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Issue 3, Vol. 1 March 2011
 
 
 
President's Message
 
" . $Name .",

Often, when I sit down to write this message, I feel overwhelmed, excited, and hopeful -- all at the same time. How can I possibly convey all the blessings and miracles that are taking place because of the generous partners of Project Mañana in just a few short paragraphs?

Since our team trip to the Dominican Republic last month, there have been so many wonderful things to report. Child sponsorship continues to grow and we are only 10 children away from having 100% of the children who attend Project Mañana's Private School sponsored!

Reaching this goal is very important for several reasons: it obviously provides the needed funding to properly run the school, it allows 50 children to receive a private education and nutritious meal five days per week, and most importantly...it allows the opportunity for other children living in the community to enter the sponsorship program and receive a solid education, nutrition, and guidance.

On another front, the Project Mañana team continues to move forward with special programs and classes at the school. These programs include: after-school art classes, after-school baseball, intensive English classes, and even an agricultural program.

Please visit the Project Mañana website for more information.

Working Together Today For A Better Tomorrow™

Sincerely,


Brian Berman, Founder & President

 







 
 
Project Mañana Builds A Computer Lab!
 
We all know how important it is to teach children how to use computers and the internet, especially in today's society. Well, thanks to several very generous Project Mañana partners, the children at Project Mañana's Private School will soon be the first in their community to have access to a state-of-the-art computer lab!

Plans are underway to turn an unused storage room (pictured to the right) at the school into a secure, climate-controlled computer lab. Students of all grade levels will have the opportunity to visit the computer lab on a daily basis and work with a trained professional teacher. Each student will learn the basics of computer operation, typing, word processing, spreadsheets, and how to safely surf the internet.

Interestingly enough, it is because of computers and the internet that this dream is becoming a reality. It was less than two weeks ago that Project Mañana sent a simple message on Twitter asking if anyone had access to used laptop computers. Within hours (literally), 5 laptops were donated!

The computer lab is scheduled to open this summer after some required renovations are made to the space. Additionally, desks, chairs, and fans are needed.

Should you wish to help with the computer lab project, please consider making a donation.



Cigar Enthusiasts Gather To Raise Money For Project Mañana!
 
On March 18, 2011, more than 50 cigar enthusiasts gathered at NK Cigar Lounge in Westlake Village, California to enjoy an evening of fine cigars, dinner, and fellowship. Each guest received a goodie bag loaded with premium cigars generously donated by Tatuaje Cigars, La Caridad del Cobre Cigars, Kristoff Cigars, and Dignity Cigars.

Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed Latin music including salsa, bachata, and other rhythmic beats provided by Adrian Entertainment. California Pizza Kitchen catered an excellent spread of food that kept guests coming back throughout the evening (and a few even took some home).

Although everyone was there to have a great time, it was clear that the main theme of the evening was the precious children of La Yaguita de Pastor, Dominican Republic.

Brian Berman, Project Mañana's Founder and President, addressed the crowd and shared the history and vision of Project Mañana. He encouraged the guests to open their hearts and sponsor a child that evening.

With overwhelming support, 8 children were sponsored!


"Helping a child in need is so simple with Project Mañana, I'm not sure why I haven't sponsored a child until tonight. I guess I've just been caught-up in my own life. Tonight, I'm making it right...and I picked two of the cutest kids on the table!" said Tim Adrian, the event's DJ and long-time friend of Brian Berman.

As the evening came to a close, guests lingered as long as Kumar, NK Cigar Lounge owner, would keep the lights on. Hugs, laughter, and great conversation filled the aromatic cigar-filled room. It was clear by the guests' comments that taking time to gather with friends to raise money for those who need it most was what made this event a HUGE success!

All said and done, this event raised over $5,000 for Project Mañana; which will be used to help with the school beautification and renovation project.

If you weren't able to attend this amazing event, but want to help a needy child receive nutrition, education, and guidance, please consider sponsoring a child TODAY!


Child Sponsorship Table

Sponsors


Dinner from California Pizza Kitchen


Old Friends Reuniting At The Event


Brian Berman Sharing His Passion


Don'Juan, Founder of Dignity Cigars


Andy Scharfman, Kristoff Cigars


Walter Hines Making A Donation


Project Mañana Fundraiser - Simi Valley, California - April 4, 2011!

Please PRINT and BRING This Flier to CPK in Simi Valley on April 4, 2011
 

Project Niños - Child Highlight
 
Meet Angel Junior De La Cruz Martinez -- a precious 2nd grade student attending preschool at Project Mañana's Private School.

Angel, like many of the children from La Yaguita de Pastor, Dominican Republic has spent his whole life in poverty. His favorite food is mature plantains and you can always find him playing with his cousin. From his radiant smile, you would hardly imagine that sometimes he must rely on the memory of how those plantains taste as he goes to bed with an empty stomach and without the necessary nutrients for his developing body. His small, run-down home is over-crowded with his family and, as one of the youngest children, he is often overlooked.

There is good news! Angel is enrolled at Project Mañana's Private School, where he is guaranteed a private education and a nutritious meal, 5 days per week.

Additionally, Angel has been partnered-up with an adult mentor to help guide him through everyday situations, questions, hopes, dreams, and fears.

Angel is in desperate need of a sponsor and he would love it to be YOU!

Please visit Project Mañana's website to read more about Angel and the other children in desperate need of sponsorship. You can easily sponsor a child online, by fax, or by mail.

Click Here to Learn More About Sponsoring a Child

 Project Mañana Needs Your Help!
 
Project Mañana is a non-profit 501(c)3 humanitarian organization dedicated to bettering the lives of impoverished children, their families and communities through nutrition, education, and guidance.

We achieve our goals through charitable donations and child sponsorship, which unites children in need with individual sponsors who wish to address the children's immediate and basic needs. Sponsorship gives poor children the tools and opportunities necessary for success by providing benefits and supporting programs for each child - primarily in the areas of education and nutrition.


www.ProjectManana.org
 
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