Girls’ Education Wins Big

Girls’ education was the big winner at the 6th Annual KEEP Women’s Paddle Tennis Tournament and Raffle! Through registrations and raffle ticket sales, we raised an amazing $4,465. This sum will fund more than eight annual tuition scholarships for at-risk girls at the Kakenya Center for Excellence in rural Kenya!

These scholarships are truly life-changing. KCE not only teaches girls the skills needed to support themselves and their families, but also protects them from FGM and child marriage. Your gifts to KEEP help KCE to continue this important work.

Congratulations to our intrepid tournament winners!
1st Place: Cheryl Roppa and Gina Thompson
2nd Place: Fran Torres
3rd Place: Jo Voege and Elizabeth Harris

And congratulations to our lucky raffle prize winners!

  1. Russell Speeder’s Car Wash Platinum Pass: Lora Zaretsky
  2. Cask Fine & Rare Wines Gift Certificate: Wendy Marx
  3. La Tulipe Desserts Gift Certificate: Deborah G.
  4. Private Barre Class with Jenny Gold: Ellen Calves
  5. Blue Dolphin Gift Certificate: Kirsti K.
  6. Majestic Hudson Gift Certificate: Gina Thompson
  7. Garden Consultation by Margi Corsello of Gardens for Everyone: Rebecca Sussman
  8. Pedigree Ski Shop Gift Certificate: Kris Fenton
  9. Private Tennis Lesson with Pro Richard Finn: Therese Herrero
  10. College Admissions Counseling Session with InterviewMama: Anna Zable
  11. LMNOP Bakery Gift Certificate: Sally Casey

    Special thanks to our Waccabuc Country Club sponsors, Tennis Pro Richard Finn, our very generous raffle prize donors, and Boys Team Charity for baking those delicious treats!

    And finally, a huge thank-you to all of our tournament and raffle participants! Your generosity helps us all become part of a virtuous cycle of change, bringing holistic education and opportunity to girls half a world away.

    If you didn’t have a chance to participate, KEEP is always grateful for donations of any amount at any time. Your gift is fully tax deductible, and 100% of your donation will help fund scholarships for the 8th grade students at KCE.

    With gratitude,

    Cynthia Braun, Celeste Crosby, Elizabeth McGoldrick, Ruthie Rosenberg and Elena Rover

    Katonah Education Exchange Program

    Win Prizes & Support Girls’ Education!

    We’ve done it again: This year, KEEP will be raffling off 11 amazing prizes at our Women’s Paddle Tennis Tournament on Tuesday, March 28th. You do not need to be present to win!

    • Donate $25 and receive 5 tickets
    • Donate $50 and receive 15 tickets
    • Donate $100 and receive 40 tickets

    Simply decide how many tickets you would like to put toward each prize and then click the button below to allocate your tickets. 

    After you submit your choices, you will receive a link to make your donation.

    As always, your donations are fully tax-deductible, and 100% of your contributions fund scholarships for at-risk girls at the Kakenya Center for Excellence in rural Kenya.

    Prize #1: Russell Speeder’s Car Wash Platinum Pass

    This Platinum Pass from Russell Speeder’s Car Wash in Bedford Hills entitles you to unlimited exterior car washes for one full year! Each visit includes an exterior wash, tire shine, clear coat, under body wash, Lava Wax and Wheel Brite. Visit as often as you like and drive a clean car every day! Retail value: $750

    Prize #2: Cask Fine & Rare Wines Gift Certificate

    Cask Fine & Rare Wines in Katonah stocks a world-class selection of wine and spirits, with a friendly and incredibly knowledgeable staff. Come choose a few bottles to pair with your favorite dishes, toast a special occasion, or just celebrate the arrival of spring! Online ordering and shipping are also available. Retail value: $100

    Prize #3: La Tulipe Desserts Gift Certificate

    La Tulipe Desserts in Mount Kisco offers exquisite, impossible-to-resist European cakes and delicacies created by master pâtissier Maarten Steenman. Maarten and his team work with love, skill and artistry to create the finest pastries, cakes, chocolates, macrons, marzipan, gelato, and sorbet, all handcrafted in small batches. Win this prize and taste for yourself! Retail value: $100

    Prize #4: Private Barre Class with Jenny Gold

    Barre is a full-body workout technique inspired by elements of ballet, yoga, and Pilates. It is appropriate for all ages and fitness levels. With over ten years of experience as a barre instructor, Jenny will teach you how to perform low-impact, high-intensity movements to strengthen your muscles while improving your flexibility and balance. Prize includes a personalized consultation, a 45-minute private class for you and up to three friends, and a barre ball for each participant to take home. Class to be scheduled at a mutually convenient time at Jenny’s home studio in Katonah. Retail value: $200

    Prize #5: Blue Dolphin Gift Certificate

    A local favorite! Blue Dolphin Restaurant, in the heart of Katonah, serves original Italian cuisine from Capri and the Amalfi Coast. Enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner in a charming setting! Retail value: $50

    Prize #6: Majestic Hudson Gift Certificate

    Majestic Hudson is a spiritual boutique, crystal healing room, and wellness sanctuary nestled in a quaint little courtyard in Katonah. Eclectic and easy-going, warm and welcoming – Majestic Hudson has a wide selection of workshops and events, as well as a unique array of crystals and apothecary products. Visit online or in person for one-of-a-kind clothing, art, home decor, and jewelry. Follow your bliss! Retail value: $50

    Prize #7: Garden Consultation by Margi Corsello of Gardens for Everyone

    Margi is an expert in native planting and sustainable design for easy-care gardens and yards. During this one-hour consultation at your home, Margi will help you assess your garden’s needs and offer suggestions for improvements. Let Margi’s knowledge give your garden a boost this spring! Retail value: $50

    Prize #8: Pedigree Ski Shop Gift Certificate

    With over 50 years of experience serving sports enthusiasts, Pedigree will help you find the perfect gear and clothing to suit your skiing, snowboarding, tennis, and swimming needs. Pedigree’s top-of-the-line products from leading industry brands can also be shipped anywhere in the country! Retail value: $50

    Prize #9: Private Tennis Lesson with Pro Richard Finn

    Brush up on your tennis skills, or introduce your children to this fabulous sport! One-hour lesson to be held at the Katonah or Bedford Hills courts. With nearly 50 years of experience, Richard brings a wealth of talent and knowledge to the court. He espouses a clean, traditional game built on solid groundstrokes and intelligent shot-making decisions – a perfect combination for the beginner, recreational player or serious competitor. Retail value: $100

    Prize #10: College Admissions Counseling Session with InterviewMama

    Lynn Elting Siegel will work one-on-one with you and/or your student via Zoom to help organize and clarify your college admissions process and strategy. After your two-hour coaching session, Lynn will provide, in writing, suggested next steps to help you achieve your college admissions goals. Lynn has been coaching corporations and individuals both locally and internationally for 25 years. She is a results-driven college advisor dedicated to your success. Retail value: $600

    Prize #11:  LMNOP Bakery Gift Certificate

    LMNOP Bakery is a rising star in Katonah! Come try their incredible takes on classic bakes like laminate croissants and wholesome sourdough loaves, and their inventive delicacies like chocolate tahini cookies and turmeric poppy bread. Meet up with friends to chat over coffee and scones or enjoy a low-key evening out sharing a gorgeous spread of cheese and bread and a glass of wine or beer. Retail value: $50

    Please note: If you will be attending the paddle tournament and you already ordered raffle tickets, there is no need to click on the enter raffle button. You can simply allocate your tickets in person at the tournament.

    Thank you for supporting girls’ education by entering our raffle! We will contact the lucky winners on Tuesday, March 29th. Good luck everyone!

    Save the date: Paddle Tournament – March 28th!

    Save the date for our 6th Annual Women’s Paddle Tennis Tournament at the beautiful Waccabuc Country Club!

    Tuesday, March 28th
    10 am – 12:30 pm

    Rain date: Thursday, March 30th

    Waccabuc Country Club
    90 Mead Street, Waccabuc

    Registration will open in early March. KEEP an eye out for the sign-up link in your email inbox.

    We hope you will join us!

    2022 Q4 Report from KCE

    The Kakenya Center for Excellence team has sent us an update about the school and our 8th graders.

    You can download the PDF version of the report to your device. You’ll also be able to read the report on the screen if you’re viewing this on a computer (not mobile phone or tablet).

    Enjoy!

    Thanks for your support!

    2022 Q3 Report from KCE

    The Kakenya Center for Excellence team has sent us an update about the school and our 8th graders.

    You can download the PDF version of the report to your device. You’ll also be able to read the report on the screen if you’re viewing this on a computer (not mobile phone or tablet).

    Enjoy!

    KEEP Making an Impact!

    In this season of giving thanks, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to you. With your help, we hope to fulfill our pledge to provide scholarships for every eighth grade student at the Kakenya Center for Excellence in rural Kenya.

    In a letter to KEEP last month, Dr. Kakenya Ntaiya, founder of KCE, recognized your commitment to empowering marginalized girls through education:

    “Because of you, the girls are making their dreams of becoming doctors, entrepreneurs, teachers, and leaders a reality…  We are deeply grateful for your partnership of almost a decade… You are truly change makers for these girls, their families, and their communities.”  

    So how much of a difference does a KCE education make? A few comparisons tell a powerful story:

    Every year, KEEP strives to give every eighth grader at KCE a full tuition scholarship. We need to raise $10,309 by December 31st to meet this goal. Can we count on your support?

    One of our donors has generously offered to match all donations, up to $5,000, made by November 30th. By giving today, your donation will go twice as far!  

    As always, your contribution is fully tax-deductible and eligible for corporate matching too. Please join us in supporting Kakenya’s vision – a world that values the dreams of all girls.

    “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

                                                                   –  Winston Churchill

    Thank you for your generosity. Wishing you happiness and love this Thanksgiving! 

    Check out this short video to get a glimpse of campus life. The energy is inspiring!

    And the winner is…

    The big winner at our 5th Annual Women’s Paddle Tennis Tournament? Girls’ education! Thank you for making our event such a smashing success!

    Through registrations and raffle ticket sales, we raised a whopping $4,275! This sum will fund eight annual tuition scholarships for our KEEP-supported girls at the Kakenya Center for Excellence.

    These scholarships are delivering real results to girls in rural Kenya: Not only have all 40 KEEP-supported KCE eighth-graders passed their recent national exams, they have attained the highest average score in KCE history! And scored in the top 26% nationally! This is especially remarkable given the condensed academic calendar due to COVID.

    Mary (above), the top-scoring KCE student, has been admitted to Moi Kapsowar Girls, a prestigious national high school. Mary hopes to study neurosurgery at an international university one day. Way to go, Mary! 

    Please join us in congratulating the entire KEEP-supported eighth-grade class. We are incredibly proud of how much these girls have accomplished during such a challenging time.

    And congratulations to our tournament winners!
    1st Place:  Cheryl R.
    2nd Place: Meredith O.
    3rd Place:  Lynn S.
    3rd Place:  Sara W.
    3rd Place:  Jo V.

    And the raffle prizes go to…
    1. Cask Fine & Rare Wines Gift Certificate: Wendy M.
    2. Deborah Ann’s Sweet Shoppe Gift Certificate:  Sophie S.
    3. College Admissions Counseling Session with InterviewMama:  Rebecca R.
    4. Jaipore Royal Indian Cuisine Gift Certificate:  Debbie S.
    5. Private Barre Classes with Jenny Gold:  Kelley S.
    6. Tease Beauty Bar Gift Certificate & Mini Iron:  Tammy E.
    7. Katonah Reading Room Gift Certificate:  Sara W.
    8. Pedigree Ski Shop Gift Certificate: Shannon B.
    9. Fancy Cake Delivery from Katonah Cakes:  Sara W.

    Special thanks to our sponsors at Waccabuc Country Club, La Tulipe Desserts, and our very generous raffle prize donors. And finally, a huge thank you to all of the tournament and raffle participants. We couldn’t have done it without you!

    Win prizes for KEEP

    Win fabulous prizes while supporting girls’ education! KEEP will be raffling off nine amazing prizes at our Women’s Paddle Tennis Tourney on Tuesday, April 26th. 

    You do not need to be present to win!  

    • Donate $5 for 1 ticket
    • Donate $20 for 5 tickets
    • Donate $50 for 20 tickets

    Simply send an email to info@keepgirlsinschool.org with the number of tickets you’d like to allocate to each prize. After that, make your donation for the number of tickets you’ve ordered.

    As always, your donations are fully tax-deductible, and 100% of your contributions fund scholarships for at-risk girls at the Kakenya Center for Excellence in rural Kenya.

    Prize #1: Cask Fine & Rare Wines Gift Certificate

    Cask Fine & Rare Wines in Katonah offers a world-class selection of wine and spirits, with a friendly and incredibly knowledgeable staff. Come choose a few bottles to pair with your favorite dishes, toast a special occasion, or just celebrate the arrival of spring! Online ordering and shipping are also available.
    Retail Value: $100

    Prize #2: Deborah Ann’s Sweet Shoppe Gift Certificate

    This favorite destination in Ridgefield delights all who enter with a wide selection of award-winning homemade chocolates, fudge, candies, gifts, and delicious ice cream – handmade with fresh, local ingredients! Deborah Ann’s will also ship their gourmet chocolates and candies anywhere in the country.
    Retail value: $100

    Prize #3: College Admissions Counseling Session with InterviewMama

    Lynn Elting Siegel will work one-on-one with you and/or your student via Zoom to help organize and clarify your college admissions process and strategy. After your two-hour coaching session, Lynn will provide, in writing, suggested next steps to help you achieve your college admissions goals. Lynn has been coaching corporations and individuals both locally and internationally for 25 years. She is a results-driven college advisor and career coach dedicated to your success.
    Retail Value: $600

    Prize #4: Jaipore Royal Indian Cuisine Gift Certificate

    Jaipore Royal Indian Cuisine in Brewster is known for its modern interpretation of classic dishes and its insistence on using only high-quality, fresh ingredients. Dine in or order a takeout feast and enjoy Jaipore’s delicious Indian cuisine!
    Retail value: $100

    Prize #5: Private Barre Classes with Jenny Gold

    Barre is a full-body workout technique inspired by elements of ballet, yoga, and Pilates. It is appropriate for all ages and fitness levels. With over nine years of experience as a barre instructor, Jenny will teach you how to perform low-impact, high-intensity movements to strengthen and tone your muscles while improving your flexibility and balance. Prize includes three 45-minute private and/or small group classes (up to 4 people) to be scheduled at a mutually convenient time at Jenny’s home studio in Katonah.
    Retail value: $300

    Prize #6: Tease Hair & Beauty Bar Gift Certificate & Mini Iron

    Tease Hair & Beauty Bar is one of Katonah’s best beauty hot spots. Whether you’re looking for a completely new style or want to enhance your existing look, the expert stylists at Tease will tailor their approach to your specific needs. This $75 gift certificate can be used toward any hair service – and you’ll also receive a mini straightening/curling tool!
    Retail value: $125

    Prize #7: Katonah Reading Room Gift Certificate

    The Katonah Reading Room is a full bookstore and coffee shop with a gourmet takeout menu, soft serve ice cream, candy, books, gifts, and art supplies. Come by for your next great read, a thoughtful gift, or a delicious treat!
    Retail Value: $50

    Prize #8: Pedigree Ski Shop Gift Certificate

    With over 50 years of experience serving sports enthusiasts, Pedigree will help you find the perfect gear and clothing to suit your skiing, snowboarding, tennis, and swimming needs. Pedigree’s top-of-the-line products from leading industry brands can also be shipped anywhere in the country!
    Retail value: $50

    Prize #9: Fancy Cake Delivery from Katonah Cake

    Pastry chef extraordinaire and JJHS student, Zachary Bertin, started his specialty cake business to rave reviews. The members of KEEP’s board can attest to the superb quality of everything that Zachary bakes! Choux Au Craquelin? Luscious Lemon Tart? Not Your Grandma’s Gingercake? Win this prize and select one of Katonah Cake’s made-to-order treats delivered to your door.
    Retail value: $50

    For your chance to win one or more of these terrific prizes, simply send an email to info@keepgirlsinschool.org with the number of tickets you’d like to allocate to each prize. After that, make your donation for the number of tickets you’ve ordered.

    Thank you for supporting girls’ education by entering our raffle! 

    We will contact the lucky winners on Tuesday, March 29th.

    Good luck everyone!

    With gratitude,
    Cynthia Braun, Celeste Crosby, Elizabeth McGoldrick, Ruthie Rosenberg, and Elena Rover

    It’s back! The 5th Annual KEEP Paddle Tennis Tournament

    Please join us for our 5th Annual Paddle Tennis Tournament!

    The Carriage House at Waccabuc Country Club 

    90 Mead Street, Waccabuc, NY 10597 (click for directions)

    April 26th   10am – 12:30pm

    Rain date: April 27th


    We’re heading back to the fabulous Waccabuc Country Club for the KEEP paddle tennis tournament. We’ll have a morning filled with round robin play, delicious refreshments, conversations by the fire, fantastic raffle prizes — and awards for the players who rack up the most points!  

    Participants will be grouped by ability. All levels welcome! 

    Registration donation:  $60   

    Raffle tickets:

    • 1 for $5
    • 5 for $20
    • 20 for $50

    As always, 100% of your fully tax-deductible donation supports tuition for the girls in the eighth-grade class at the Kakenya Center for Excellence.

    See you on the courts!

    Questions? Email us at info@keepgirlsinschool.org

    Crossing the Finish Line

    We did it! On November 22, 111 trekkers completed the KEEP 2 Kenya Challenge! These intrepid walkers, hikers, and runners collectively logged a whopping 9,782 miles over a six-week period, easily covering the distance between KEEP headquarters in NY and the Kakenya Center for Excellence in Kenya. 

    All teams and individual participants truly outdid themselves. A special shout-out to the top three teams: 

    • To Lou’s and Back (2,457 miles) – a group of college friends motivated by memories of late-night donuts at a favorite off-campus diner.
    • Bookin’ It (1,019 miles) – a book club that hopes all girls worldwide will one day achieve universal literacy and share in the joy of reading.
    • Step It Up, Jeeves (752 miles) – three generations of the Butler family who put their best foot forward, from a 17-year-old grandson to a 79-year-old grandmother.  

    A huge thank you to each and every participant who made this event such a success! Trekkers and Boosters together donated an incredible $9,588, funding 22 annual tuition scholarships for the girls at the Kakenya Center for Excellence!