"I worked on a coin drive, car wash, and sale of Gabriel Project shirts to raise money to bring the children here. It's a real good program because we help ou the children, and it's fun. It felt great to hold Mwanamvua Omari." -- Seergey Karpenko, age 13
"A lot of people donate to things, but don't see the results. When we saw these children, we knew how completely worthwhile the project is. They wouldn't have been alive today. They deserve the same chance as American children. With The Gabriel Project, you just don't know who's winning out . . . because we all end up with a better heart." -- Brad Harrison, age 21, volunteer since age 11
"Bringinig kids from Africa all on his [Mark Melamed] own? He really cares about these kids. He's a hero." -- Evan Herring, age 14, donated $500 of his own bar mitzvah money to The Gabriel Project
IN LOVING MEMORY
OF MICHAEL ALBANO
Michael Albano started volunteering with The Gabriel Project in sixth grade and graduated from Vineland High School in 2001. Sadly, Michael died December 20, 2001, in a car accident police say was caused by a drunken driver.
Over the years, Michael assisted The Gabriel Project found Mark Melamed with many fundraisers of all types and also performed in plays and stage productions. His family hosted a Tanzanian child named Hadija for two months while she recovered from open-heart surger. Hidija died a few years ago after contracting malaria.
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"She [Hidija] was like his sister," Debbie Albano Said. "Michael had a picture of her in his room." Michael's role in The Gabriel Project inspired a new logo. "It's a heart that is kind of split," Founder Melamed said. "Michael is on one side, looking down to Hadija on the other. She is looking up to Michael."
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