Carolina for Kibera Honored with Reflections of Hope Award

The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum will honor Carolina for Kibera (CFK)  as the recipient of the 2008 Reflections of Hope Award.  The award, established in 2005 as part of the 10^th anniversary commemoration of the Oklahoma City bombing, honors a living person or group whose extraordinary work has significantly impacted a community, state or nation. It also exemplifies that hope not only survives but also thrives in the wake of political violence.  This prestigious international award also includes a $25,000 honorarium, which CFK can use to further develop programming and develop young leaders in Kibera and across Kenya.

Carolina for Kibera, its founder U.S. Marine Captain Rye Barcott, Vice President Beth-Ann Kutchma, Executive Director Salim Mohamed and Youth Sports Program Officer Abdul "Cantar" Hussein from Kenya will be honored at a reception and dinner on April 19, 2008, at the Skirvin Hilton Hotel in downtown Oklahoma City. The keynote speaker for the event will be ABC anchor Bob Woodruff, who was seriously injured while imbedded with American troops in Iraq.

“Carolina for Kibera focuses on helping the people of Kibera by giving them the tools and the resources to help themselves. The development of sports programs, centers for girls and medical clinics in one of the poorest districts in Kenya gives the citizens of that community great hope for their future,” said Kari Watkins, Oklahoma City National Memorial Executive Director. “The programs train Kenyans to take action to change their own circumstances and make the future of their neighborhoods much brighter for generations to come.

The Reflections of Hope Award was created by the Oklahoma City National Memorial Foundation to recognize those who find and, by their actions, exemplify hope in the midst of tragedy, respond selflessly and give of themselves to improve the lives of others.

For more information on the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, call 888.542.HOPE or visit www.oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org.