It is with sadness but also with a great amount of appreciation, affection and respect for 15 years of dedication to this worthwhile cause, we announce the retirement of one of La Catalina Foundation’s founding members, Julie Catton Amezcua. Julie has decided it is time to pursue other interests and is looking forward to being a sideline supporter of the Foundation. Many, many thanks for the commitment and the contributions made over the years to ensure the Foundation is the successful organization it is today, Julie!
Donaldo Ponto is the new Director of La Catalina Foundation. His energy and commitment to carrying on the foundation’s mandate of improving education and opportunities for local school children and their families has already seen some positive changes. Drop by the Foundation offices between 4:00 & 7:00 pm most weekdays to meet Donaldo and learn about this semester’s schedules and plans for next year’s students.
A fun gathering of scholarship students and their families took place yesterday at the Foundation’s location behind the kindergarten. Prior to sponsors arriving, university, high school and even a few middle school students formed a circle and spent an entertaining and informative hour listening to and discussing 'university life'. Many of our university students provided first hand accounts of dealing with the challenges of being away from family and community for the first time, meeting new friends, taking responsibility for punctuality and homework, learning to cook, and struggles to make funds last for the semester.
The ‘Meet and Greet’ was a great success with almost 40 of the scholarship students in attendance and many of their sponsor families there to say hello! The La Catalina Foundation is proud to announce that almost all of the 63 scholarship candidate students have now been sponsored. There are only 3 left and we are hopeful they will be ‘adopted’ very soon. To the many sponsors and supporters of La Catalina Foundation, without whose help these students wouldn’t be able to pursue their dream - our heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you!
Donaldo gave a brief report on the function of the Foundation. Art program and English language organizer Maria Chavarin explained the additional classes offered to scholarship students by volunteer artists Ron Stock, Annie Olsen and Rennie Holley. Julie and Joanne Kipp then spoke of the availability of tax deductible receipts for donors through the La Catalina Foundation USA and Amistad Canada organizations. Joanne is a board member and Amistad Canada Project Chair.
It was impossible not to feel a huge sense of pride in the group of students who attended the Meet and Greet. Presently there are 8 students in university studying everything from nursing to technical engineering. Almost 100% of the senior school students confirmed they are hoping to continue to university upon graduation. Our students have achieved some remarkable milestones through the support of our community - and their dedication to a dream.
Together we are making a difference!
Please contact Donaldo Ponto at 317 873-7820 if you would like any further information regarding sponsorship of students.