Riverfest Rocked and the Special Needs Children Rolled in the Pesos Pasitos de Luz | |
April 1, 2015 |
Yes! Pasitos de Luz received 155,885 pesos!
It was the event of the year thanks to the 520 people who attended and paid 80 pesos at the gate, the 129 people who generously purchased 500 peso patron tickets and all the donors, musicians, volunteers, and staff of El Rio BBQ Bar and Barcelonas Tapas!
The silent auction made a record high 34,000 pesos and 50/50 sales brought in 14,300 pesos. It was our best Riverfest ever and next year promises to be even more exciting. Hold the date: Saturday March 5, 2016!
Thank you to:
• Our attendees for coming in such huge, supportive numbers
• Our patron ticket purchasers for believing in pasitos and giving the extra support
• Our donors for ongoing generosity and affirmation
• Our musicians for sharing their talent and their hearts
• Our community sponsors for your fundraising gifts and ongoing in-kind donations
• Our volunteers for your time and commitment
You make a world of difference!
Pasitos de Luz provides day time care which enables parents to work. The staff and volunteers offer specialized care, medical expertise from doctors on site, therapy, special education, music, dance, art, balanced meals and nutritional aid (some children take over 45 minutes to feed) in a fun, caring, nurturing environment where the children can learn to love and be loved. On a typical day, Pasitos de Luz cares for approximately 40 children. A high was 58 children for a day!
In 2014, Pasitos de Luz had an average of 25 paid staff plus numerous volunteers who offer essentials services for the well being of the children. The largest expense for Pasitos de Luz is staffing and most of the staff work in shifts and are part time. Because of the wide range of disabilities of the children, a low staff to child ratio is essential.
While there are a number of volunteers, two vital roles have been filled on a voluntary basis. Yolanda Sanchez, founder and chief executive officer of Pasitos de Luz does not receive any remuneration from Pasitos de Luz. Her work, from the inception of Pasitos de Luz in 1999, has been a labour of love. She works full time at Pasitos de Luz and has never received any financial compensation for her full time service to the children.
In addition, in 2014, Arturo Ayala, newly appointed director and chief operating officer worked the entire year as a volunteer. Their dedication and commitment to the cause is exemplary. But, it is also recognized that this model is not sustainable. While Yolanda has committed to volunteer her services, it is recognized that a modest salary for a director/chief operating officer will be required in 2015 to ensure the organization can thrive and grow. The chief operating officer is largely responsible for efficient, effective systems and operations and has helped Pasitos to run at cost recovery.
As the spring season is upon us, we look back at all the good that we have received from so many and look forward to continued relationships in the future.
Thank you to all of you - whether you bought Provecho Vallarta decks with 100 pesos going to Pasitos from each deck sold through Pasitos de Luz volunteers or Pasitos supporters, or you came to bingo at Nacho Daddy, attended the Deja New/Pasitos de Luz Fashion Show at River Cafe or joined us at El Rio BBQ Bar for our 4th annual Riverfest. Whether you visited the children, volunteered an hour or a day or regularly, or you brought food or medical supplies, or you made tax deductible donations from Mexico, Canada, US or donated items, and for everything else you do, please know you make a difference for the special children of Pasitos de Luz! Please contact us for more information about one time or monthly donations or visit Pasitos de Luz online.
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