Rotary Raises Funds for Apoyo Micro-lending Program

by Robin Loving

​​Voice of San Miguel Cesar Valderrama sang in celebration of 70 Rotarians and friends who attended a sold-out fundraising luncheon at La Mansion at Montitlan in November to support Rotary’s joint project with Apoyo a Gente Emprededora’s micro-lending program. Rotary resources will enable the expansion of micro-finance in San Miguel de Allende to help raise more families out of poverty.
 
“We raised over $8,000 USD for this program that educates and loans an average of $250 USD per person to those who want to elevate themselves out of extremely disadvantaged positions via business enterprise,” said Midday Rotary President Lee Carter. “This was our most lucrative fundraiser in history,” he continued.
 
“As a recipient of an Apoyo micro-loan, I received $5,000 pesos with which I bought merchandise to sell to support my family. Thank you for having faith in us,” said Rosalinda Granados, an Apoyo loan recipient.
 
“At Apoyo we continue to help the most disadvantaged people break the cycle of poverty by educating them about business and finance to promote sustainable economic development.  Last year we expanded a training center for a trade school. We believe the success of our model will be replicated in other areas of Mexico,” said Apoyo Founder and Director General Ezequiel Mojica.
 
“I am thrilled with the support shown for this project by all in attendance an. The funds raised will enable us to truly take a giant leap forward in helping more San Miguel families bootstrap themselves out of poverty,” said Rotary Micro-Lending Project Chairman Norman Feldstein.
 
Sponsors  included Penzi Weddings,Ron and Linda Felton, Ron Lenox. Additional funds were raised via a raffle of prizes generously donated by Bovine Restaurant, Esencia Spa, Follow Me Tours, Galeria Atotonilco, the Mansion at Montitlan, Nest Property Management, Maggie Sperling, and Dorothy Wallstein. 

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