Christmas stockings delivered
This year, sponsors had an opportunity to send a special Avon Gift Stocking to their student. The stocking were delivered in time for Christmas and the students were really grateful to receive their surprize gifts.

Each gift stocking contained an Avon cologne set and assorted candies.

Forty percent of the purchase price directly supports the work ofr Elena Macias Foundation, and for everybody who participated, we say, "Thanks!"

New media available
The Scholastic Yearbook for 2009-2010 was presented at the 2009 Fiesta DInner and Dance. You can now download a copy of the yearbook, or watch it as a video.

News about this years "crop" of students!
Gwen Matsu has just returned form Agua Verde and tells us:

"We're back from our trip to Agua Verde. We ended up with 83 kids this year (22 in high school now) and 3 in college. It was a good trip, other than the heat and running out of time to do everything. With so many kids to see, we need more days.

The kids are doing great. Our drop out rate for our first year students was only 3% compared to 35% in previous years. Only one child from this first year group was dropped from the program due to grades! We lost a total of 12 of the 72 kids in the program overall (17% compared to about 30% in the past) and only four due to grades.

We are seeing a real positive change in these kids. Their grades are improving and they are staying in school. Plus, the parents and the kids are now doing their community service on a regular basis. We are real pleased with the changes we are seeing."

Gwen says that the letters from your sposored student(s) are currently being translated and should be available soon. Also, we should have some new photos to post here on the web site soon.

Don't forget to make plans to attend the Annual Fiesta coming on October. The Fiesta is one of the Foundation's biggest fund raising events, and your support is a very important part of it. Won't you plan to be a part of this success?

Spring 2009 Graduation slideshow is now available!
See this year's graduation ceremony in Agua Verde. This is the first year that the graduating students have worn caps and gowns. The Elena Macías Foundation is very proud to have provided the cpas and gowns, and to have supported the education of the students wearing them.

Take a moment to see for yourself how your donations change the lives of the young people of Agua Verde.

Sixth Annual Mexican Fiesta location announced
Our Annual Mexican Fiesta has a new venue! We're moving our biggest fund rasing event or the year to BJM Hall in Hayward, CA. (Map)

The best news of all is that we're holding the prices down! All prices will remain the same as they have been since the first Fiesta: just $50/single and $90/couple. Purchase your admission online, or if you prefer, use our handy mail-in registration form.

See you there!

Fourth Annual Casino Night Announced
The date for the Fourth Annual Casino Night benefitting the Elena Macias Foundation has been announced. This is a night of fun and food with a Monte Carlo flair!

Sixth Annual Mexican Fiesta Announced
Once again we invite you to attend our annual "Mexican Fiesta" fund raiser. This big event features dinner (catered by Rodeos Catering), dancing, entertainment, silent auctions, raffles, and a no-host bar. Come and enjoy Ballet Folklorico. You don't want to miss this one!