Muraleando artists display supplies donated by Gomez Art supply of Lincoln.
Friendship Force International members donate medical supplies to the health clinic at Cuerpo de Guardia.
Members of Friendship Force International (FFI) recently had the opportunity of a lifetime to see the sights and sounds of Cuba. Pat Novak of Lincoln was a member of the group of 33, which represented Friendship Force clubs in 13 states. The visit was supported by Lincoln donors and other club locations.
Under “Service to the Cuban People,” FFI visited many of the institutions involved in bettering the lives of Cuban people. At a health clinic, more than 200 pounds of much-needed medical supplies were donated. School supplies were given to an entrepreneurial center, and shampoos and hair care products were given to a cosmetology school. Muraleando (an art colony that took the remains of a water tank and converted the content to art) received art supplies.
FFI group members learned about the history of Cuba and Cuba/U.S. relations, and they received a surprise visit from the first lady of Cuba. Tourist sites along the way included Ernest Hemingway’s finca (home), Las Terrazas (a converted French coffee plantation), ISA (Instituto Superior de Artes) and the converted Havana Country Club, where the focus is now on the visual and performing arts in higher education.
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“We learned to roll Cuban cigars, and even smoked one!” said Novak. “Of course, the pristine cars of the 1950s and 1960s were present everywhere.”
Novak gave special thanks to those who contributed to make the adventure possible and for the supplies that were much needed and appreciated: Gomez Art Supply, UNL Dental College, Bryan Health, Madonna ProActive, Vacek Family Dentistry, Dr. Justin Dworak, Dr. Rebecca Scott, Gateway Dermatology and many individual Lincoln donors.
