Open Arms of Minnesota - World AIDS Day 2007

THANK YOU for supporting our 4th annual World AIDS Day event!

Saturday, December 8, 2007
Calhoun Square, Uptown Minneapolis

Join Open Arms for a special repeat of our one day sale. Not only do we still have spectacular beaded dolls, animals and holiday decorations, but we’ve just received another shipment of new pieces from South Africa.

This is our 4th annual beaded art sale featuring one-of-a-kind pieces of art, handmade by the South African beaders of Monkeybiz. Sought after the world over, Monkeybiz pieces are not only unique, but make for meaningful gifts during the holiday season. We invite you to shop and contribute to this amazing project and learn about Open Arms’ programs for people living with HIV/AIDS in South Africa.

Questions? Call us directly at 612-872-1152.

It is only because of your generous support that we can continue to offer meals to those who need them. We are so grateful that you have chosen to support Open Arms, and we thank you for being a part of the important work we are doing here and abroad.

Commonly asked questions:

Who is Monkeybiz?
Monkeybiz is a nonprofit organization based in Cape Town that provides over 450 township women with richly colored glass beads to make their spectacular creations. The women are paid for each piece they make, and since they work from home, the women can look after their families. These beaded pieces have caused a sensation around the world: from Sotheby's in London to designer Donna Karan's flagship store in New York, to Open Arms in Minneapolis. For the past six years, Open Arms has partnered with organizations in South Africa to provide food and nutrition for people living with HIV/AIDS there, including the sponsorship of a soup kitchen for the women beaders of Monkeybiz.

How are the pieces made?
Township women are provided richly colored glass beads with which to create stunning pieces of beaded art. The 450 women involved in the project are currently producing exquisite hand beaded artworks - each a one-of-a-kind creation. The women are paid for each piece they produce; and since they work from home, can look after their families and avoid transport costs. Depending on the complexity, a piece can take from 2 hours to 2 months to complete.

What does Open Arms do for Monkeybiz?
This is our third annual beaded art benefit selling Monkeybiz products. Additionally, Open Arms has strengthened our relationship with Monkeybiz by sponsoring a soup kitchen for the beaders. We make certain that when women make the long trip from the townships to Cape Town on market days, or to visit the Monkeybiz Wellness Center, that there is a hot meal for them.

Where does my money go?
In addition to Open Arms? work with Monkeybiz, we also work with the Zwane Community Centre in the township of Guguletu, South Africa. The Centre provides a myriad of services including HIV/AIDS prevention, care and support programs; nutrition programs; hospice care; and an after-school study program. All proceeds from this event will go towards Open Arms? HIV/AIDS initiatives in South Africa. Whether it be the soup kitchen at Monkeybiz, food parcels to families, or nutrition programs at Zwane Community Center, you can be guaranteed that your money is being put to work directly and making a difference.