Nothing But Nets
Staff Leader: Paul McGarvey
Nothing But Nets Fundraiser Success!
On May 18, 2007 many of you joined us for a free throw basketball event to benefit Nothing But Nets. Nothing But Nets is a grassroots campaign to save lives by preventing malaria, a leading killer of children in Africa. More than one million children in Africa die unnecessarily each year of malaria. The North Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church is supporting this campaign and has encouraged all United Methodist Churches to join the cause. We already have involvement in Africa, so our participation was a natural decision. Without much pre-planning we were able to raise more than $2300, which will purchase more than 230 nets. The event had participants shooting baskets from the free throw line for 3 minutes. The pledges received were based on the amount of baskets made during that time. Michael Castleberry made an amazing 65 baskets with Bailey Bunting right behind him with 51. Other leaders included Jim Ozier and Dean Libby with 28 baskets, Paul McGarvey-26, Janice Hatter-23 and Holly Wright-16. Looks like we have the makings for a great basketball team.
In the poorest parts of the world, where effective window screens are lacking, insecticide-treated bed nets are arguably the most cost-effective way to prevent malaria transmission. One bed net can safely last a family for about four years, thanks to a long-lasting insecticide woven into the net fabric. Bed nets prevent malaria transmission by creating a protective barrier against mosquitoes at night, when the majority of transmissions occur. The African malaria mosquitoes generally bite late at night or early morning, between 10:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m.
The Nothing But Nets campaign can make a significant impact by raising awareness and funds to purchase and distribute bed nets and save lives. Working together, we can cover Africa with lifesaving bed nets. Contributions are still being accepted. Contact Beth Lutz at bethl@tmumc.org or 972-539-8547 for more information.
