Donor Profiles

Swosthani Dotel

Karen and Mark Hartsuyker

When questioned why my wife and I support a child in Nepal we see an evolution of increasing commitment. This commitment arose from what is a compelling story. Initially two years ago I just made myself available to possibly create a documentary video for some non-profit based in the St. Louis region. Mitrata-Nepal was one of the organizations that came forward. Christine Schutz and I sat down over lunch and she told me the story of an organization that started with her and Nanda’s dream and grew to what it is today. As the history of Mitrata was told I was inspired by the directness of this vision; bringing aid to children who would benefit in such tangible ways from financial support. Further involvement in the organization showed me that all the volunteers were pulling together, a working team serving a larger good. In my experience with other non-profit groups of this size, this level of engagement and organization is not always evident.

To sponsor a child is to participate in a tangible way in the ultimate well-bring of another person. It is not the occasional card or yearly short letter from the child that we sponsor that counts here. It is the heart-felt knowledge that the health and education of an individual in a country that has been blighted by poor policy should have a better chance. We present as donors the opportunity to help offset the facts of personal tragedy in many of these children’s lives: the loss of their parents.

Regardless of the religious tradition that anyone of us claims as our heritage, the universal principle that is affirmed again and again is that we are all interconnected. I am “my brother’s (and sister’s) keeper”. We can make a difference helping the next generation find their way in a loving home that respects their cultural heritage.  — Mark Hartsuyker

Karen and Mark Hartsuyker sponsor Swosthani Dotel.

Mamta Luitel

Stephanie Recht

I met Nanda Kulu in St. Louis in 1995 and we became instant friends. She radiates kindness and has a contagious enthusiasm for life. I had the opportunity to go to Nepal in 1996 and I was excited to see Nanda again and to learn more about her country. During my visit, I was shocked to see how many children were living on the streets in Kathmandu. I gave food to some of the kids, but I was aware that a little bit of food would help for only one day. I wanted to be more helpful and I didn’t know how to at the time.

When Nanda and Christine formed Mitrata, I was ecstatic. I became the school sponsor of Mamta Luitel. It has been wonderful to work with Mitrata over the past few years and to become more involved as I’ve seen the organization grow. By sponsoring Mamta, I feel that I am changing the world in my own small way.

In the past, when I looked into child sponsorships through other organizations, I became disinterested when I learned that there was a religious connection or that only a low percentage of the money that I would give would go to the children. The grassroots aspect of Mitrata appeals to me. It was founded by friends who I trust and the money I give goes directly to Mitrata, not to a salaried administrator.

Rogina Karki

Rabina Karki

The Hoffmanns

Sandra, Joseph, and Amanda Hoffmann (parents and daughter) are sponsors for sisters Rogina and Rabina Karki.

We are pleased to sponsor these two girls at Mitrata-Nepal, as we understand the significant need present in Nepal and appreciate the larger value to society that arises from the support and success of each human life.

Amanda was adopted by Sandra and Joseph at age 5. Poverty and illness had required her biologic mother to relinquish her to an orphanage in Seoul, Korea. On arrival she was seriously malnourished and had active TB. She is now a healthy and confident young lady. She graduated from Creighton University last year and this year will marry an engineering graduate student whose grandparents were missionaries to Asia.

Sandra is a south county physician with an active practice. Earlier in life this outcome might have seemed surprising. She lost both parents by age 8 and was raised by her grandmother in a small Kansas town. They lived on her grandmother’s social security plus Sandra’s work at minimum wage jobs such as waitress and phone operator until Sandra went on to medical school and specialty (rheumatology) in Boston. Her husband Joseph is a Roosevelt High graduate, who comes from an impoverished setting in South St Louis to obtain a PhD at MIT. He taught for many years at St Louis University Medical Center before a recent medically based retirement.

They have one biologic and 3 adopted children including a daughter and son from Ukraine and Russia. During their travels they have witnessed the limitations children face in the 3rd world first hand.

Despite the flaws in our system, America is full of possibilities. Many people helped Sandra, Joseph and Amanda reach their potential despite very desperate circumstances. We often do not appreciate how different America is in comparison to most other areas of the world. The Hoffmann’s are very pleased to be able to pass some of this opportunity on to children at risk. All of society benefits from the success of each of its members. There is no better investment than the care and commitment to support each individual child.