Aid Africa's Children held a benefit at the Marriott Lincolnshire April 12, and according to Vice President of Missions and Outreach Debbie Gilliam, "Africa's Shining Hope" was a great success.

The benefit, which was attended by 176 people at $100 per ticket, raised $13,000 for the charity with the auctions alone, Gilliam said.

Aid Africa's Children plans to put the funds raised toward 2008 programs, including sending mission teams to Africa, funding a well and garden built for a school, funding school lunches and a continuation of the Starfish program. Earlier this year, Starfish brought teenager Justice Amadi to Lake County to receive medical treatment for burns received in a kerosene fire.

The Libertyville-based organization is holding a golf benefit June 11 at Midlane Country Club in Wadsworth, and on Sept. 27 they will hold the second annual 5k Run/Walk for the Children.

Learn more about Aid Africa's Children and how to make a donation at AidAfricasChildren.org.

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Photos: Aid Africa's Children