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Steamboat sisters aim for Africa

Benefit and auction for Uganda trip is tonight at Rex’s

Nicole Inglis

— Like many other members of the audience at the premiere of the Africa documentary “Mzungu” last fall, local residents Nicole Stone and Katrina Nanio were moved by the story of Come, Let’s Dance, a Steamboat Springs-based humanitarian organization working with children in Uganda.

And the sisters decided they wanted to join the cause.

“It’s all about the people and how they help there and what the organization does for the community,” said Stone, who has worked on two Come, Let’s Dance events including the film premiere. “And Shane (Gilbert, Come, Let’s Dance founder) is just an inspiration altogether. She’s 100 percent about helping people. Everything she says is inspiring.”



Nanio and Stone are fundraising for an upcoming trip to Uganda with the organization, where they will work with an orphanage and local grass-roots programs aimed at empowering youth and building sustainable futures.

Their third fundraising effort is a social cocktail event tonight at Rex’s American Grill & Bar, where Nanio works.



From 5 to 7 p.m., there will be cocktails and light appetizers alongside a silent auction that includes items ranging from a helicopter ride to skateboard deck art and Rockies tickets.

The cost is $12 at the door, which is reduced to $10 with the donation of a children’s book for Ugandan children.

The books will travel to Uganda as part of a book drive that Nanio is organizing, and Stone hopes to contribute her skills as a banker to help with the finances of the Come, Let’s Dance programs overseas.

They hope to make the trip within the year, once they raise the funds needed. Although she is nervous, Stone said she thinks it will be an invaluable experience.

“These children don’t get the opportunities we get here,” she said. “By going over there and giving a little bit of our time, it makes a world of difference to them.”

And it’s an experience she wouldn’t want to share with anyone but her sister.

“I wouldn’t go if we couldn’t go together,” she said.

To reach Nicole Inglis, call 970-871-4204 or email ninglis@SteamboatToday.com


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