Denver Fundraiser Supports Puerto Rican Relief Efforts
On Saturday, December 9th, UPF-Colorado, in partnership with WFWP Colorado and local salsa instructor Mercy Gonzales, sponsored a fundraiser for disaster relief in Puerto Rico. The situation is Puerto Rico, after Hurricane Maria hit in September, is still dire. Many are still without electricity and even more without access to clean water. A representative of World Vision, the recipient organization, traveled from Seattle to make a presentation about the work they are doing there to help families devastated by the hurricane.
As of Nov. 19, World Vision and local church and community partners had helped nearly 52,000 people, including 17,280 households. Hurricane survivors have received food, water, hygiene kits, tarps, diapers, flood clean-up kits, and other household necessities.
After the presentation, event participants were treated to entertainment from some of the premier Salsa dancers in the Rocky Mountain region: Colorado New Style Dance Studio and Rocky Mountain Latin Dance Academy. Salsa is a dance that is particularly popular in Puerto Rico. Following the performances, there was a Latin buffet and Mercy Gonzales offered a salsa lesson to all in attendance.
A raffle was held, and many in attendance won prizes donated by local businesses, such as hotel stays, salon services, bike repairs, and lots of other prizes. DJ Noe Monroy then took over so that participants could dance and practice their new salsa skills. The event, together with a GoFundMe page posted by the organizers, raised almost $2000 for disaster relief.
If you would like to contribute, please donate on GoFundMe at this link:
