The Goal
Our goal is to raise $200,000 to build a new elementary school in Vera Cruz, Brazil, which will open in 2023.
Background
Patty Reis has lived in northeast Brazil her entire life. She has broken the stereotypical role of women in Brazil by putting herself through college, earning a degree in psychology, and becoming a leader in her community. Until recently, she served as the vice director and school psychologist at a private Christian school. She is now the founding president of Transforming Lives Association (ATV), which is the sister organization to Touchstone Cares in Brazil. ATV is successfully operating an elementary school serving 134 students and their families in the nearby town of Lagoa De Pedras. We feel called to build on the success of this first school by constructing a network of schools in the region, the next being a new school in Vera Cruz. In the last two years, Ted Kerr, president of Touchstone Cares, has purchased four contiguous lots in Vera Cruz and is in the process of donating the land to ATV for use in constructing the school.
The Reis-Kerr Building Fund
Patty and Ted want to use the occasion of their marriage in May 2022 to inspire others through the joy and love they share. They are counting on the generosity and partnership of their friends to help make this school happen!
Practically-speaking, the U.S. dollar is very strong relative to the Brazilian real. The current exchange rate is more than 5:1, putting the dollar near a 20-year high. Therefore, a little generosity goes a long way towards transforming lives in that part of the world.
Here are the needs that we hope you will consider helping to fund:
Area of Need and Amount:
Cafeteria and general meeting space +
$40,000
Computer technology classroom +
$20,000
Music and the arts classroom +
$15,000
Standard classrooms (6) +
$10,000 each
Erecting a signature cross +
$5,000
Garden of Peace +
$2,500
Computers/Tablets (15)
$1,000 each
Musical instruments or art sets
$500 each
Sports equipment
$250 each
Landscaping and decor
$100 each
+ Areas of need marked with a plus sign are named gifting opportunities. These spaces will feature a commemorative plaque with the donor’s name.
All donors will have their names engraved on a plaque that will be on display in the main academic building.
Ways to Donate
The easiest way to donate is through our website by simply clicking on the donate button below. When you complete the online form, please Add a Note and specify the Reis-Kerr Building Fund and the area of need that you are donating toward.
We also accept donations of stock or other marketable securities, which can be a particularly effective way to donate from a tax perspective. If you are interested in this option, contact Ted directly.