FIRST ANNUAL FUNDRAISING EXTRAVAGANZA

First annual fundraiser a resounding success!

[ For more great photos of this event, click here ]

Our first annual fundraiser was a spectacular success. Over 190 people attended and supported Los Amigos de La Peņita with proceeds slightly over $173,000 pesos. The silent auction of 59 donated items grossed $81,300 pesos while other donations reached nearly $91,900 pesos. Our profound thanks to our host, Thomas Bartlett, for his gracious and generous support and for providing the inviting and welcoming ambience of his Hacienda La Peņita. And, our warm and special thanks to all of our donors for their financial support and their donations to the silent auction and door prizes. Muchas, muchas gracias a todas!

Los Amigos volunteers produce a spectacular result

The indefatigable work of many Los Amigos members and other volunteers produced a very successful and pleasing 1st Annual Benefit Fundraiser. Special recognition to Karen Martin and Jeanie Mintzmyer for organizing and producing an extremely successful silent auction and door prize drawings. Major kudos to Arla Foster, our treasurer, for very ably and efficiently managing ticket sales. Our special thanks to Sarah Walker for managing and directing the venue at Hacienda La Peņita and keeping our fundraising committee on task. Many thanks to Jerry Aschenbrenner for serving as our master of ceremonies and supporting this event. And, our special thanks to our purveyors of music who entertained our guests including JaQui, Eric Nice and Adan.

We want to acknowledge and thank Roberto Gil de Montes aka "taco man" for organizing and arranging for the food service and to Eddie Dominquez for lending the support of Xaltemba Restaurant to our event. A special thanks to the volunteers who were "drafted" to help including Doug Martin, Yvonne Brewster, Valerie Egan, Jeff Rogers, Bob and Linda Gibbs, and Nelson Gothie. And, we want to acknowledge and thank the members of the fundraising committee for providing many hours and days of support for planning and organizing the event including Marion Rogers, Abe O'Neill, Doris Chabot, Eric LeBlanc, and Mimi Flammang. Without your help, this event would not have happened.

Our sincere gratitude to all:

Mark O'Neill, President
Ken Snyder, Chairman, Fundraising Committee

Acknowledgements »
Event photos »
2009 Fundraiser information »

Proceeds from this event will be used to support several Los Amigos projects
including:

• improvement of trash collection operations,
• street cleaning initiatives to include a public and school awareness campaign,
• expansion of a pilot program to clean La Peņita neighborhoods,
• the initiation of a plastics recycling program through the local schools,
• and other public awareness campaigns.