More than 500 people were able to see what life was like on an African farm during the third annual Celebrate Hope benefit Saturday.

The event at the Venue in Cape Girardeau showed pictures and art of children who have been served by Heart for Africa, a not-for-profit relief aid organization that works in Swaziland, Africa. Live chickens and goats were on display and could be sponsored by attendees for the Project Canaan farm, and there were live and silent auctions.

A final tally on fundraising was not available late Saturday, but ticket sales alone raised more than $25,000.

Heart for Africa director Jimmy Wilferth said he was "blown away with the phenomenal turnout."

"The people of Cape Girardeau are so unique. We have been so blessed by people who are involved in the business of God," Wilferth said.

Wilferth said he was honored to be from an area and around people who have such a big heart for God's work.

Water is Life was the theme of this year's Celebrate Hope. Heart for Africa founders Ian and Jeanine Maxwell gave an update on the process of the Project Canaan farm.

The farm was purchased in 2009. The 25,000-acre plot is divided into a children's portion and an agricultural portion. Project Canaan has received relief from the Celebrate Hope fundraisers. The El Roi baby home was built with funds raised at the previous Celebrate Hope events.

Maxwell also announced El Roi welcomed its first baby boy, Joshua, and first baby girl, Esther.

"These babies are with us for life," Maxwell said. "It's mind-blowing. It's one thing when you work on a project that is going to have a long-term impact on the Kingdom of God. Many people want the quick fix and it's hard to get people who are in for the long term. That's what Cape Girardeau has done. It is wonderful to partner with big thinkers."

One major project featured was an irrigation system to capture more water during the rainy season. Other projects that have begun include a food treatment center to refrigerate and export food. Plans are underway to build the El Rofi Medical Center.

Many attendees have been involved with Heart for Africa's work. Michelle Outman of Cape Girardeau attended and helped organize the previous Celebrate Hope events and visited Swaziland with her daughter in September. She described her involvement as "amazing."

Outman helped plant a garden for a widow and did work at the El Roi Baby Home. She said she "saw the face of God in the people she was serving, and was blessed to have been able to serve."

For Matt and Tiffany Smith of Jackson, this was their first time attending Celebrate Hope. Smith said they came because they support and believe in the cause of Heart for Africa and were thinking about going to Swaziland.

Everything for the Celebrate Hope event was provided by volunteers and donors. Dinner was donated by area restaurants and vendors. Several organizations from Southeast Missouri State University volunteered to serve food. The University of Wisconsin lacrosse team came on their spring break to volunteer. They have plans to serve in other locations between Wisconsin and Texas.

According to Wilferth, Heart for Africa will be taking five more trips through November.

For more information, go to heartforafrica.org.

Pertinent address:

80 South Plaza Way, Cape Girardeau MO