GOOD DEEDS March 2021
Among the many operations in the Manzanillo area that have
In addition to providing instruction, the Santiago Foundation
suffered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic are community-
provides scholarships for secondary school and university and
related and charitable organizations. One such example is the
for skills to support job training and to foster Mexican culture.
Santiago Foundation, which operates two Learning Centers to
Funds raised are used to pay staff and provide maintenance for
give children and adults alike a leg up with the many opportu-
the two centers operated by the Foundation.
nities offered.
This year, due to the pandemic, the annual “Festiago” gala dinIn both the Francisco Villa district of Santiago in the urban area of Manzanillo and in the small town of El Naranjo near the city, facilities of the Santiago Foundation are used to provide educa-
ner event which is normally attended by some 200 guests who have the opportunity to bid on items in silent and live auctions, regrettably has been cancelled.
tional and skill-building courses in after-school programs. Train-
ing is offered in both general interest and job-related subjects. These include instruction in tap dancing, cooking, sewing, quilting and making jewelry and piñatas. Courses in cosmetology and carpentry can lead to jobs and English taught at the centers helps to open opportunities in many areas.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, an annual fund raising “Festiago” gala dinner and auction event held was cancelled, resulting in a loss of income normally generated by that special occasion.
Coastal Mexico’s Lifestyle eMagazine
As well, an annual rummage sale has been cancelled due to lack of donations, and other fundraising events have been put on hold. In previous years, an open house event at El Naranjo has provided a showcase for the work done by students.
A silent auction before the annual dinner provided opportunity to purchase a wide variety of donated items, and following the dinner the live auction added color to the festive event.
manzanillosun.com
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