Star of Hope Benefits Children in Kenya

A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and a former project manager for Microsoft, Edward Anderton is the cofounder and managing director of Scarlata Chocolate in Seattle, Washington. In this role, Edward Anderton manages the day to day operations of the boutique chocolate maker. In addition to crafting chocolate truffles with unique and decadent flavors, Scarlata Chocolate strives to support community organizations like the Star of Hope Centre.

The Star of Hope Centre is located in Bungoma County in Kenya. The center, established by Leonart Muyelele, provides a loving home for children who have lost their parents due to HIV/AIDS, armed conflict, abandonment, and malaria or other diseases. The center also provides education and meals to over 150 village children who are in need.

Each year, a board of directors based in Seattle holds a fundraiser called Dancing for the Stars. At the event, supporters enjoy live music, dancing, African food prepared by chef Mulu Abate, a dance lesson, and a silent auction featuring a variety of items donated to the organization. All of the funds raised at the event are applied to costs related to tuition, supplies, and shoes for the children at Star of Hope.

The Challenging Cold Water Swim in the Escape from Alcatraz Duathlon

A longtime Seattle executive with a technology background, Edward Anderton serves as managing director of Scarlata Chocolate, a company that produces dark chocolate that emphasizes the use of local, organic, sustainably sourced raw materials. Also a fitness enthusiast, Edward Anderton took part in the Escape from Alcatraz duathlon and placed second within his age group in August of 2015.

The challenging annual event starts with a 1.5-mile swim from a ferry just off Alcatraz across the San Francisco Bay Area to the city, followed by a 7-mile run. The swimming portion is infamous for its difficulty, with swimmers contending with strong currents, fog, and bone-chilling water that make a full wetsuit a must. 

A unique element of the swim portion is that the strong and changeable currents create an L-shaped course, rather than a simple A to B proposition. Top performers typically aim for efficiency and energy conservation in the beginning as they take a direction that compensates for the current and lands them at the Marina Green.