Guatemala Charities Fund Raisers - Updated 16 September 2008

2010 Update
GUATEMALA CHARITIES FUND RAISERS begins a new chapter in 2010, with proceeds from all three of our fund-raising programs going to support the seven projects listed below. In November 2009, on a fact-finding mission to the country, Richard Martin spent a week exploring Lake Atitlan and Antigua in the highlands of Guatemala. Experiencing a severe drought, the people in this second-poorest country in Latin America are suffering from malnutrition, unemployment from a lack of tourism, and a 500% rise in basic food costs (corn, beans, rice). Our efforts to raise funds grow every year, and we hope you can join us on a tour or at one of the numerous bead events this year to help support these gracious indigenous Mayan families.

~ ODIM Organization for the Development of the Indigenous Maya (www.odimguatemala.org)
Opening in April 2009, this small 501(c)3 organization works with the communities of San Juan la Laguna and San Pablo on the shores of Lake Atitian, addressing educational and healthcare needs. With a budget of $53,000 per year, and very dedicated volunteers, the newly constructed medical center treats patients daily, and a visiting doctor arrives every two weeks for follow up treatment. In San Pablo, with only 25% of the children between the ages of 5-10 years enrolled in school, scholarships provide much needed services. The children's educational programs cover tuition, books, school uniforms, computer classes, a nutritious snack and 4 hours of tutoring per week. The center also offers adult literacy classes are mainly comprised of women speaking only their indigenous Maya language of Tzu'tujil. It empowers the women in a country where women's rights are often overlooked.

~ Ninas Mayas Corozon Maya Spanish School (www.corazonmaya.com) San Pedro
The owners of this school know the value of learning English, and are sponsoring an after-school program, teaching 20 young women English skills, with the help of some of their English speaking students. We have provided funds to purchase computers, and are funding school scholarships for ten of the young women.

~ Mayan Families Helping the Indigenous Maya People of Guatemala (www.mayanfamilies.org)
Based in Panajachel, this large 501(c)3 organization offers a wide range of services, including student sponsorships, sewing classes, general education, day care for young children, healthy family programs, animal welfare, water filters, stove projects, micro-finance and elder care. Run by Dwight and Sharon Poage out of their home in Panajachel, with a staff of 18 Mayans, it's a truly remarkable project. Their Motto: "A Hand Up, not a Handout".

~ Senovia's Beading Co-Op Sandi's major bead source, Senovia is responsible for creating many of the new designs that keep the line fresh and growing to sales and profit levels she now enjoys. Her beaders have worked tirelessly to produce new designs in a timely manner for the many shows Sandi now attends. We are sending funds monthly to these women to improve the lives of their children and families. More...

~ Luis Cholotio and Family We met Luis in March 2009, and he has never disappointed in his efforts to assist Sandi with her business dealings. We now employ Luis in our efforts to assist us in tour leading, and oversee and distribute funds to the non-501(c)3 projects that we are now supporting. His English-speaking and computer skills will be very helpful, as well as his suggestions on where our dollars will be best invested. He plans to use his monthly salary to obtain a degree as an English teacher, taking three years of college on the weekends.

~ Topaca & El Verbo Beaded Jewelry Sandi's other major bead sources. As long as we have verification that the donations we send are going directly to help the beaders and their families for basic needs such as health, education and food, we plan to send monthly checks to see that the women who produce these popular bead products are supported, if just in a small way.

~ Lisette's Antigua After-School Center Situated in a very nice neighborhood in Antigua, this morning day-care center for paying clients is turned into a free after-school program for students from poor families. They are given healthy snacks and help with their homework until their parents arrive late in the day from work. Our monthly donation will help sustain this wonderful program.

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We have other programs we are considering, most without 501 (c)3 tax-deductible status. The advantage of supporting grass-roots projects without the tax-status is that often more of the funds go directly to support the program. As long as the oversight is manageable, we feel it is an attractive option. Since we plan to return frequently, and the need is so apparent (especially in the Lake Atitlan area), we feel we can accomplish that goal.