Helpers seek helping hand
A Costa Mesa woman and her brother washed cars Saturday with hopes of helping those less fortunate than them.
Brittany Adams, 28, along with her brother Patrick Forte, 23, held the car wash and raised $483 toward their three-week trip to Kenya with Habitat for Humanity.
“I’m just really excited for the trip,” Adams said. “It’s something [Patrick and I] have never done before. I’m excited to help out some really amazing people and see something different.”
Forte agreed.
“It’s all about giving something back and taking on a new experience,” he said.
The siblings, along with 12 others from around the world, will help build homes for the people of Kenya.
“We want to just bring attention to the fact that we live in a blessed area,” Adams said. “Doing any little thing to pay attention to another part of the world is always good.”
Adams said she went on mission trips to help build homes in Mexico while in high school and college, but had not done anything since.
She said she had been involved with Habitat for Humanity locally, but never traveled with it. When she found out about the project in Kenya, Adams said she knew she had to go and invited Forte to come along.
“I’ve always had a passion for Kenya,” Adams said. “A lot of my friends got really involved with Uganda, so it’s always been around and apparent to me.”
Raising money for the trip is a challenge, Adams said. She and Forte each need to raise about $3,500 in order to cover the cost of the trip.
“It’s been a journey raising money,” Adams said. “It’s been a big part of the process. This is part of the experience, and raising money is really hard. The preparation starts months before we get there. I’m sure it will take time to decompress once we get back.”
Local businesses donated goods for the car wash. Adams said Vitamin Water donated cases of the drinks for the car wash’s customers, and Target donated washing supplies.
The siblings will also hold a bingo night to raise money for their trip later this month, but an exact date has not been determined.
Those wishing to support Adams’ and Forte’s trip can donate at share.habitat.org/user/brittanyadams.
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