By José Antonio Perez
A “Day of the Child” festival on the beach in front of Sonora Sky planned for April 30th seeks to raise funds for projects at the Esperanza para los Niños children’s shelter, which has been a home for many children over more than 25 years.
The Board of Esperanza, together with collaborators who have joined forces in developing fundraising activities, indicated the festivities will be held on Sunday, April 30th in front of Sonoran Sky from 2 pm – 6 pm and is open to children from across the community. Various local sponsors have helped offset festival costs and prizes so that raffles and additional donations may go directly to Esperanza para los Niños.
Michelle Auer, on behalf of friends of Esperanza para los Niños, explained this second annual Day of the Child festival will include games, contests, food, fun, and prizes.
Auer detailed funds raised from last year’s event when to purchasing land where a home is to be built for the missioner caretakers from Esperanza. This year, she noted, among the home’s ongoing goals is to be able to acquire 16 additional solar panels for the home in helping to defray electric costs, as well as acquire electric appliances (stove, washing machine, etc.) as gas is no longer permitted at the home. An additional goal is for material to go toward building the home on the land purchased last year.
To boost fundraising efforts for Esperanza para los Niños, a Go Fund Me account has been set up at https://www.gofundme.com/2017-day-of-the-child
Esperanza Board President, Miguel Ángel Soto, remarked Esperanza is currently home to 32 children ranging in age from newborn to 12 years old. He detailed Esperanza has provided assistance to children for over 25 years, and within its future projects is that of creating a second shelter to be named “Esperanza para los Jóvenes” for children over 12.
If you are interested in this 2nd Day of the Child – Children’s Day Celebration – either as a possible sponsor, prize donor, or child participant – please contact Michelle Auer micauer@gmail.com (480) 283-3843
