September 2025 Update
Lasting Smiles Uganda | Home for Hope 2025 Campaign Update
Dear Friends,
We are overflowing with gratitude as we reflect on the incredible events that took place in August while Pastor Semei and Susan Ziva were with our team stateside.
Osseo Fellowship Evening
Hosted by Tami Gillingham (one of our board members), this intimate night of connection and storytelling allowed friends, neighbors, and new partners to hear directly from Pastor & Founder, Semei Ziva. The evening sparked fresh excitement around our mission and inspired new commitments to help us reach our $275,000 Home for Hope 2025 goal.
Mackinac Island – Parties with a Purpose
What a night to remember! From the breathtaking setting at The Inn at Stonecliffe, to the music of Grace West (The Voice Finalist), to a five-course dinner, this event truly embodied celebration with a cause. Together, attendees gave generously to ensure that the children of Kyajja, Uganda, will soon have a safe and supportive home.
Semei at Zion Church
We were honored to have Pastor Semei speak to the congregation at Kurt Hutchens’ church during Sunday services, followed by a meal and time of fellowship. This was a special opportunity to share updates about the Home for Hope 2025 Campaign with the community, deepen connections, and inspire additional support for our mission.
Other Dinners and Meetings
In addition to these signature events, Pastor Semei and our team hosted several smaller dinners and meetings to personally update friends, donors, and community members about the impact of Lasting Smiles Uganda. These intimate gatherings took place in Michigan and North Carolina.
The Results of Your Generosity
Because of the outpouring of support at these events, we are thrilled to announce that we have already raised $60,000 toward our $275,000 goal! Every gift, whether given in person or from afar, is helping make the dream of building dormitories for 100 boys and 100 girls a reality.
Thank You
We could not do this without you. Together, we are building not just dormitories, but brighter futures filled with opportunity, dignity, and lasting smiles.
The journey continues, and there’s still time to be part of this vision. If you haven’t yet given or would like to share this mission with others, please scan the QR codes at the bottom of our newsletter!
With deep gratitude,
The Lasting Smiles Uganda Team
Scholarship Program
Would you consider partnering with us through our Secondary Student Scholarship Program?
Our monthly goal is $6,200, and every gift—whether recurring or one-time—makes a real difference.
Your support helps cover tuition, classroom materials, transportation, and other essentials a student needs to thrive in school. Together, we can open doors to education and brighter futures.
Ways to Give
To give to our Home for Hope Campaign or our LSU General Fund, you can scan the QR Code with your smartphone below. Thank you for believing in the work of LSU and we appreciate your continued prayers!
