Artist Antonella Antonioni Beautiful works going up for auction at event

These will be classes auctioned off at Aprils Flower's Awareness Event

Women's and Children's Shelter Awareness Event Advert

This event is being held in the honor of the baby that was found in a poolside changing room on July 28th, she is being called 'April'. It is tentatively set for Sept 9th, however, that may change to Sept 16th. We need donations of Women's and Children's new/gently used clothes, toys and gifts. If you would like to donate items to be auctioned off at this event please contact me asap so we can arrange this as I am posting pics of auction items on the blogsite and would like to have as many pictures as possible. If you would like to participate in any other capacity, we need an auctioneer, and advertising, etc.

Regarding the baby, I have found that this is not unusual in UAE because of the laws. I am unable to legally adopt her because that is reserved for married locals. However, I get to see her often. This has touched me very deeply and I've started a drive to help the Women's and Children's Shelter in AD. And bring awareness to the plight of abused women, children and abandoned babies here. It's been amazing to see people come together for something that is heard of but not many people know about the help center, or it's needs. 

At this time, Harley Davidson of Dubai, HD of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain chapters have offered their support with a charity run collecting women's and children's clothes, toys, and gifts. I also have many artists donating their works be it paintings, photos crafts or vouchers for classes for an auction that will be held at the end of the run. I have a popular professional Dubai based rock and roll band coming to play. Face painters for the kids.  7days news has offered to cover this story.

If you find you can be a part of this in any capacity we would all appreciate it. 

Please contact:

L Michelle Mellinger

Aprils.flowers@yahoo.com

Aprilsflowerscharity@blogspot.com (following the progress)

050 175 3583 event contact number

Thank you to those of you donating your time and gifts

I would like to take a moment to thank all of you participating in this event. In any capacity all your efforts are greatly appreciated more than you know. I will post your work as you send them. Please take pics and send it to me via email at Aprils.Flowers@yahoo.com it is easier for me to upload this way. Thank you so much really.

Wonderful things happening

I want to take a moment just to tell everyone a few things that I have learned and still learning and the things I've seen God do in this.
I wanted a puppy or fish in my tank......I kept contemplating having something to be responsible other than myself. And this baby came along....I had no idea that night how this would change my life. I have always been involved in some capacity helping others with shelter, food, clothes etc. Charities involving animals. I never expected to be in charge of bringing together an event like this. Well, personally I believe that God is in charge and the reason I believe that is I've seen His hand in it way before I found her that night.
One of the amazing things is the people put into my path that I chose to befriend, be it Facebook, neighbors, Harley Davidson, people I met in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain who I love. Each of them have stepped forward to help with this cause and I can't be more greatful.
It was brought to my attention that 'April' isn't an unusual case. Many babies become abandoned or removed from their unwed mother's who in most cases (depending on case) do jail time and deported. I will offer a link to a story done by Gulf News recently by Aftab Kazni regarding adoption in UAE.
The amazing thing is that I had the phone number for the Women's and Children's Shelter in my phone for weeks before this happened. Not sure why I saved it really. Seemed like an important number to have. That encouraged me to do something. I had the experience in charity work, the friends, the phone numbers and then the baby all put into my life in this order. I don't believe this is a coincidence.
I hope that everyone can have such blessings in their lives. This has been such a wonderful experience for me and I intend on doing the best I can do to do what it's obvious to me God expects of me. I hope that He works through you to encourage you to make a difference in someone life on any level. It's an amazing feeling.
L Michelle Mellinger

Harley Davidson ride for Women's Center UAE

Please join my friends in what we hope will be a spectacular event on September 9th. We are in the early planning stages and could use any help with location, etc. or, donations of clothes, toys, and gifts for the Women and Children's Shelter in AD, as well as, the newborns that are abandoned here. If you can help in any capacity, or even if you cannot attend and have new or gently used Women and Childrens clothes, toys, etc....please contact  L Michelle Mellinger at Aprils.Flowers@yahoo.com
We are hoping to have a motorcycle run to raise awareness. The trail will be determined soon. We are also hoping to hold an auction at the end of the run. It is not necessary for you to have a motorcycle to participate. We would love having you in any capacity.