Kenyan Ambassador Keynotes BFA’s 2025 Spring Fundraiser, “Helping Brighter Futures Bloom”

Books For Africa friends, sponsors, supporters and partners came together once again for BFA’s 2025 spring fundraiser, “Helping Brighter Futures Bloom.” 

The fundraiser was a resounding success, raising over $240,000 in cash, sponsorships and pledges.  In addition to sponsorship courtesy of Thomson Reuters, major partners such as the Stillman Family Foundation, Dan and Linda Melin, and Frank Babka, offered container match sponsorships which will leverage upcoming shipments to Kenya and Sierra Leone. Books For Africa will also be partnering with Little Free Library to ship a container of books to the Kenya National Library Service in honor of Ambassador Kerich, with a Thomson Reuters Law Library going to the Kenya School of Law, the Ambassador’s alma mater.

The event was an occasion to recognize BFA’s work in Kenya, as it was keynoted by H.E. David Kerich, Ambassador of Kenya to the U.S. Also on the speaking roster were BFA Board Member Lillian Otieno and Container Captain Mutune Mutisya, both members of the Kenyan diaspora in the Twin Cities. Kenya is one of BFA’s most-served countries, with 7 million books sent to Kenya since BFA started in 1988.

Board member Steve Zweber, from presenting sponsor Thomson Reuters, introduced the keynote speaker in the morning, with John Elstad delivering the introduction at lunch. Also at lunch, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison stopped by. Ellison is a long-time supporter of BFA’s work, and spoke to the importance of supporting education. Board President Tammie Follett, Executive Director Patrick Plonski, and BFA Founder Tom Warth rounded out the speakers. Another major partner in Kenya, Libraries for Kids, was in attendance and excited to work with BFA to ship more books to Kenya.

As the Ambassador said in his keynote speech: “Books For Africa is not only shipping books and educational materials, but is delivering the future of young minds as well."

The Ambassador’s visit was also the occasion for a Kilimanjaro Society Reception at the home of BFA Board Member Cass Stillman. The Stillman Family Foundation has sponsored a number of shipments to WE Kenya in support of literacy there. Members of BFA’s Kilimanjaro Society, an exclusive group of supporters who donate $1,000 or more each year, were able to chat more closely with the Ambassador and enjoy Minnesota’s beautiful spring weather and some Kenyan catering!

Before returning to Washington, the Ambassador also joined Books For Africa and Little Free Library for a briefing to discuss the upcoming shipment of books to the Kenyan National Library Service. It was a great chance to spread the word about this massive donation!

You can see more photos of the event on BFA’s Flickr album.