Let´s Fiesta! 2012 Fiesta Fundraiser set for October 12th

 

Ruiz 4 Kids is always ready to Fiesta—especially when it benefits kid-serving nonprofits. Join us at the Visalia Convention Center on October 12, 2012 for all the fantastic frivolity, fabulous food, and eclectic entertainment.

Although the 2012 beneficiaries are yet to be announced, on the evening of October 12th, the Visalia Convention Center will come alive with the sights, sounds and aromas of Mexico. This annual fundraiser will feature an abundance of Mexican cuisine, a Casino de la Fiesta, the Latin rhythms of Kemaya, a live and silent auction, and the very popular Tequila Tasting.

It´s a night you won´t want to miss. Please read below about 2011´s record-setting event.

 

Fiesta Raises a Record-Setting $267,959

 

Incredible is the only word to describe the net fundraising results of the 2011 Ruiz 4 Kids annual Fiesta held at the Visalia Convention Center on October 21, 2011. The event raised $267,959—an $80,000 increase over 2010—which all benefit children-serving organizations in California´s Central Valley.

The 43% increase over 2010 fundraising efforts makes 2011 the most successful effort in the 25-year history of the event.

"The Ruiz 4 Kids Fiesta is a very unique fundraising opportunity" explains Kim Ruiz Beck, Ruiz 4 Kids President and Chairman, Ruiz Food Products, Inc. "Ruiz 4 Kids and Ruiz Foods are very proud of the efforts of our team members and this year’s beneficiary organizations. Everyone worked extremely hard to make this the most successful event ever in Ruiz 4 Kids´ history."

Each year, Ruiz 4 Kids chooses four organizations serving the crucial needs of children. The fundraising efforts resulted in Blind Babies Foundation receiving $101.630; Visalia Police Activities League was granted $62,580; Family Services of Tulare County received $52,480; and Boys & Girls Club of the Sequoias was the recipient of $51,269.

The event also honored Danza Award recipient, Karen Cooper, Executive Director of Family Services of Tulare County for 22 years. Cooper, who lost her battle with cancer in December of 2011, spent most of her life´s work devoted to underprivileged, abused and traumatized in hopes of reducing the cycle of violence and improving Tulare County.

While accepting the award which honors exceptional community service, Cooper voiced her belief of people and organizations needing to work together.

"If we are not holding hands across the community, each of us may not be as successful as you could be in building opportunity and hope for people. Joining hands, doing things, working together with others is important," she shared the night of the Fiesta.

The Danza is a terra cotta sculpture dating back to Mayan times and known as a "circle of friends." Ruiz 4 Kids and Ruiz Foods believe the Danza is a relevant symbol of those who contribute and work to form a strong circle empowering the community as a whole, as Cooper so did.

"Her ability to be an accomplished leader, wife, mother and friend to so many people is what I personally admired most about her. We can all only aspire to touch as many lives as she has." said Ruiz Beck.

Click here to view 2011 Sponsors PDF