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GUATEMALA
CHARITIES FUND RAISERS
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Current Projects: Guatemala Culinary & Shopping Tour November 7-15, 2013--$795
Tour Full--wait list available Go to Adventure tours above for March 2014 dates. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Letter to the LA Times Travel editor, Sunday, April 16th,2011 CalCoast 2012 2013 Update Guatemalan Beaded Jewelry sales continue to expand, with over 25 wholesale and retail accounts in the USA. It now represents over 80% of the funds raised, We'll be attending 22 sales events in 2013 to Gem Shows and Street Fairs in the West. Check the "GCFR Shortcuts", Bead Work Jewelry above to see the exciting and affordable opportunities the program has to offer. We sincerely hope you can join us on one of the tours or bead events to help support these gracious and grateful indigenous Mayan families. We wish to thank the many sponsors and volunteers that make this effort possible. They've enabled the organization to be able to give 100% of the funds raised directly to the families we support. There has been no administration, marketing or labor expenses since we began, and we intend to keep it that way. The rewards have been wonderful and we feel blessed to have been given this involvement opportunity. PROGRAMS GUATEMALA CHARITIES SUPPORTS ~ Ninas Mayas Corazon Maya Spanish School (www.corazonmaya.com) San Pedro la Laguna In partnership with the owners of this Spanish Language School, this After-School Reinforcement Program has become our proudest accomplishment in seven years of raising funds for Guatemalan families. Begun three years ago with 12 girls, it has grown to over 62 young women (50 of whom we support) in a program that encourages the girls not only to stay in school with sponsorship dollars, but to excel by taking advantage of a new 400 sq. ft. classroom recently constructed in the hours they're not attending the public school.. The sponsor's yearly support provides funds for tuition and school supplies,and the After-School Program gives them access to computers and a printer, and tutors to help with their homework. We've been so impressed with the progress of the program, we've added additional monthly funds to support field trips, new computer programs, supplies and special family activities to enhance the girls lives. Building a classroom on the site, with the help of the girl's families was our goal in 2012, and we are very pleased with its completion. These girls have been selected as the neediest and most deserving, and we are very proud of their accomplishments. Marta, the owner of the Spanish School has been responsible for the success and should be commended highly. Our sponsors, many who've visited the facility and seen the progress, have made this a reality, and can't be thanked enough for the support.  ~ Mayan Families Helping the Indigenous Maya People of Guatemala (www.mayanfamilies.org) Based in Panajachel, this 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., it's a truly remarkable project. Their Motto: "A Hand Up, not a Handout". Our 2012 Redwoods and Wine Country Tour was responsible for over $8000 in funds raised to this very worthy organization.
~ 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 Mayan beaders have worked tirelessly to produce the jewelry in a timely manner for the many shows we now attend. The co-op now consists of 20 women working in their homes and at Senovia's rooftop garden area to produce the beautiful jewelry, unique to this area. More...  ~ Luis Cholotio and Family We met Luis in March 2009, and he has never disappointed in his efforts to assist us with our business dealings. Luis assists us in tour leading, and oversees and distribute funds to the projects we support. His English-speaking and computer skills have been very helpful, as well as his suggestions on where our dollars will be best invested. He uses his monthly salary to obtain a degree as an English teacher at the University in Xela. His goal in 2012 has been realized after attending a national tourism program in Guatemala City . He is now a full-fledged National Tour Guide, enabling him to lead tours anywhere in the country. We couldn't be more proud of his accomplishments, and know he will do well in his future endeavors. He is also earning additional income after being selected by ToursByLocals,(www.toursbylocals.com), a Canadian company that employs experienced and reliable guides around the world. We look forward to many years of working with Luis, as he has become an essential part of the program.  ~ 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. Visits to Lisette's home have become a highlight of our tours we conduct.  We have other programs we are considering for 2013, most without 501 (c)3 tax-deductible status. The advantage of supporting grass-roots projects without the tax-advantage status is that 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. Guatemala Charities Fund Raisers is on Facebook 
Building a Classroom for the Ninas Maya Reinforcement Program 2011 Fund Raising Accomplishments Cultural and Bicycle Tours The
tours listed above created a profit of $10,000, benefiting the 5
programs listed above.
It's also given non-profit groups an opportunity to raise funds for their organizations. The jewelry is so affordable, and our wholesale program so lucrative, it never fails to win praise along with profits for others. We look forward to another exciting year. Check the Show Schedule for details on where and when we'll be in your area in 2013. MORE Past Accomplishments--2006-2011
It's been quite a journey, thanks to the work and dedication of many... MORE
...you may also consider supporting other helping organizations:
Questions? Link Issues? Ask GCFR@sellin.com |
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