Foundation helps both sides of border

www.gvnews.com

About 60 people attended a fund-raiser March 6 to benefit Mexican organizations that help their citizens lead fulfilling lives in their own country.

Green Valley residents Sally Ayres, Pam Duchaine, Betty Johnson and Diane Meyer hosted the event for Fundacion del Empresariado Sonorense (FESAC).

FESAC’s executive director, Alma Cota de Yanez, talked about the philosophy and work of the foundation, based in Nogales, Sonora. She was introduced by Robert Phillips, executive director of the Santa Cruz Community Foundation (SCCF) in Nogales, Arizona. The foundations work closely in cross-border collaboration to raise money and recruit volunteers to work with grassroots nonprofit organizations.

Cota de Yanez and Phillips emphasized the need and the benefit to both countries that comes through supporting programs in Nogales, Sonora. These programs help strengthen the local economy, provide education and training, and support people who would prefer to remain in their own country if they can find a better life there. Phillips characterized the donations as investments, not charity.

The four hosts shared their experiences of touring projects supported by the foundations such as children’s homes and childcare programs, community centers, programs for autistic children, food kitchens and an art center. One community center visited offered hair-cutting classes for women who would be able to run businesses out of their homes. Sewing classes, domestic violence prevention for men and women, as well as pre-school and after-school programs were also part of the programs.

Contributions to Mexican programs are tax-deductible in the United States when donated through the SCCF. For more information about donating time and/or money and visiting projects, contact Meyer at dianemeyer@cox.net.