AFG, Global Riders Bring Presents and Love to Children

Over a dozen motorcycle enthusiasts - the Global Riders - donated $600, as well as gifts, sweets and chocolate, to children at the Future House Orphanage in Tbilisi on May 14.

“We are excited to kick off the 4th iteration of our popular Silk Road Adventure. We will be following the path of the ancient world's most famous trade route, the Silk Road! We'll begin this magnificent ride at the Western terminus of the old Silk Road in Istanbul, Turkey - the only city that lies on two continents, Europe and Asia. Over the next 53 days, we'll travel through Turkey, then into Georgia and Azerbaijan.” Helge Pedersen, the founder of company, wrote.

GlobeRiders® is a diversified motorcycle adventure touring and multi-media company founded by Helge Pedersen, headquartered in Seattle, Washington, USA.  In the elite community of today's global explorers, Helge stands at the pinnacle of achievement, having journeyed throughout the world for over ten years on his trusted BMW R80GS. Since this initial trek around the world, Helge has continued traveling on two wheels, visiting over 100 countries and covering more miles than he can count.  That journey continues today.

The trip was organized by the Global Riders and MIR Corporation, a travel company specializing in tours to the region and cooperating with AFG to bring more tourists to Georgia.

AFG arranged the visit to Future House on behalf of the Global Riders, who are touring the region as part of Silk Road Adventure 2011.

The 40 children - aged 6-18 - who live at the orphanage, along with their director Tornike Tvalabeishvili, held a performance for the riders, including a break dance show and live piano music.

The guest were amazed and excited by their performance, so they decided to transfer $600 to the orphanage bank account to by a  musical centre, CD players and other useful technologies for future performances.

In addition, when the riders learned of a pending soccer match between the Future House team and another orphanage, they bought uniforms for all the players.

AFG Annual Charity Gala

In honor of memory of AFG's Founder Constantine Sidamon-Eristoff, American Friends of Georgia will host its Annual Charity Gala on Saturday, January 21, 2012 at the Radisson Blu Iveria. Sponsorship opportunities available include Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire & also Raffle Prizes. Please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to reserve a table and get details on sponsorship opportunities.

Art Rehabilitation for IDPs Resumes

In 2011 AFG started a new round of its renowned art rehabilitation program for  Georgia’s war affected population. The program is partially funded by AFG’s October 2010 Gala; additional financing was provided by a democracy commission grant from the U.S. Embassy. For more information, please read the February newsletter.

Discover Georgia

American Friends of Georgia invites you to discover the unique country of Georgia from October 7 – 20, 2011.  You will experience this fabulously beautiful and welcoming place and will also visit many of the humanitarian projects supported by American Friends of Georgia (AFG).  This trip has been put together jointly by AFG and the MIR Corporation which is an American tour operator with extensive experience in this part of the world. 

Begin your journey in Tbilisi with its 4th century Narikala Fortress and Sioni Cathedral sheltering the cross of St. Nino. Travel Mtskheta, the ancient capital of the early Georgian kingdom of Iberia. Visit the wine region of Kakheti. Visit the seaside resort of Batumi and much more.  Visit the Mercy Center and meet with Mother Mariam at the Convent of the Transfiguration.

To see or download a brochure of the AFG Discover Georgia Trip, click on the photo below.