At left, that’s Susie Drake, a local nurse, with people she has helped in the African nation of Senegal. She and fellow nurse Sydnie Phelps are going to Senegal (map) this fall, and friends are helping them raise money and collect donations to take along to an orphanage and mission – you can help too, at a fundraiser in West Seattle one week from tonight. Their friend/co-worker Shanna Mosher shares the news (and the photo above, from Syd and Susie‘s website):

*Two remarkable nurses, three rocking bands and a troupe of belly dancers will be at the Bohemian in West Seattle on Sunday August 23 for a fundraiser benefiting the less fortunate in West Africa. *

*This is a unique opportunity to have a direct impact improving the quality of life for those in need in Senegal. Your much-needed donations of medical supplies, funds and other necessities will be personally delivered directly to the LaPouponniere Orphanage and the Kahone Mission in Senegal, assuring that your donations will be utilized by the people who need them most. In addition to delivering your donations, they will be providing unconditional love and care for orphaned infants, and assisting the nuns at the Mission with their medical expertise. *

*Senegal is one of the poorest countries in the world, with a per capita income of $500 per year. Nearly 1 in 160 women in the rural areas die from child birth. Nearly 1 child in 7 dies before the age of five, and 1 in 4 suffers from chronic malnutrition, malaria and upper respiratory infections. Still, the government of Senegal is committed to keeping health a priority and is striving to create a forward thinking medical community. *

*Thanks to generous nurses like Syd and Susie, and to supporters like YOU, we hope to help bring supplies and equipment so local trained health care practitioners can implement their skills.*

*The show starts at 5:30 pm and is free, but donations will be greatly appreciated. There will also be a raffle for tickets to see the Sounders FC in** action.***

The Bohemian is at 3405 California SW (map). More on the trip, here.