On Saturday, September 6, 2025, SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia, in partnership with Tomoca Coffee, hosted its inaugural fundraising event under the theme “Coffee for Care.” Unlike an ordinary day spent enjoying a cup of coffee, this gathering had a purpose, bringing together guests, staff, friends, and family to raise support and awareness for underserved children, young people and families across Ethiopia.
This event marked a significant milestone in SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia’s ongoing mission to mobilize and harmonize national and local resources, delivering homegrown solutions to the persistent challenges faced by those who need utmost support. Among the many initiatives undertaken this year, the fundraising event stood out as one of the most anticipated.
Held at Tomoca Coffee in La Gare, the event welcomed attendees with warm hospitality, delicious coffee, a selection of snacks, and soothing live instrumental music. It was a space for networking, meaningful conversations, and shared purpose.
The official program opened with welcoming remarks from Sahlemariam Abebe, the Multi-Country Director of SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia and South Sudan, who outlined the organization’s 50-year legacy and the core mission behind the day’s gathering. Emphasizing the importance of community collaboration, he encouraged guests to learn more about the organization’s work, get involved, and support the day’s fundraising efforts.
Before the main attraction, attendees visited the local sponsorship booth, where they had the opportunity to commit to monthly contributions supporting children, families, or entire programmes. Others made one-time donations through coupon purchases, some of which reached as high as 5,000 ETB.
Then came the most anticipated segment of the day, the charity auction.
The first item presented was a deeply symbolic painting, portraying the warmth and strength of SOS Children’s Villages' family-like care model. At the heart of the piece was a nurturing mother figure, surrounded by joyful children, a powerful visual tribute to secure, loving childhoods. What made this artwork even more meaningful was its origin: it was lovingly re-created by a talented young artist who grew up in the SOS Children’s Village Addis Ababa programme location. Infused with his lived experience, the painting was more than art. It was a personal testimony of gratitude and hope. The story behind the artwork captivated the room. The bidding began at 25,000 ETB and quickly escalated in a spirited auction, finally selling for 100,000 ETB.
Next was a Geez coffee watch, a unique timepiece from the Geez brand that artfully blends Ethiopian heritage with contemporary design. The watch, a symbolic fusion of time and coffee, was a perfect fit for the event’s theme. Starting at 30,000 ETB, the bidding again soared, ending at 100,000 ETB. Both successful bidders were then invited to the stage, sharing heartfelt remarks on feeling pride in contributing to such a meaningful cause.
As the event neared its ending, a surprise gesture from AZ Import and Export – Ruby Sanitary Pad added a final note of generosity. The company presented SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia with an in-kind donation valued at 75,000 ETB. A powerful and unexpected moment of solidarity and support.
To wrap up a successful day, a certification ceremony recognized key partners who stood alongside SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia in making the event possible. Tomoca Coffee, Geez Watch, and AZ Import and Export were each honored on stage and thanked for their invaluable contributions.
Closing remarks were delivered by Lijalem Baileyegn, Fund Development and Communications Director at SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia. He expressed deep gratitude to all attendees for taking time to support such a powerful initiative and reflected on the new connections formed. “Following today’s gathering,” he said, “we have gained not just supporters, but new family. One that will only grow stronger as we continue to stand united in our mission.”