Montauk Pioneer - November 21, 2008 - Explore, Inspire, Impact

"People often wonder how one person can make an impact in a world of billions. Everyone can start somewhere...I started in Africa." That was the opening line in the film "Explore, Inspire, Impact" created and presented by Taylor Montemarano at her fund raising event that was held at the Ross School Cafe on November 7. Taylor organized this fevent to raise money for The Happy Africa Foundation. This organization is making strides in Africa through volunteer work and donations.

Taylor is one of those volunteers who took a couple weeks out of her life to fly over to Zanzibar, a small island off the coast of Tanzania, and offer her hands on help. She is only 17 years old yet the spirit of an old wise woman flows through her. The first two lines of her movie had quite an impact on me. One person could make a difference in a world of billions if only they thought like she does. Africa was her start on this selfless journey, as it was for her best friend, Annie McGrath and her mom, Ronni Monte. They seem to be drawn to the beautiful continent- as this was their second trip there. The first trip was to Mozambique and this time around they went to Zanzibar. They all had an "unfinished" feeling from their first trip and knew they had more to do. Off to Tanzania they all went!

Taylor's film portrayed both the beauty and reality of the country. The reality is the children and wildlife that call Zanzibar home. The kids are eager to learn and are so proud of themselves when they get the right answers. The joy that beamed from their sweet faces really hit my heart and made me think how much we take education for granted in this country. It is indeed a privilege.

The communities in Africa truly work together for a common goal that is good for everyone. Sometimes we are so busy with our own lives that we can't look beyond the "me syndrome" enough to help our neighbor here in America. The children learn many things from the volunteers, but maybe we can learn something from the children.

The wildlife there is so precious. A segment of the film showed a baby elephant, and everyone cooed at how cute it was. Along with the elephants, lions and giraffes, there are other types of animals that you won't find anywhere else in the world. It is a paradise that is so tranquil yet still needs help. The beauty of the area was best described by Ronni Monte in the film when she said," I'm on one of the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen in my life." That's quite a statement from a Montauk local!

Framed photographs were on display at this event and were for sale. Taylor's mom, Ronni, and Isaak Johnson Liptzen took the beautiful photographs as part of their efforts to help raise the much needed funds that would benefit the Happy Africa Foundation. It doesn't take much money to help this cause either. The annual income of a family in that country is $137. If you can imagine that it only costs $24 a year to send a child to school, how come more of them aren't enrolled? It costs $1 a month and $12 for the uniform. I will be giving Taylor a check for $24 so I can send one child to school and I challenge you to do the same. No matter how our economy is, we can afford the $24 to send a child to go to school. You can drop off your check or mail it to Taylor Montemarano c/o Gurney's Inn, 290 Old Montauk Hwy, Montauk, NY 11954.

A raffle was held as well where names were drawn and the winners won some great prizes such as spa packages from Gurney's Inn, CPR classes from Terry Ross, personal training packages from Ronni Monte and various gifts from B. Gloriosos by the Sea.

African specialties were cooked by chefs from Senegal and enjoyed by everyone. African drumming and dancers were the entertainment of the evening and even Jay Schneiderman joined in the drumming.

The event was a great success with almost 100 people in attendance and Taylor should be very proud of herself. She is definitely a "jumbe", that's "leader" in Swahili. A local girl from Long Island who went to Africa to EXPLORE the needs of others, came back to INSPIRE all of us with a great film and make an IMPACT in the world we live in. She started her journey in Africa to make a difference in the world. Where will you start yours?