Guatemala Aid Fund Board Members
Bethany Eisenberg ZeebInterview with the Founder:
President and Founder After returning from Guatemala in 1998 Bethany wanted to find a way to help children in need. Each time she returns she wishes to do more to help children and families stay together and lead productive healthy lives in their own communities. GAF has created deep connections with Guatemalan community leaders and support the work they do towards eliminating the root causes of poverty, malnutrition and child abandonment through education, job training, parenting support and child protection programs. Integral to all programs is the preservation of indigenous cultures, environmental protection and use of the Guatemalan Work force. Bethany has worked in the field of Water Resources/Engineering for more than 35 years, and recently retired from her position as the Director of Stormwater Services at VHB to volunteer full time as the Director of GAF. Bethany is also a sufferer and advocate for the awareness for M.E/CFS, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Most important in Bethany’s life is her entire family, friends and nature, a source of joy and fulfillment on a daily basis. Laura Rheinheimer
International Projects Coordinator and Liason
Laura spent many years working with Central American youth in the United States before moving to Guatemala permanently. She is grateful to have the opportunity to continue her work with this population at Hogar de Niños Fátima and the Association to Eradicate Poverty. She loves sharing the amazing work that is being done in Guatemala with visitors from near and far. In addition to her direct work with the children she coordinates the GAF Volunteering Tourism Trips in-country. She also provides Guatemala Aid Fund with monthly updates and project management information regarding the specific programs GAF supports. |
Martha Eisenberg
Marketing Materials Director, Book Editor and Artistic Director
Martha is the owner of MarketME . She has worked in professional marketing department for more than 25 years and has developed all of GAF materials since it began, including the logo. She completed the editing and layout for the Singing Beach Day book being published by GAF Charitable Books, Her creative skills with word and images bring ideas and concepts alive. Martha lives in Arlington MA with her husband and who two children who also volunteer regularly for GAF events and activities. Marielle Allor
Communications and Presentations Director
Marielle jumped right into the Guatemala Aid Fund Board activities with extensive experience in communications, event planning, editing and innovative thinking. Marielle designed and initiated a Guatemala Aid Fund Newsletter, which was non-existent before, and she visited all of the Guatemala Aid Fund Projects on site in 2020. Her enthusiasm and skills have helped GAF launch the new Donor Management System and she has been instrumental in planning and coordinating many events. Josie Zeeb
Vice President and Social Media Director Josie has grown up volunteering with GAF her whole life. From packing up toothbrushes to send, having lemonade stands to raise money, volunteering at yard sales and organizing Teen to Teen events it has been part of her life. As an adult, she has taken on an active role in the GAF Board of Directors focusing on engaging youth her age through social media and her activities to be engaged in acts of giving. She lived in Guatemala and volunteered at the Fatima Children's Home in August 2019 and returns to Guatemala frequently with the GAF Volunteering Tourism trips. Join Josie with a group in Guatemala! |
Mary Jo Larson |
Misal Bali |
Director of Grants
Mary Jo joined the Guatemala Aid Fund after being very active through global learning, sharing and caring programs initiated at the St. Johns Church in Arlington. Mary Jo enthusiastically joined the Board offering her extensive years of Grant Writing Experience and management skills to the team. She has offered up many fundraising ideas, and taken many on herself. Her group from St. Johns Church will be visiting the programs in Guatemala when travel allows. |
Development Director Misal jumped right in with the Guatemala Aid Fund team sharing her tremendous energy and enthusiasm for helping the kids. Misal volunteers at other non-profits as well as working full time, and is always ready with insights and ideas for developing our programs and increasing our outreach. You may have seen her at fundraising tables surrounded by colorful Guatemalan and Indian textiles (shown below) |
The Zeebs visiting Guatemala
A visit to Guatemala
Former Board Members and Freinds of GAF
Eva Barbarics Eva Barbarics
came to one of the GAF Fiesta fundraiser after which she approached Bethany and said "I want to help", and she has! She immediately donated more than 20 pieces of handmade jewelry she designed for the Ebay Auction and has continued to provide tremendous support and hours for the volunteer efforts of the GAF. Eva's daughter Sophia also assists with volunteer efforts at the fundraising events.Even thought Eva has returned to her home country of Guatemala she continues as an active contributing member of the Board. Eva has visited all the GAF programs in Guatemala.
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Melinda Eisenberg Paul
indy Eisenberg Paul, Bethany’s sister, has been involved in the GAF since the beginning and is now the Treasurer. Lindy has always been involved in the betterment of the lives of children and especially devoted to initiatives to provide safe and nurturing programs for the development of adolescents. Lindy works full time as an editor for a Scientific Publishing company and runs the environmental journal and academic book program. She is busy with work and family but hopes to visit the programs the GAF supports and hold some of the beautiful babies.
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Kathy Stubbs
thy was instrumental in the early growth & success of GAF. She started the Amazon Smile program and the Ebay giving works. She is the proud mother of three Guatemalan-born children. Seeing a level of poverty first hand on her last trip to Guatemala with her husband, where people’s basic needs of life are not met, moved her to tears and solidified her desire to help. "Despite the poverty these children live with everyday they were so loving, generous with their hugs and grateful for anything they were offered."
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Gisela Nilsson
Gisela fell in love with Guatemala during a visit in November 2007 on a servicing trip to a home for boys located just outside Guatemala City. Gisela made many little friends at the Hogar, especially Daniel, Jonathan and Chepe. Gisela set up our website and provided technical guidance and supported all of our sales and events with a beautiful smile, always. Gisela works at an au pair agency in Cambridge, is a guide in Boston, and has a website about Boston. Bob Noel
Bob reached out to the Guatemala Aid Fund, first by visiting the partner programs, and then by engaging his communities in giving. Bob has connected us with so many wonderful people in Fargo North Dakota who continue to support Guatemalan Programs, many of which are supported by GAF.
Watch an AMAZING VIDEO THEY CREATED |
Karen Buck
Karen and her family's lives were transformed by a brief encounter visiting Pedro Hermano Hospital while in Guatemala to adopt their two children; Kristina and Luis. They delivered a package to Pedro Hermano Hospital from Bethany and were overwhelmed by their kindness and by their needs. Karen's heart opened by the boundless love, the connection to our Guate sisters and brothers was forever sealed.
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Donna Von Halle Donna with Christian
Donna provided great support to the GAF with her special talents as a graphics and marketing professional, as well as her passion and dedication for the kids in Guatemala. Donna has a deep and personal connection to the children of Guatemala having visiting 15 times while waiting for the the homecoming of her son. Donna continues to help GAF with support at events.
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