Kerrie Hubbard and Bette Nordberg

It is amazing what some people are able to accomplish even in the midst of adversity.  Kerrie and Bette birthed an idea to make life easier for orphans but carrying out that concept became more of a challenge than anticipated when Kerrie was diagnosed with cancer.  This is the story of two talented individuals who put together a plan to build an orphanage.  And they succeeded!

Kerrie Hubbard from is an avid watercolor artist as well as a college graduate, with a degree in human development.  She keeps busy with writing, doing graphic design and web-related photography plus violin study.  

Self Portrait of Kerrie Hubbard
Kerrie has always had a heart for the needy of the world and has helped with the Shoe Box campaign through Samaritan’s Purse.  As well, she sponsors a child through World Vision.  This is in addition to serving on the board of an outreach to the homeless population of Clackamas County.

She has always felt that she can make a difference by just giving of herself. Along side all she already does for the disadvantaged, she began to have a desire to help the millions of homeless orphans in Africa.

Bette Nordberg is a physical therapist, as well as a published writer of both fiction and non-fiction books.

Bette Nordberg: Bette became aware of the needs in Africa, which in turn created a tug on her heart to do something about it.  She had no idea what lay ahead. Both Bette and Kerrie belonged to a Writers Association when they met in 1998 and became good friends.  It was during one of their adventures, in the middle of a desert, that the plan for “4theorphans” was birthed.  They were participating in a cross state bicycle ride.  When Kerrie first brought it up, Bette thought perhaps her friend was suffering from heat stroke.

They quickly set in place plans to reach their goal.  Upon completion of the trip they decided to contact BE A HERO to investigate how to go about this project and what or where to support.  The choice was difficult because there are so many people and places that need help.  They decided upon an orphanage in Goma, Congo.

This location is called Mama Jeanne’s Orphanage and is in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Mamma Jeanne started in 1993, in the Masisi region of the Congo, to care for children that had been orphaned, or separated from their parents during successive wars.
Mamma Jeanne does not turn away children because there is such a need for them to be cared for.  This in turn creates a constant need for more facilities such as dorms and school space.
The two women made their choice and were on their way to accomplish their dream.  To explore the journey they took you can go to their website at: www.4theorphans.org

It was shortly after their return from the bike trip with plans well under way, that Kerrie was diagnosed with Lymphoma (stage three).  Even with news such as that, she still maintained her determination and sense of humor.  Kerrie joked with Bette wondering why if she was the one with cancer; how come it was Bette who was always tired on the trip.

They started out by convincing a Youth Group to take up regular offerings for the orphans and moved on from there.  By January 2007 they were only about $5,000.00 from their goal of building a boy’s dorm.

They had set about to create a Benefit Concert to be held in February 2008.  Of course, when they made the plans by booking the band, location and did the original planning, they didn’t have Kerrie’s illness on the radar.  They had no idea how challenging this would become.

By the time the concert date was getting closer Bette found she had to carry a lot of the load in preparing for the event due to Kerrie’s condition.  Kerrie was able to design posters and postcards.  The rest was left to Bette to complete. This included making desserts for the day; since it was advertised as a concert and dessert.  Bette did have the help and support of many goods friends.  Her church offered space and a sound team free of charge.  As well, they promoted the event at every chance.

Kerrie was unwilling to miss the concert, so one week after her fifth chemo treatment Bette picked her up and had Kerrie stay at her home until the big day.

The Concert was a huge success with an audience of about 150 persons. The event raised approximately $8,000.00. The talents of “Rising Violet” supplied Piano, Violin and vocals that thrilled the audience. 

In addition to great music and fabulous desserts, there was a free drawing to win a piece of Artwork.                                                    
Art Work done by Kerrie Hubbard

Their goal was to raise more than $15,000.00 in order to build a dormitory for 80 kids.  To date their efforts have netted over $19,000.  That will cover the dorm, the bedding and the beds.  Kerrie and Bette asked also that the back pay for the staff at the orphanage (they had worked for five months without pay) be paid out with the money they donated.                       

Having accomplished this goal not only has brought satisfaction to these two women and all the people who supported them: but they will have changed the lives of countless others.  All this happened by them just giving of themselves; regardless of their own situation.

Thank you, Kerrie Hubbard and Bette Norberg
for all you do for others.

You are HEROES

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100% of all funds donated for these projects are applied directly to the project. Be A HERO does not keep anything for administration. Be A HERO is able to do this because the Hero Partnership and Pillar Program participants designate their donations specifically for administration.

For information on current Be A HERO projects, click here.

If you wish to sponsor a child, click here.