Liberty Children’s Home hosted their first annual Holiday Pig Roast and Bake Sale Fundraiser this past Sunday, with a joint-venture between both newly-acquired businesses Kama Lounge and Coco Loco’s Beach Bar in the Tres Cocos area.
AMBERGRIS CAYE – December 21, 2014 – With the support and help of organizers Monica Davis, Luis Velasquez (Owner, Kama Lounge), Carmen Arenal (Owner, Coco Loco’s Beach Bar), Joe Chung, and Grant Ice, the first annual Holiday Pig Roast and Bake Sale for Liberty Children’s Home was a great success. Liberty Children’s Home is a sanctuary for children in need, providing in a natural environment, love, nurturing, and a high standard of education. Situated in Ladyville, on the outskirts of Belize City, Liberty Children’s Home is unique in its commitment to child-centered care and education.
“To the beautiful people of San Pedro, I am moved beyond tears at your generosity, kindness & love for the Children of Liberty,” said Monica F. Davis, representative for Liberty. “I am forever humbled and appreciative.”
Just in time for the holiday season, the fundraiser boasted a Cuban-style pig roast; a 60-pound pig slow-roasted over an open fire for 5 hours by Jorge “Cubano” Torres and Scott Fuson. The pork was served with a pico de gallo, cucumber and jicama salad, and coconut rice and beans or black beans with tortillas. Fifty five plates of the roast were sold out before the end of the day.
A bake sale was also provided, and thanks to new island resident Jane West, many children and families and guests enjoyed dozens of holiday cookies, prepared and baked by her.
Valentino and his brother provided live entertainment in the form of soft acoustic rock and pop songs. The pair was perfectly situated along the seawall, with the Caribbean Sea providing a perfect backdrop for their performance.
One hundred percent of the proceeds from the bake sale and the majority of the proceeds from the pig roast (sans costs) were donated to Liberty Children’s Home, along with the proceeds of a 50/50 raffle (A 50/50 raffle is where the winner gets 50% of the final pool, while the remaining 50% is donated to the charity). Kama Lounge and Coco Loco’s Beach Bar donated $1 for every drink that was purchased. Cash donations were also accepted at the event and the week leading up to it.
A total of $1,649 was raised for Liberty Children’s Home in monetary donations, along with a bag of brand new toys. A donation of a time and services (valued at $3,500) was also committed by Joe Chung and Grant Ice for the rebuilding and branding of the Liberty Children’s Home website and social media platforms.
Liberty Children’s Home would like to extend a special thanks to Jennifer B. and Ron S., Larry Harmon, Amanda and Cal Syme, Joe Chung, Mr. Randy of The Cloisters, Jocelyn, Jane West and Heather Kjorlien for their monetary donations. An extended thanks to Luis Velasquez, Naomi Usher, the Kama Lounge staff, Carmen Arenal and Marlon August of Coco Loco’s Beach Bar, Monica Davis, Joe Chung, Jorge Torres, Scott Fuson, Grant Ice and Jane West for their amazing dedication to ensuring the fundraiser was a success.
