II. Why The Grace Children's Foundation?

As the group contemplated the magnitude of the event and the region of the world where our journey will take us, it seemed appropriate to give back to the very people from whom we will learn. In considering which organization we would support we decided to dedicate our efforts to orphaned and abandoned children in China. We sought an organization working to assist these children in a positive and sustainable way. It was essential that the organization we chose had dedicated itself to the wellbeing of children who would not be adopted but who would be faced with the challenge of entering their own society with purpose. After careful consideration we chose to partner with The Grace Children's Foundation (GCF).

The Grace Children's Foundation (GCF) is a New York based non profit organization that has as its mission to improve the lives of orphans in China through directed medical, education and vocation and humanitarian aid programs in cooperation with the Chinese officials responsible for their care.

GCF has worked for a decade to form relationships both in China and the United States. Their focus is to harness already existing resources in China, currently inaccessible to orphan children, to create a smooth conduit between the child in need and the resource. Its goals are to deliver highly regarded programs of medical/surgical care and education and vocation to the children who have been abandoned to orphanages in China and to insure the delivery and sustainability of these programs in an established base. They are working to create a central "hub" where those who are eager to donate their care and expertise can perform.

Their plan is a simple one. Its implementation will change the outcome for millions of children. It touts China and those who dedicate themselves to the plan as leaders of a systematic approach to change and offers a model for other countries where there are institutionalized children living without the benefit of parental love and guidance.

Since the team members and GCF are both based in New York City we are able to team up with an organization that, while helping the children of China, gives us an ability to get involved on a local level. As the group discussed the work and goals of The Grace Children's Foundation and saw the passion of its members, our decision was no longer in doubt. The Gobi March will offer the three team members a rare chance to see a remote region and encounter a fascinating people. The group is humble enough to realize that we will be in close contact with many of these villagers' homes and we hope that this partnership with GCF can pave the way to help repay some of the debt to those assisting us along the way. It is also the hope and plan of the group to continue working after the Gobi March with Nancy Robertson and her team to further enhance the organization's global reach.

Next: The Participants