Walking the runways of Paris and Milan is a dream come true for any aspiring model from small towns all over the world. The life of high fashion must seem even more remote for any boy or girl from a small village in Ethiopia. Thanks to model Anna Getaneh, children who live in this devastated region of the world are benefiting from the glamorous life experience Getaneh calls her own. Born in Sweden to Ethiopian parents, Getaneh has always had a passion for bringing humanitarian services to this forgotten country. You might not know her name, but if you follow fashion or read magazines - you know Anna's face. 
Getaneh was the staple on fashion runways from NY, Paris, & Milan in the 90's. She was a favorite of Yves Saint Laurent's, and many of major houses. Her incredible cheekbones and exotic, cherubic beauty was a beautiful addition to the all too often lilly white faces on fashion runways.
A whirlwind of fashion shoots, runway shows, and CoverGirl commercials would fill Anna's glamorous life. Fast forward a decade and Getaneh has a very different life, although no less interesting and even more fulfilling. Anna now calls South Africa home, where she is a wife and mother. She is also the founder of a wonderful children's charity -The Ethiopian Children's Fund. Getaneh has watched her dream of helping the poor children of Ethiopia come to fruition. Basic needs for a child include a roof over their head, a place to feel safe, and healthy food to eat. For many children the world over - school is a haven where they can forget the reality of their home life and begin to dream. In the West, its hard for us to remember just how bad the living conditions are for millions of children the world over.
SOME OF THE BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN AT THE ECF SCHOOL
If you are looking for a wonderful way to make a difference this holiday season, the Ethiopian Children's Fund is a the perfect place to make your gift. If you log on the website and watch the video of Anna and the School, I promise it will warm your heart.
For less than the price of a pair of designer shoes ($540), you can provide a child with healthcare, education, uniforms, and food for ONE YEAR! PLEASE visit the website and help Anna continue to make a difference. She is not sponsored by the government and the organization is as grass roots as it gets. 100% of your donation goes to the school. Thank you Anna for making a difference, and for changing these children's lives forever!