2008 Heartfelt Thanks to All

Dearest Friends,
Heather and I are overwhelmed by all of the good will and energetic support that was received to make the Project Somos Benefit Fiesta a wonderful evening and a success. It was moving to see so many friends and family there and encouraging to see many new shining faces.

My only regret is not having ample time to speak at length to each participant and listen to their insights and hopes around the Children's Village. I look forward to an opportunity in a less structured and busy setting to share some time together. Please feel free to contact us to get together for a coffee and a conversation at any time, it would be our pleasure.

Below is an attempt at a thank you list. Please forgive any ommisions, as it is inevitable that I forgot someone. My apologies in advance. This event was created and orchestrated by many people working as a team, without whom, it would not have happened.

Please take a moment to read all of those who lent their hands and hearts in this effort. It brings life to the proverb:

It takes a village to raise a child and it take a community to build a village.

Greg

MANY THANKS TO EVERYONE THAT SUPPORTED THE BENEFIT FIESTA

Steve Smith & Jenny Calogeros-Smith
for the encouragement, love, support and meals to fuel this event!

Kim Schacte for the award-winning poster
Marnie Wilson, publicist extraordinaire
Fred Lee for talking us up in Vancouver

INCREDIBLE DESSERTS
Gourmet Baker - Pamela Ramsay
Uprising Bread - Don McGinn
Cranberry Creek Baking Company - Joanne
Eva Joung
Chi Cakes – Alan Munro

UNBELIEVEABLE CHOCOLATES
Polka Dot Confections – Kristin Shorey

APPETIZERS
Pan-o-Pan Fine Foods - Marta Pan

TICKET OUTLETS
Ten Thousand Villages
Once Upon a Huckleberry Bush

MUSICAL CONTRIBUTION
Elise Boeur
Frazey Ford
Kiki Connelly

Barbara Chirinos - emcee
Wayne Stewart – auctioneer
Elena Calogeros - heart's offering

Ethical Bean Coffee
for their support and help with the printing

OFFICE SUPPORT
Gin Nielsen
Denis Knox
Kiki Connelly
Kate Lasiuk
Holly Day

EVENT PHOTOGRAPHER
Nigel Boeur

AUCTION DONATIONS
Barb Small
Beats Without Borders
Ben Graham
Brian Fossl
Christina Platt
Delhi to Dublin
Denis Knox
Donna Webb
Elaine Arrowsmith
Ellen Coburn
Elspeth Banerd
Erin Green
Ethical Bean Coffee
Flower Factory
Go-Kart Track
Gwen Davidson
Guy Warrington
Heather Knox
Heather McDermott
Hollie Bear Bartlett
Jenny Calogeros-Smith
Karen Graham
Kathy Day
Kathy Pomeroy
Kelly Townsend
Keri Zingle
Kevin McKeown
Kim Boutilier
Kristin & Rob Shorey
Leonard Schein
Liam Penman
Marion Gilmour
Matthew Campbell
Matthew Kemp
Nigel Boeur
Nils VonHohn & Tarun Nayar
Open Door Yoga
Peter Kaloupis
Peter Lattimer
Portia Belmont
Purple Dragon Academy
Rachel Calogeros-Smith
Rhonda Simmonds
Roberto Gaudet
Rod Smith
Royal City Musical Theatre
Sequoia Group
Simon Cox
Sondra Marshall
Steve Smith
Ten Thousand Villages
Terri Stevenson
Tina Spathis
Vancouver Folk Music Festival

All the Volunteers
who helped setup, gave of their time during the event,
and cleaned up afterwards. Your help was invaluable.

Thanks to all those who attended support Project Somos.

"One Love" by Rod Smith

Many thanks to Rod Smith for creating this incredible piece!

From Rod: I have been a Native Artist for the past 18 years or so. From the cultural group Kwakiutl, Family ties in both Rivers Inlet and Campbell River. I was born and raised in Vancouver and currently reside in Qualicum Beach  BC. Married to my beautiful wife Janice in 2002. Brother to Steve Smith and son to the late Harris Smith, who is still my main influence artistically.  My work is very comtemporary and I prefer to create abstract artwork, using traditional design, but put together in a very non-traditonal way. The piece that I created for the auction is an abstract forum carving that  has been washed with jade coloured paint as its base coat then designed and painted in my abstract style. It is mounted on a piece of alder that has been painted black. I love to work with wood,it is my medium of choice. Lately I have been trying to create non traditional sculpture, but still having the feel of Northwest Coast Native Art.   

Delicious Desserts by Uprising Breads Bakery

Thanks Don McGinn at Uprising Breads Bakery! We're really looking forward to your delicious desserts!

Uprising Breads Bakery sells great tasting, wholegrain and sourdough breads throughout the Vancouver vicinity ... or visit their Bakery Cafe at Venables and Commercial Drive www.uprisingbreads.com

Framed Photo by Nigel Boeur

This stunning photo will be matted and framed and up for bidding in the Live Auction on Wednesday. It is being donated by 16 year old photographer, Nigel Boeur. 

Nigel is also restoring a cruiser bicycle which will be in the Silent Auction.

Thanks for all your support and contributions Nigel!

Creative Memories Bundle

Donated by Elspeth Banerd, check out all the great things in this wonderful bundle:

One 12X15 Album,  
Page Protectors,
Pre-cut paper shapes,
Sticker packs
Photo split adhesives
Decorative-edge scissors
Fine-tip pen
Photo labelling pencil
'Croptalk'- information handouts

1 1/2 hr introductory lesson

Approximate value $115.00

many thanks Elspeth-see you Wednesday! 8 )

Winter Relax Kit

1- vanilla scented tea light
1- 480 ml bag ‘Rest’ bath salts (peppermint, rosemary, lemon, eucalyptus)
1- 56g tin of organic Badger Balm (for hardworking or chapped hands, feet, nose ..etc)
1- bag apple cider mulling spices (1 litre organic apple cider not included)
2- cotton hankies in hankie pack
1- hand-made gift card
 
suggested retail $25

What a great gift idea for this time of the year! Thanks Kathy! Kathy is one of our Board Members.

Gardening Services

Living Canvas is providing sustainable human powered gardening practices, keeping you and your neighborhood at peace naturally. Living Canvas believes in feeding the soil rather than feeding the plants. Every year before new growth erupts from the ground we add soil amender to your flower beds and lawn. This process provides all the nutrition plants require for a healthy growing season. All the organic matter when breaking down continues to nourish as well as retain moisture in the ground.

Enjoy a complimentary 3 hours of our services towards lawn care or garden care, a value of $126.

Many thanks to Roberto Guadet for this great donation!

M Y L I V I N G C A N V A S. C O M

Cookbook-Beyond the Great Wall

Donated by Barb Small, this looks like an amazing cookbook with some delicious recipes.

Cedar Box, Munny & Drum

Check out the Steve Smith Munny! A rare piece indeed! 

This image shows the figure from different angles.

Just Added-a cedar box- another stunning piece by Steve Smith!

Steve Smith-Dla'kwagila

In attendance will be, First Nations’ Artist, Steve Smith-Dla'kwagila. Currently Steve is working on two large commissioned pieces for the new wing of the Vancouver International Airport. We are very fortunate to have him creating something especially for the Project Somos Benefit Fiesta. Being so occupied with the airport project, Steve is unable to create for local galleries these days so this is a rare opportunity to get your hands on his art this year!  Here, Steve is putting the finishing touch on the Project Somos drum! Visit Steve’s website to see some of his past work. Be sure to check out those running shoes!

Steve's Website

Movie Passes to Festival Cinemas

Many thanks to Leonard Schein and Barb Small for their wonderful addition to our treasure chest of auction items – 10 movie passes to any of the Festival Cinemas - The Ridge Theatre; Fifth Avenue Cinemas, or the Park Theatre. We are offering the passes in two separate packages -
a bundle of 4 passes and a bundle of 6 passes. Checkout what is playing - http://www.festivalcinemas.ca/
Good luck and see you there!

2 tickets to A Chorus Line

Thanks to Royal City Musical Theatre for donating a pair of tickets for their 2009 production of A Chorus Line. Check out the review of their last production of West Side Story:
“This amateur effort puts to shame some of the professional shows we've seen of late. Simply put, Royal City artistic director Lloyd Nicholson and his team have nailed the special nature of this classic.” Peter Birnie, Vancouver Sun, April 15, 2008

http://www.royalcitymusicaltheatre.com/index.html

Salmon Dinner for Four!!

Chef Matt Campbell has worked in a variety of well-known kitchens, including Rebar and the Empress Hotel in Victoria, BC. Place the winning bid on this item and Chef Matt will come to your kitchen to cook dinner for you and three friends!

Matt proposes a Wild BC Sockeye Salmon dinner, with a focus on local and seasonal foods whenever possible.
The meal will include an appetizer and wine to begin, a whole salmon fillet with various fresh seasonal side dishes, and dessert to top it all off. (Vegetarian option available)

This is a very special gift to give to your loved ones as the holiday season approaches!

Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy / Massage /Reflexology

Yvonne Brine, RMT, has graciously donated 2 - 90 minute sessions including variety of modalities, depending on what is needed - Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, massage, acupressure and/or reflexology. Young Living essential oils, hot rocks and infrared Biomat may also be included. Wow! This is a fantastic gift for a loved one or for oneself.

Coast Salish Trunk

Check out this amazing Coast Salish Trunk, cerca 1930's! This was donated by a long time family friend of the Knox's-Gwen Davidson and her partner Keith. They own a lovely gallery and gift shop on Pender Island, BC and have generously sent this over to us in support of the Project! Isn't it an amazing piece?! Gwen's Fine Art and Native Collectibles
Many Thanks to Gwen and Keith! We are sorry you will be unable to join us at the event. Please give our love to your Mom and Dad! -Heather

Open Door Yoga Gift Certificates

4 - $50 Gift Certificates have kindly been donated by Open Door Yoga. They are valid at any of the three locations. Check out their website for their locations and different classes they offer.
http://opendooryoga.bc.ca/

Delicious Desserts by Gourmet Baker

Gourmet Baker has graciously agreed to donate some of the much anticipated desserts to our upcoming Benefit Fiesta. Gourmet Baker is a leading manufacturer and marketer of baked and unbaked desserts and breakfast pastries to the in-store bakery and foodservice channels in Canada. Many thanks to them for supporting the work of Project Somos!

Vancouver Folk Music Festival Tickets

The Vancouver Folk Music Festival has generously donated two tickets to the 32nd Annual Festival which will take place July 17, 18 & 19th 2009! If you've never been, this is the year to make it your first. It's an event like no other-seven incredible day time stages and one rockin' evening concert stage. There are musicians from across Canada and all over the World!

Music of the Spheres by Donna Webb

Music of the Spheres

A collograph, one of several kinds of handpulled prints. Using the term "handpulled" to distinguish original prints from commercially printed "prints". In other words, the artist has actually created the piece.  
  

From Donna: I am a visual artist working with paint, handpulled prints, handmade paper and books, nature boxes, and collage.  My work explores my close affinity with the natural environment and my relationships in my own and other cultures.  International travel to learn about other cultures and to see the major art galleries and museums of the world has been a passion of mine.  Also, after retiring from teaching, I attended Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design, graduating with a degree in Visual Arts in 2002.

The images and symbols that I interweave or juxtapose in my pieces, reflect my fascination with the mysteries that I encounter: the dualities which illuminate the paradoxical nature of things.  They reflect the past and present, the mythical and the natural, the profound and the mundane.  The portal, threshold, or entrance -- ubuquitous symbol for transformation, that bridge between inner and outer space -- is apparent in some of my work, reflecting the inevitability of change; the opportunity to confront and/or embrace the possibilities for growth.

In the past, my concern was primarily with representational imagery, but I have moved into abstraction as it seems to reflect more adequately my own deeply personal and emotional responses to my experiences; to evoke the sense of wonder I often feel when I am in nature.  Thus, my work is a synthesis of memory, experiences and insight, and in this way it is evocative rather than descriptive.

Pan-o-Pan Appetizers!

Come enjoy some delectable appetizers donated by Pan-o-Pan Fine Foods on November 19th. Many thanks to Pan-o-Pan for helping make our Benefit Fiesta a success. 

Please remember Pan-o-Pan Fine Foods next time you plan an event. Good people. Good food. Yum.... 

Pan-o-Pan

Steve Smith-Dla'kwagila Vases

Donated by Steve Smith and Peter Lattimer of Lattimer Gallery, these etched glass vases are stunning! "Raven" and "Bear". Valued at $100 each. Starting bids will start at $50.

Silver Bracelet

Donated by Lattimer Gallery

Created by William Cook

"Bear"

Homeopathic Consultation

Homeopathy ~ Healing for Body and Mind
The basic principles of homeopathy date back as far as Hippocrates, and the beginnings of medicine.
Modern homeopathy is a system of medicine, established for about 200 years, which uses natural remedies to stimulate the body’s self-healing powers. It is a holistic medicine which treats the symptoms of the body and mind as a totality. Homeopaths recognise that symptoms of ill-health are expressions of disharmony within the whole person, and that the whole person needs treatment, not just the isolated symptoms of a particular illness.

The Offer:

A two hour initial consultation and two follow-up visits.
The initial consultation is a two hour session and each follow up is an hour. Remedies included. Value is $490 for Adults and $310 for children under 16.


Offered by Kim Boutilier, CCH, RSHom [NA]
•    Certified Classical Homeopath
•    Practitioner of the Vancouver Centre for Homeopathy
•    Faculty Member, The Vancouver Homeopathic Academy

Kim is passionate about homeopathy. Practicing since 1997, Kim is dedicated to the wellness of her clients. Kim is known for her caring and attentive way with both children and adults. She enjoys introducing people to homeopathy and working with them to achieve wellness.

In 1994 she collaborated with Murray Feldman to found the Vancouver Homeopathic Academy, one of Canada’s premiere schools for training classical homeopaths. She contributes to the growth of homeopathy through her work for the Academy. She is the Supervisor of the third year VHA Student Clinic and leads the Clinical Supervision program. She regularly attends seminars with the world’s leading homeopaths, always increasing her knowledge and skills.

Kim would like to be at the Project Somos Benefit Fiesta on the 19th, but will be in India attending a clinical seminar.

Lucita-Bamboletta Doll

As you know (previous blog entry), I am a huge fan of Christina Platt’s Bamboletta dolls. Christina used to live just half a block up from us here in Vancouver but now lives on Vancouver Island with her husband, John and their two adorable boys. Christina is one of those people, one can instantly connect with. She’s friendly, easy going and so loving. She has generously donated a doll for the upcoming gala event and it arrived in the mail just the other day. Christina’s dolls are made using all natural wool and cotton but the most amazing ingredient that goes into each of her dolls is love. Christina pours her heart into each doll and you can tell when you hold one of them in your arms.

I am sure Lucita is going to be a popular item

for the parents and grandparents attending the event. She’s just way too adorable and would make the ultimate Christmas present for a special child.  Check out the Bamboletta site.

An Erin Green Painting

Erin Green is a Vancouver born artist who has a passion for design and illustration. After spending two years of technical training in the fine arts department at Langara Collage, Erin went on to study communication design at Emily Carr. Throughout her time at both collages Erin participated in a number of exhibitions, solo and group shows, that allowed her to grow as a professional artist. Although she is trained in graphic arts and web design, her love of illustration has driven her to focus on working with oil paints and watercolour. eringreen.ca

"A Place to Sleep" is an intaglio print created in 2003 

Thanks for this lovely painting Erin!

Fine Wines

Generously donated by Matthew Kemp, here are a number of fine wines for those joining us on November 19th to bid on. Unfortunately, Matt will be unable to join us that night.

Anjou “Bonne Blanche” 2003
100% Chenin Blanc
From 40-year-old vines planted on schist soils, aged for 2 years in new wood. A mouth filling, corpulent Loire Chenin but not remotely cloying, crammed with vibrant stone fruit and wild honey flavours, with suggestions of bees wax and honeysuckle. Suggested Retail: $45.00

Port “Guimaraens” 1995

In years when Fonseca does not ‘declare’ a classic vintage, it selects the finest grapes from its own vineyards to yield a small quantity of this superb wine, which is produced exactly as a declared Fonseca Vintage. Beautifully structured and perfectly balanced, Guimaraens Vintage Ports show Fonseca’s superb marriage of power and breed in a slightly lighter, earlier-maturing style.
The Wine Spectator Score: 92 points
A gorgeous young thing--even better than I remember from barrel. This is an extremely fresh, floral and fruity young Port, full to medium in body and of medium sweetness, with a ripe and plummy aftertaste of good length. Best after 2006. 10,000 cases made. –JS
Suggested Retail: $75.00

Carte d'Or Brut NV

Drappier's Carte d'Or Brut champagne has all the aroma of the Pinot Noir quality grape variety, which in fact makes up 90% of the blend. This is a black grape with white juice and is highly prized not only for its structure but also for the subtle notes of red fruits which characterize it.

A touch of Chardonnay gives freshness, while the more supple Pinot Meunier grapes impart a fine after-taste. By using only the noblest extracts go to make up this blend, for which Drappier is justly famed.

A gutsy, characterful Pinot Noir-dominated blend from this excellent producer. Great value.

The Wine Spectator Dec 31, 2007 Score: 90 points
An elegant style, displaying floral, mineral and citrus aromas and flavors matched to a creamy texture. Well-balanced, classy, firm and long. Ideal as an aperitif, but could match light dishes as well. Drink now through 2012. 90,000 cases made. –BS
Robert Parker describes Drappier as "Excellent - 4 stars"
Suggested Retail: $50.00


Gewurtraminer “Cuvee Laurence” 2005

With wonderful aromas of rose, gilly-flower, jasmine, spices, crystallized citrus fruit… with velvety bodies, they are sumptuous as an aperitif, with exotic food, smoked salmon or even with cheese, especially with French cheeses such as Munster or Roquefort.

Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate Score: 92 points

From lower sections of the Altenbourg and neighboring parcels, the 2005 Gewurztraminer Cuvee Laurence exudes roses, bacon fat and honey, slathers the palate in creamy but refreshingly juicy honey- and spice-drenched peaches and litchis, and seduces the next sip irresistibly with its long, lush finish. This wine is unlikely to tire (nor you of it) for at least a dozen more years, during which some of its significant though already well-integrated sweetness will back off a bit. Suggested Retail: $69.99

Chateau Clinet 2005
Pomerol, Bordeaux, France

Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate 92 points
We haven’t seen a Clinet this good since the late Jean-Michel Arcaute’s stunning duo of 1989 and 1990. This dense ruby/purple-tinged, exotic 2005 boasts soaring aromas of roasted herbs, plums, black currants, and caramelized chocolate. Savory, broad, and expansive with sensational purity, intensity, and length, this beauty possesses so much fruit and glycerin that it nearly hides the substantial tannins. Although performing exceptionally well at present, I suspect it will close down once it is put in a cold cellar. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2030. Suggested Retail: $250.00

Organic Fair Trade Chocolate

You will see that on the Benefit Fiesta poster it says “wine, desserts and chocolates”. Chocolates. Although I am not someone who has a fully developed appreciation of chocolates yet, there are many people in my life who do. And it’s a deep, burning love and appreciation of the stuff. Obsession? I didn’t say that. One might wonder though... Anyway, we decided that we wanted to have a bit of a chocolate theme at the Benefit for others that appreciate chocolate. Fair trade, organic chocolate.

While at Ethical Bean’s Millionth Pound Celebration, we met Tia from La Siembra (Camino Chocolate) who then introduced us to Kristin Shorey who is a local chocolatier. Oh yes, a chocolatier! A professionally trained individual who does magic with chocolate! Kristin is fairly new to Vancouver and she is just about to start her own company here, so this is like her Vancouver “debut”.

Kristin and I arranged to meet at “Bean Around the World” on Main Street a couple of weeks ago. I instantly loved Kristin. She’s got such a great sense of humour and a real warmth to her. We chatted and talked about chocolate possibilities... Last week I got an email from Kristin saying she was ready for us. On Wednesday, Greg and I visited her and were thrilled to see what she has been up to! Kristin had busily been preparing the most amazing chocolates for the Fiesta. And we got to taste them all! There will be boxes of chocolate up for auction as well as some sweet treats for sale. Perfect Holiday treats!

Kristin showing off the "Chocolate Somos Rice Crispies House"

Here’s a little bit from Kristin:
I am a fourth generation Oregon. I fell in love with chocolate and confections when I was a child...it was how my Czech grandmother and i would spend time together. We pulled taffy, made caramels and hard sugar candy and she taught me how to work with chocolate. It has been a part of my life ever since. After years of working in the conservation movement to make the world a better place I decided to follow my love of all things sweet and I apprenticed in a chocolate factory on Portland, Oregon. The hours flew by, I knew I had found my passion. I Went to the Culinary Institute of America to give myself a strong, diverse background in Pastry Arts.

Kristin's Blog

Beats Without Borders & Delhi to Dublin

Thanks to Nils VonHahn and Tarun Nayar for this GREAT donation!

Two Tickets to the Beats Without Borders 4th Anniversary Party on November 20th

AND

The Delhi to Dublin Re-Mix CD

We LOVE great music!

Klaymation for Kids

I was encouraged to offer this as it has been such a hit with the kids in my life. This is an opportunity for a child in your life to create their own movie which will then be posted on YouTube for them to share with friends and family! Your child will work with me for about 3-4 hours and we'll create a claymation project together. It's really easy, lots of fun and oh-so rewarding. I would recommend this for ages six and up. You can check out some of the other videos I've done with other kids.  Kid Klaymations 

-Heather

Whale Totem Necklace

Donated by Hollie Bear Bartlett, this incredibly beautiful piece is called Whale Totem. 

Ethical Bean Coffee Basket of Goodies!

It's rich, dark and delicious and everybody wants it...COFFEE! 

Ethical Bean Coffee Company is a huge Project Somos supporter and they've donated this great basket of goodies. Ethical Bean Coffee

Jewelry by Jenny

Jenny Calogeros-Smith is creating some amazing jewelry these days. Here's a gorgeous necklace made of silver, turquoise, Russian amazonite, fluorite, agate, Peruvian blue opal, etc. This piece is made especially for the Somos event and she calls it Road to Antigua. There's a little surprise in there for the very observant. Check out her other work on Etsy at: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=101333

Inspired Cards

Karen Graham and son, Ben have generously donated some pretty amazing and inspirational cards for the Benefit Fiesta. Thanks to both of them!

Karen lives in the seaside community of Boundary Bay in BC, Canada. Since her childhood, she has been captivated by creativity and beauty, and has had a special interest in photography and inspirational quotations. As an adult, Karen began to craft her own gifts and cards for friends and family, who encouraged her to consider her artistry as a vocation. But it wasn’t until a neighbour requested photo cards to sell in her gift shop that Karen’s daydream began to come true. Her passion for travel and exploring nature (with camera in hand) are echoed in her varied greeting card & magnet designs. www.karengrahamdesign.com

Dubadees

At age 2 Ben started drawing Mr. Potato Heads – which he pronounced as “Dubadee”. For some time, all Ben would draw was Dubadees – sheets upon sheets of them! – all adorable!

Fast forward nine years: On a recent family trip we were reminiscing and somehow got onto the subject of the Dubadees. I suggested to Ben that they would make a fun card line and be an exciting venture for him to be involved with…. Voila! – the Dubadee card line was born!

So, this new collection is a collaboration between me, my 11 year old son, and a 2 year old’s obsession with Mr. Potato Head drawings – Dubadees!

Once Upon a Huckleberry Bush

Portia Belmont is the owner of the new children’s bookstore, called Once Upon a Huckleberry Bush.  A magical place, where all you’re asked to do is “just imagine”. She is generously donating the book and video; If the World Were a Village as well as selling tickets for the event.

HUCKLEBERRY MISSION 

Our purpose is to nurture the world through storytelling, reintroducing myths that will promote a strong sense of local community and global involvement.

This company endeavors to promote tolerance, love and compassion.

To inspire a sense of wonder in a child’s face and to reinforce every human’s uniqueness by encouraging the passions of a child that will carry him or her through adulthood with their precious talents intact.

When asked how she came up with the idea for her store, Portia’s response is: “It was the one true path…” Inspired by her own childhood experiences growing up in the Pacific Northwest and her desire to connect with children on a literary level, Portia has created a children’s bookstore, located in the thriving, trendy Main street neighbourhood of Vancouver. Her company offers products and services that include: books, toys, story-time, book clubs, and writing programs, Providing these in a unique environment, Portia is committed to creating

a love for reading and maybe more importantly to helping a child find their own passion. Prior to this exciting endeavor, Portia enjoyed a successful career in the film industry, traveled extensively and is a published writer. If there was a pivotal moment that demanded a new direction in life, it was the adoption of her daughter, Maia, from Nicaragua. The demands of her former career conflicted with her parental beliefs, and with the enthusiastic support of her husband, David, Portia is now living her dream by encouraging children to realize their dreams. 

There are currently more than six billion people on the planet! This enormous number can be difficult to grasp, especially for a child. But what if we imagine the whole world as a village of just 100 people? In this village • 22 people speak a Chinese dialect • 20 earn less than a dollar a day • 32 are of Christian faith • 17 cannot read or write • 39 are under 19 years old In a time when parents and educators are looking to help children gain a better understanding of the world’s peoples and their ways of life, If the World Were a Village offers a unique and objective resource. By exploring the lives of the 100 villagers, children will discover that life in other nations is often very different from their own. The shrunk-down statistics — some surprising, some shocking — and David Smith’s tips on building “world-mindedness” will encourage readers to embrace the bigger picture and help them to establish their own place in the global village.
 Winner of the 2007 ACT Award of Excellence,the DVD  If the World Were a Village is based on the book, written by David J. Smith, illustrated by Shelagh Armstrong. David believes that teaching children "world-mindedness" is vital to the well-being of our planet.