via YETI's website. Please provide Name(s), Email and U.S. Mail Addresses when RSVP-ing.