Mark Dirks (CEO) & John Scaramuzzo (COO) cofounded Beacon in 1998 with a firm commitment to community service and making Beacon a great place to work. Twenty years later, these values are stronger than ever as the company pushes to new heights with Weaving Hope in Rwanda.
Beacon is a full-service web technology, digital marketing and IT services company, located in Greensboro NC. Initially founded as a web software development firm, focused on ecommerce websites, Beacon has expanded over the years to become a recognized leader in digital marketing, one of the longest-standing Google Analytics partners in the country, and a premier web partners for colleges and universities.
For Weaving Hope, Beacon oversees basket production and exports from Rwanda to the burton+Burton facility in Georgia. Beacon also manages the website and provides both creative and digital marketing (web & print).
Maxine Burton revolutionized the floral industry when she founded Flowers, Inc. Balloons® in 1982 by turning printed balloons into “floating greeting cards”. From back-room startup to The World’s Largest Balloon and Coordinating Gift Supplier, Maxine's ingenuity, work ethic, customer service emphasis and “employees are family” philosophy serve as the foundation of the company’s success. Maxine and her husband, Bob (CEO), have received numerous local and national awards recognizing their leadership and community service over the last 35+ years. The Burtons believe that “Some things are more important,” which is why the Weaving Hope mission is engrained in the company’s DNA.
In 2006, the company name changed to burton + BURTON® to represent the extensive inventory of balloons, floral supplies, coordinating gifts, and home décor the company offers. Their product catalog contains over 13,000 items, serving over 100,000 customers worldwide.
For Weaving Hope, B+B has integrated the baskets into their inventory, website and existing distribution process to sell them online directly to consumers and their many retail customers.
Hope on a Thousand Hills (HTH) is a ministry of the Anglican Church in the Gasabo Diocese. Their mantra is “Come Change Lives With Us” by supporting the community through Evangelism, and also through smartly integrated programs for Education, Nutrition and Agriculture because education and proper development requires proper nutrition. Consequently, school children receive daily nutritious snacks to ensure good calories full of important fats and proteins. HTH invests in local farmers to facilitate and sustain the nutritional needs of the community, the children and themselves. HTH covers all the bases, believing that the health of the land mirrors the physical (and even spiritual) health of its people.
HTH's work with schools is headed by Rene Kirwa, the organization's Director of Education. Learn more about the HTH Team lead by Archdeacon Samuel.
After 35 successful years as a corporate leader and marketing executive, John Craig felt a calling to do something different. In March 2015, with the help of Global Outreach International, he moved to Rwanda as a missionary of his Winston-Salem, NC church, Christ Church Anglican.
Currently, he is the Executive Director of Rwanda Anglican Capital Investments (RACI) and a partner at Catalyst Consulting. Both organizations move forward the objectives of the Anglican Church of Rwanda to provide helpful community services to Rwandan communities.
John was instrumental in bringing Weaving Hope to life. His persistence, professional network and “feet on the ground” in Kigali continue to ensure the success of our organization. John has also earned a reputation as a super host and foodie from the many missionaries and friends who have enjoyed his hospitality while traveling through Rwanda.
Abraham Konga is one of Rwanda’s premier jewelry designers. His two stores in the Kimihurura neighborhood are often cited as must-stops for tourists visiting Kigali. However, his passion for hand-crafted jewelry extends beyond his own designs as he diligently promotes other local artists and designers by selling their baskets, jewelry, pottery and items in his stores.
Abraham likes to say, “This gives us opportunity.” Recognizing the immense impact that Weaving Hope can have on his community, he jumped at the chance to help out. Abraham is a key part of the Weaving Hope mission. He brought in the Women’s Cooperative in Gitarama to handle basket production - supporting their needs, which through the fundraising initiative, will ultimately help under-nourished Rwandan children.
Azizi Life is a faith-based social enterprise in Rwanda committed to sustainability, collaboration, and putting people first – artisans and customers alike. Founded in 2008 under the international NGO Food for the Hungry, Azizi Life has become a bridge to connect hardworking artisans to the global market. In addition to flourishing sales in Rwanda, Azizi Life offers products to US customers from our warehouse in Spokane, Washington, as well as FOB sales directly from Rwanda.
