In Bedford, Pennsylvania — a rural town of roughly 3,000 people — global issues can feel far away. But each year, the Bedford International Celebration shows how a shared sense of purpose can bridge that distance. Longtime FINCA supporter Alyson Dehmcke took the helm of this year’s event, raising $8,000 for FINCA and demonstrating what’s possible when people come together around the belief that opportunity should not be limited by geography.
A Celebration Built by Many
An adult literacy teacher and devoted advocate, Alyson has spent years getting her community involved in FINCA’s mission to expand economic inclusion worldwide. Guided by her conviction that “we’re just one planet and people need help everywhere,” she has turned a local gathering into a celebration with global reach.
At its heart, the Bedford International Celebration is about connection. Neighbors not only attend but actively take part — contributing dishes, organizing activities, and pitching in wherever needed. This year’s event captured their cooperative spirit in every detail, from food representing two dozen countries to live performances by local artists, creating an atmosphere of joy, appreciation, and awareness.
The annual event is a true collective effort and a fun, hands-on approach to supporting FINCA. Alyson worked alongside close friends and community members to bring it all together. Melvina Elizmerli assisted with planning and decorating; Karen Choan and Connie Way kept things running smoothly throughout the evening; and Alyson’s daughter, Bryn Keller, generously provided the event space.
Becoming Part of Something Larger through the Bedford International Celebration
FINCA believes that people everywhere can play a role in building a more equitable global future. Bedford is part of a growing network of communities working toward the same goal of expanding opportunity far beyond their towns. “What draws me to this work is how universal it feels,” Alyson says. “A steady income, the ability to invest in our children’s education, and a sense of security in our daily lives are what we’re all striving for — and that’s something we have in common with FINCA’s customers around the world.”
At FINCA, we are immensely grateful to our donor community for showing up with so much passion and creativity. The Bedford International Celebration reminds us that meaningful change often begins close to home, with people like Alyson and her neighbors. Their dedication inspires our work and helps create lasting change for the people and families we serve.
