How One Gala Sent $32,000 to Children in Four Countries
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
On May 1, 2026, a room full of people in Murrieta, California did something remarkable. Here's what happened — and where every dollar went.
There's something that happens when the right people are in the right room.
On Friday, May 1, 2026, Mosaic International hosted its third annual fundraising gala — Around the World: A Night of Wonder — at The Bridge Church in Murrieta, California. Guests came dressed up and curious, ready for an evening of stories, connection, and something bigger than themselves.
What they didn't know walking in was just how big that something would turn out to be.
By the end of the night, the room had raised $32,000 for children's ministry across four countries — Tanzania, the Philippines, Rwanda, and South Asia. And within days, every dollar was already on its way.
The Gala Night Itself
The evening was designed around a simple idea: wonder. Wonder at what God is doing around the world. Wonder at what ordinary generosity can accomplish. Wonder at the children whose lives are being shaped right now because people choose to show up.
Guests moved through the night surrounded by stories — displays about the psychology of poverty and child development, field photography from our partners on the ground, and real photos from real kids whose lives look different because of this community.
Mosaic Ambassador Mike Westaway took time during the evening to share a recap of everything the Ambassador program has accomplished over the past year — from Kids Walk for Water events to Play and Pray gatherings — and invited more people to step into that role.
By the time the giving moment came, the room was ready.
$32,000. Four Countries. Zero Delay.
The final total from the night came in at $32,000 — 80% of Mosaic's $40,000 goal, raised in a single evening.
But what happened next might be even more meaningful than the number itself.
Within days of the gala, Mosaic wired $8,000 to each of its four country partners — no waiting, no bureaucracy, no delay. The funds moved directly to the ministries and leaders doing the work on the ground.
Here's exactly where it went:
🇵🇭 Philippines — Educate2Elevate Scholarship Program
Through the Philippine Dream Center, the Educate2Elevate Scholarship Program supports students who are at risk of leaving school due to poverty. These aren't just academic scholarships — they're lifelines that keep kids in classrooms and on a path toward a different future.
Pastor Edwin Duenas, who leads the program, shared this after receiving the funds:
"Your kindness is doing far more than helping students stay in school — it is restoring hope, opening doors of opportunity, and empowering young people to rise above poverty and pursue the future God has prepared for them. Because of your partnership, students who once struggled to continue their education are now being equipped to become future leaders, professionals, and servant-hearted influencers who will bless their families, communities, and the Kingdom of God for generations to come."
🇷🇼 Rwanda — Glorious Academy
In Rwanda, Mosaic partners with Glorious Academy to support children's education and community transformation. The $8,000 sent will go directly toward building the future of that ministry.
Pastor Kendi, who helps lead the work there, responded:
"With a grateful heart, I would like to express our deepest appreciation to Mosaic ministry and to all individuals who have contributed and supported Glorious Academy. Your generosity is not taken for granted — we promise you that it will play a vital role in building a Glorious Academy. Your support means more than words can express. Thank you so much."
🇮🇳 India — STEP / Imagine School
In remote parts of South Asia, access to quality education is far from guaranteed. Mosaic's partnership with STEP and Imagine School is helping change that — one child at a time.
Their response after receiving the funds said it simply and powerfully:
"On behalf of STEP and Imagine School, thank you for your generosity and dedication to providing the best possible education to children in remote parts of India. This is a huge step toward making children's lives better."
🇹🇿 Tanzania
In the Kilimanjaro region, Mosaic partners with 36+ local churches through its Tanzania field team.
Our Field Directos, Francis and Vickie wrote:
"A big thank you from Tanzania for your generous giving and for standing for the children of this nation. We are deeply grateful for your partnership, which is a true expression of trust and kindness that we do not take for granted. In the coming days, because of you, we are excited to begin putting smiles on children's faces by meeting real needs, giving hope where it is mostly needed, while also investing in their future and eventually transforming communities. Your support is going to make a real difference now but most importantly is planting seeds that will shape lives for years to come, even echoing into eternity. Thank you, on behalf of the beautiful children of Tanzania."
What Transparency Actually Looks Like
One thing Mosaic has always believed is that donors deserve to know exactly where their money goes. Not in vague terms — in real ones.
That's why when the wires went out, we took a screenshot.
Four transfers. Four countries. $8,000 each. Done.
This is what 100% to ministry actually looks like in practice.
The Circle Is Growing
Beyond the one-time gifts, something else happened at the gala that's worth celebrating.
Nine new monthly donors joined The Circle — each committing to give every single month going forward. Monthly donors are what make long-term, consistent impact possible. They're the people who allow Mosaic to plan ahead, invest deeply, and show up for its partners year after year — not just when there's an event on the calendar.
Nine more families chose that kind of commitment on Friday night. That matters more than most people realize.
Still 20% Away — And the Link Is Still Open
The $40,000 goal isn't quite closed yet. If you weren't able to make it to the gala, or if Friday night stirred something in you and you'd like to be part of closing the gap, the giving link is still live.
Every dollar still counts. Every gift still reaches a child.
Rooted in Something Real
Everything Mosaic does — every partnership, every scholarship, every meal, every child — is rooted in the belief that Jesus changes things. Not someday. Now.
The 2026 gala was one more piece of evidence.
A room full of people. A night of wonder. $32,000 on its way to four countries.
All for His glory. All because of you.
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