Kristi Kuehl and Lorraine Lyons with Niaz, the brother of Eden Stars founder Noor. He was their guide for the journey to Skardu, Pakistan, and “has become like a brother to us," they said. Kuehl and Lyons are hosting a fundraiser Aug. 21 for Eden Stars; they will be returning to Northern Pakistan later this year to help expand the program.Â
Kristi Kuehl and Lorraine Lyons while traveling in Passu Cones, where they rested for one night on their six-day journey to Skardu. This was unrehearsed, first take! Kristi & Lorainne equated it to the synergy of their project there.
Kristi Kuehl and Lorraine Lyons with Niaz, the brother of Eden Stars founder Noor. He was their guide for the journey to Skardu, Pakistan, and “has become like a brother to us," they said. Kuehl and Lyons are hosting a fundraiser Aug. 21 for Eden Stars; they will be returning to Northern Pakistan later this year to help expand the program.Â
HOOD RIVER — Kristi Kuehl and Lorraine Lyons are hosting a silent auction on Aug. 21 from 7-9:30 p.m. at 64 Taphouse in downtown Hood River.
After their first trip last year, where Lyons and Kuehl helped to establish the Eden Stars girl’s school in Skardu, located in Northern Pakistan, they will be returning to expand the program. With the money earned from last year’s fundraisers, they were able to purchase solar power for the Skardu location, a place where there is only one hour of electricity per day.
This school is focused on teaching the students English and computer skills, which will allow them to work online and expands the career opportunities available to them.
The second location they are opening is in Khanay, one of the last villages on the way to K2. This location has a small elementary school and a combined junior and high school. Khanay is a completely self-sustaining community, and they speak Balti, English, and Urdu.
“None of them have ever put their hands on [a computer]” Lyons said. "These girls are hungry [for knowledge]."
Kristi Kuehl and Lorraine Lyons while traveling in Passu Cones, where they rested for one night on their six-day journey to Skardu. This was unrehearsed, first take! Kristi & Lorainne equated it to the synergy of their project there.
Contributed photo
In the future, Kuehl, Lyons and others working with Eden Stars hope to bring programming and robotics as well. They are continuing to look for funding options to bring these resources to their schools, including running two fundraisers before their return to Pakistan. The silent auction event will have live music upstairs. Thus far, the community has provided some incredible tax-deductible donations, including tickets to the opening night of Wicked, a Sounders v. Timbers game, a two-night stay in the Hood River Hotel, and coffee from Ground. They are still looking for more donations.
The next fundraiser will be on Sept. 6 as part of the First Friday celebration and will include a biodegradable balloon launch and face painting.
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