There are moments in time, when things seem heavy, and a lot is going on in our world; there are always moments of reminding us of what we can do when we all get together. One such moment happened recently in Los Cabos, Mexico, when the Eagle’s Wings Foundation (EWF) celebrated its annual Cabo Grant Ceremony, where several community leaders, non-profit partner organizations, and Villa Group Resort executives were also present. In addition to presenting funds to local non-profit organizations, the ceremony was a very heart-felt celebration of dignity, and the opportunity to help others, and the common goal of helping every child and family have the opportunity to grow and develop.
This year, the EWF presented over $62,700 USD to eight local non-profit organizations in Los Cabos, which provide a variety of support to families and children in need. Attendees representing the Villa Group Resorts family included: Lourdes Romero (HR Manager), Robert Perez (GM VDA), Ignacio Yee (GM VLV), and Julio Galindo (Rooms Division VLE). Additionally, attending for the EWF were Lupita Garibay, Ammy Pelayo, and Sarah Chayba, who worked together to make the event a meaningful and impactful experience for everyone involved.
One of the aspects of the ceremony that stood out the most was not the amount of money being donated, but the stories behind why the money was being donated. The stories of children seeking to find a safe haven and opportunities, families seeking to rebuild their lives after experiencing hardships, and young people wanting to achieve their dreams, even though the odds may be against them.
Sarah Chayba stated during the ceremony “Giving in Cabo is not about giving money…It is about recognizing the dreams, the resiliency, and the potential in every child and family we meet. When we give to these organizations, we are giving a gift of hope that will last for generations.”
Her statement established a positive tone for the rest of the afternoon that was filled with appreciation, emotion, and motivation.
Each organization represented at the ceremony plays a crucial role in supporting the community. As a whole, they create a network of care, that benefits some of the most vulnerable individuals in Los Cabos.
1. Los Niños del Capitán, A.C.
Los Niños del Capitán, A.C., is a refuge for families that are unstable. They provide pre-school educational opportunities, nutritious meals, and other basic social services. Los Niños del Capitán will use their $8,500 USD grant to pay the salary of their qualified teachers and to ensure the children continue to receive the same quality education and care they have received in the past.
2. Red Autismo, A.C.
Red Autismo is a model of inclusion in the region, and they provide therapeutic services for children and youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Due to rising costs and increased demand for their services, Red Autismo needed additional funding to allow them to maintain their current level of services. The EWF provided Red Autismo with an $8,000 USD grant to allow families to continue to receive the same level of personalized, and essential care.
3. Ayudando a Mamá, A.C.
Ayudando a Mamá provides children aged three to eleven with educational support, childcare, and nutritious meals for the children of working mothers. Their $5,400 USD grant will help Ayudando a Mamá sustain their safe and supportive spaces for the children, and their working mother’s ability to contribute to their family.
4. Liga M.A.C., A.C.
Liga M.A.C. provides academic support, social services, and medical assistance to students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Their $7,300 USD grant will allow Liga M.A.C. to purchase uniforms, shoes, and necessary school supplies for fifty students. This will assist students in remaining engaged, feeling confident and focused on their future goals.
5. Danza que Dá Esperanza
Danza que Dá Esperanza provides a nurturing environment for children whose parents work long hours, a safe place to learn, grow creatively, and emotionally. The $7,000 USD grant will enable Danza que Dá Esperanza to continue to provide the children with meals, academic reinforcement, and enriching experiences in dance, music, and language. Danza que Dá Esperanza creates a “home away from home” where the children can grow and thrive.
6. Building Baja’s Future, A.C.
Building Baja’s Future, A.C. invests in young people who want to improve their lives through education. The $8,000 USD grant will allow Building Baja’s Future to offer scholarships and mentoring to students who seek to break generational patterns and build successful futures.
7. Amigos de los Niños de Cabo San Lucas
Amigos de los Niños de Cabo San Lucas provides medical support to children including dental care and life saving surgeries. Their $8,500 USD grant will enable Amigos de los Niños de Cabo San Lucas to expand their free pediatric clinics, providing medical support to children and their families in ways they would not have been able to previously.
8. Sistema DIF
Sistema DIF is an organization dedicated to the needs of children ages six months to four years, as well as supporting the working mothers of these children. With their $10,000 USD grant, Sistema DIF will renovate a childcare center to provide access to early education, nutrition, medical support, and emotional care for these young children.
When each organization representative spoke about their efforts and the need for financial support, the room was filled with emotion, gratitude, strength, and the unbreakable ties that bind a community together. The Villa Group executives expressed great pride in the fact that they are supporting causes that benefit local families, while the EWF emphasized the importance of partnership, based on compassion and service.
What made the ceremony so unique was the sense of unity. Although each organization has a different mission, they share one common goal: to protect, to educate, to heal and to empower. Every single dollar donated, will provide a meal, a therapy session, a school uniform, a safe space, or a lifesaving medical treatment. The effect of the donation will be immediate, but the ripples will extend throughout their entire life.
The Eagle’s Wings Foundation has acted as a conduit for years, between resort guests, Villa Group employees, and the thriving communities of Los Cabos. This year’s Cabo Grant Ceremony was a strong reminder that generosity is not measured by how much you donate, but by the number of lives that are touched.
Thank you to our members who make this possible.
Members can donate to the Eagle’s Wings Foundation by calling members services, or directly at https://eagleswingsfoundation.betterworld.org/donate
