Publicado el 19 de octubre de 2017 | Upper Valley News
Por Milangel T. Concepción Zayas
It was a perfect Sunday afternoon. The sun was shining and the air was warm. The weather did not feel like fall. The Caribbean vibe of Puerto Rico was in the air. Candelas Tapas Lounge owner Jimmy Van Kirk and his wife Natalia prepared the venue. Chef Angel Ruiz cospired with his delicious recipes. Volunteers decorated de restaurant with small Puerto Rican flags prepared by students form a local elementary school in Vermont. Skunk Hollow Tavern restaurant owner and musician, Carlos Ocasio, prepared the venue for the joy he would bring with his music. Ivonne, expert bartender, kept everyone refreshed with delicious, specialty beverages. The festive atmosphere was one of commitment and action. The Communit of the Upper Valley was there to collaborate and help their fellow citizens in Puerto Rico. From noon until 4:00 pm, people streamed into the event, not only to give a donation for the cause, but also to ask how they could help. Tears and smiles, sadness and hope mingled. It was a time of solidarity and awareness.
We want to express our deepest gratitude to all of you who contributed to this cause! Without your help we couldn’t hace achieved what we did and we are very grateful.
On Tuesday morning, October 17, one of our volunteers from the Upper Valley Solidarity Network for Puerto Rico, traveled to the island with two 60 ln bags full of medical supplies and a full carry-on bag containing the $12,764.55 that we raised at Candela’s fundraiser. Iniciativa Comunitaria, Inc. will use these resources to provide free medical clinics and support for vulnerable communities across multiple towns on the island.
Meanwhile, in the Upper Valley, our plan is to continue identifying trusted community based movements working in areas of need in Puerto Rico, while also working to develop our local network os fupport.
Stay tuned for future activities, and please reach out to “the “Upper Valley Solidarity Network for Puerto Rico”n if you wish to patricipate in this long term solidarity effort.
