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http:// --> Ashland, Oregon HOME Valley & State Sports Nation & World Opinion/Editorial Classifieds Business Columnists Obituaries Weather Archive Hot Topics Forum Photo Gallery Past Readers Polls Revels Etcetera Backpage O-Zone Special Sections Real Estate Guide Menu Guide Shakespeare Subscribe Contact Us Rate Card Place an Ad Online Games Movie Preview October 3, 2006 Businesses help AIDS orphans By Vickie Aldous Ashland Daily Tidings Submitted photo FRONT PAGE PHOTO: Malerie Pratt, a college student and native of Bend, Oregon worked with disadvantaged children in Zambia last year in the town of Luanshya. She helped build a small home for orphaned children left in abusive situations. ABOVE: Children orphaned by HIV line up to receive water from a relief worker in Africa. The father of two children, Jason Robison has grown increasingly concerned about the plight of orphans in Africa who have lost their parents to AIDS. So the owner of The Crown Jewel was happy to join five other downtown Ashland businesses in hosting an unusual fundraiser. For a $10 donation, participants go from business to business collecting clues to solve a mystery involving the disappearance of "Eliza" and the discovery of an ominous note at her apartment. The mystery game can be played any time this month. The first stop is at The Crown Jewel, located at 130 E. Main St. next to the downtown Starbucks, where sleuths can pick up instructions. "What I love about it is it's fun and creative and it's also a great cause," Robison said. "That's why we wanted to take part in it. It's an event to help absolutely innocent people improve their lives. Having two young kids always makes a person more sensitive to that situation when it befalls anyone in the world." Money from the fundraiser will go to the Bend-based nonprofit Vima Lupwa Homes, which provides homes for up to 15 AIDS orphans in Zambia, according to event organizer Tom Scott and the nonprofit's founder, Malerie Pratt. About 1 million Zambian children have been orphaned because of AIDS and malaria. Frequently, they end up begging on the streets for food or living with impoverished extended family members who may abuse or neglect them, Pratt said. In addition to joining in the fundraising mystery event, The Crown Jewel will hold a drawing to give away five beaded necklaces made by women in Kenya. Making the necklaces gives the women economic opportunities in a country that is also suffering from AIDS, Robison said. Ashland Hardwood Gallery at 17 N. Main St., American Trails at 27 N. Main St., Inti Imports at 45 N. Main St., Grilla Bites at 47 N. Main St. and Raw Elements at 77 Oak St. have also joined the fundraising event. "We in Ashland can do our own small part to help change the world," Robison said. For more information on Vima Lupwa Homes, visit www.lupwahomes.org . Staff writer Vickie Aldous can be reached at 479-8199 or [email protected]. Current Comments: This was interesting to read, I am also in the process of setting up an Ophanage in Zambia. Hoping it can expand into other parts of the country. I intend to set up homes for ophaned children as well as a school and clinic. Hope we can combin efforts. You can contact me on 484 336 8771. I am looking for partners. I have a registered Ophanage in Zambia called LOCASHA Loving Caring and Sharing and a company just registered in Reading PA called African/ American Pride imports and Exports. Elizabeth Sichinga - Reading PA - October 4th, 9:03 AM Leave a Comment: Advertisement: Advertisement: Paid Advertising Inkjet Printers Student Loans Water Filter Helzberg Diamonds Mortgage Calculator Security Systems Advertisement: Copyright © 2006 Ashland Daily Tidings and Ottaway Newspapers. All Rights Reserved.