PSU alum, Hollywood actress honored for helping AIDS orphans
by STAFFSun Journal
June 01, 2008
PLYMOUTH, N.H. (AP) - Lela Edgar is familiar with the glitz of Hollywood, and with the despair of African slums where children orphaned by AIDS are trying to live.
Saturday, the actress was honored by her alma mater, Plymouth State University, for her volunteer work in raising awareness about the plight of the orphans.
Edgar, who graduated in 1996, received Plymouth State's Ut Prosim award for outstanding service.
Edgar graduated with a degree in psychology. She began volunteer work while at college, working for the Women's Service and Gender Resource Center and also assisting with anti-violence programs.
The Connecticut native moved to New York after graduation, then to Hollywood. She's appeared in the films "Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang" starring Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer and in "Gang Warz" with Robert Vaughn.
But she still had a leaning for public service, and the 15 million children left orphaned by AIDS in Africa gained her attention and concern.
"I've always been aware of the African AIDS crisis but the numbers have been so astronomical," Edgar said. "By contrast, I'm very aware of how rich we are in America. It seemed nonsensical to think I could do nothing."
Edgar traveled to Nairobi, Kenya, two years ago, visiting slums and people in the bush.
"I felt very empowered that I can do something because, in many parts of Kenya, the people have so little: children without food, water, and guidance; children living without roofs over their heads. These are the kinds of things we can do."
Edgar met a group affiliated with a Baptist Church in Machakos, Kenya, working to put together a small, self-sustaining eco-village for orphans and their caretakers. The village will include fruit and vegetable gardens, a solar oven for baking food and training in life skills such as sewing to help promote growth and sustain the community.
She created the nonprofit charity "Make a Change" several years ago after the visit and is raising money and awareness for the village.
Edgar said the foundation for working on the village has been laid, though now organizers need to procure land and delegate responsibility to form the village.