Transforming Lives: Support for Sami and Hassan

Pablo De Ritis is organizing this fundraiser.

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PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO READ THIS IN ITS ENTIRETY

I first learned about Sami and Hassan when I read about their heroism and bravery that was featured in The NY Times. Please take a moment to read this moving story by clicking HERE.

Here's the quick summary: Sami al-Gada and Hassan Tibwa's journey from students to heroes began in the harrowing days at the outbreak of the Sudan civil war in April 2023. Locked in their apartment, they were forced to witness the city's transformation into a war zone. The turning point came when they received a desperate call to rescue a senior U.N. official who was trapped in her home amidst gunfire and bombings with dwindling resources. This would be their first of many rescue runs.

Their initial act of valor turned into a weeks-long mission, rescuing over 60 foreigners, diplomats and NGO workers from the chaos. Despite facing life threatening danger, Sami and Hassan persisted, motivated by a profound sense of empathy, duty, and humanity.

Sami and Hassan are both one semester away from finishing their engineering degrees, but the conflict has put their education goals on hold.

As I finished reading the article I thought to myself – I need to support these incredible young men by telling their incredible story.

Not knowing exactly what would come next, I looked for ways to contact them. I felt they needed to know that their story matters and that their bravery was not going unrecognized.

Sami and Hassan are now in Miami, and we seek to support them in pursuit of their future; personally and educationally.

Click HERE to watch the video of their arrival.

As President of Faena Rose, I, Pablo De Ritis, have no familial ties to them but am deeply inspired by their journey. It's important to note that these funds will solely benefit Sami and Hassan directly, without any activities funded in Sudan.

HOW TO HELP

The proposed budget of $50,000 will help them get them on their feet and cover:

Relocation expenses
Accommodations and Living Expenses (6 months)
Educational Expenses
Emergency Funds

Here is a list of ways you can get involved with in-kind donations or if you want volunteer time or pro-bono services. Some examples are:

In-kind donations of clothing, household goods, or bikes
Time or services like educational resources, mentorship, or simply grab a coffee/bite, hear their story and introduce them to a new part of town. We want to do all we can to get them settle in.

If an in-kind donation or volunteering your time is something you can help with, click HERE to let us know.

Any donation helps - small or big monetary donations as well as -in-kind. Everything is welcome and appreciated. Thank you for all of your support!

Sincerely,

Pablo De Ritis

President

Faena Rose

PS - Sami and Hassan shared their stories with us during a Conversation hosted at Faena Rose. Please take a moment to watch the video and learn more. Click HERE.