Art Gallery & Local Author Bring the Story of Rwanda Alive in African Exhibi

Emerging Arts Scene in partnership with Miss America 2008 and Local Author Hosts MARKET RWANDA

Kirsten Halgund
Miss America 2008

The story of any culture is found in the artwork of its people. Humanitarian and Author, Linda Cox has partnered with Kirsten Halgund, a humanitarian and media personality also crowned Miss America 2008 to bring the experience of the beautiful culture of Rwanda to Emerging Art Scene Gallery in Castleberry Hill in an exhibit called MARKET RWANDA. Set for Sunday, July 31st from 4pm - 7pm, the market will include a distinctive collection of beautiful handmade jewelry, home décor and a book signing complete with a brief video and storytelling about the author's Rwandan friends, Simon & Kedress Nziramakenga who are also characters in the author's children's book, They Had to Run. Admission is only $5 and can paid in advance or on the day of the event.

Guests will enjoy wine courtesy of Rex-Goliath and light bites while experiencing the latest in distinctive original Rwandan Jewelry and home décor collection and the chance to meet Kirsten Halgund, Miss America 2008, and the author, Linda Cox. Haglund, the National Goodwill Ambassador for the Children's Miracle Network and currently a frequent contributor on "Hannity" on the Fox News Channel and "America's Nightly Scoreboard" on the Fox Business Network will share her own personal journey to Rwanda with a special presentation.

"They Had To Run is a story of deliverance and hope that all children, and their parents, need to hear", shares Halgund. "This incredible book connects children around the globe, and beautifully illustrates the forgiveness and love that defines the heart of the Rwandan people, and ultimately, the heart of God."

The book is based on the real life story of the author's Rwandan friends as two frightened children who ran from Rwanda to escape war and became two strong leaders who returned to build restoration in Rwanda. They Had to Run allows you to follow their journeys from burning villages to lives lived as orphans in the hardwood forests of Uganda. It gives you a chance to experience their joys and sorrows as they grow into adulthood with a deep desire to help others.

Cox explains, "Simon & Kedress have helped hundreds of orphans and refugees create productive lives for nearly 20 years. It's been a miracle providing all the resources - materially, spiritually, physically and mentally to achieve this. It is through the purchase of the beautiful handmade home décor, jewelry and the book that we can continue our work."

All proceeds from the purchase of the book and items from the MARKET go towards the construction of The Good Shepherd Community Hospital for Children in Kigali, Rwanda, part of the mission of One Hundred Days. Dr. Scott Sasser, founder and president of One Hundred Days says, "The health care system is one of the many victims of the genocide." According to the World Health Organization, there are only about 400 doctors in the entire country who serve a population of over eight million people. Hospitals are often overcrowded with overworked staff and outdated equipment. Currently, there is no facility dedicated to serving children in the entire country.