Geeks Without Borders News

February 25^th, 2004.

First up, and most exciting, is that we have returned from Esperanza Para Los Ninos! After putting together five computers out of donated parts, we went to Esperanza Para Los Ninos to set them up. Once there, things went smoothly, although due to a variety of reasons we were unable to connect the network to the internet at this time. We plan on returning in May, on our way down to Chiapas, and hopefully will be able to check in on them, connect to the internet, and take care of a couple other extras at the same time then. The trip report, with photos, is now up on our web site: Take a look! And a very big thank you to everyone who donated computer parts and gas money to make this possible!

Our next big field project will be in May, at which point we'll be driving down to Chiapas to set up a school there. This one should actually be a little easier, as they have reliable power and phone service already. However, since it's much farther away, and will involve more computers, it will be far more expensive. So please, consider a donation to help out with this one! I'll be sending out more details as the time approaches.

We are still working out details of shipping and resources for two projects in Africa. One at an orphanage in Sierra Leone where we are trying to send 10 computer systems, and one for the African Commission on Human and People's Rights, to whom we will be sending two heavy-use photocopiers.

Upcoming fundraisers!

E-Bay Auction: February 28^th – March 8^th.

Delayed, but not canceled. It's still not too late for any items to be donated for the auction. We will begin listing of items on February 28^th, and add more throughout the following week.

Then, there will be three fundraisers in April:

Nerd Ball 2 – April 23rd

The first was so popular, we're doing another one. As before, this one will be taking place at The Downtown Lounge and Diablo's who have kindly donated the use of their space for the evening of April 23^rd. Mark your calendars. Many of the same musicians who played for us before will be there again. And again we'll have our famous Geek Costume Contest and many prizes from local merchants for our raffle. Look for more details once all the bands have been confirmed and as the time approaches.

Norwescon – April 8-11^th

Norwescon is a large science fiction convention in the Seattle area. Once again, we will be running a table during the convention, and will be hosting a room party on Saturday night (April 10^th). We will also be having a change drive throughout the weekend. So, if you're going to be there, bring in your jar of change and dump it in the bucket. Your spouse will thank you for getting rid of it, and you can start all over collecting a new one! (for next year :-) For more about the convention itself, see their home page. To learn more about how you can volunteer, send email to pat@gwob.org.

GWoB Dinner:

Several volunteers from Eugene are putting together a large information and fundraising dinner for Geeks Without Borders. Details are still being worked out, and I will let you know once things are finalized. No date has been set yet for this event.

As always, please send any questions/comments/whatever to pat@gwob.org.

Thank you.