PRESS RELEASE: IVANKA TRUMP AND PUERTO RICAN GOLFERS VISIT THE CENTRO ESPERANZA IN LOIZA WITH UNITED WAY

Ivanka Trump, representing the Trump International Golf Club, and three of the four Puerto Rican professional golfers who will represent the island at the Puerto Rico Open, made a stop on their busy schedule to visit, along with United Way (Fondos Unidos de Puerto Rico), the Centro Esperanza (or Hope Center) in Loíza.  Max Alverio, Wilfredo Morales, Miguel Suarez and Ivanka Trump shared the morning with the center’s children, who receive preschool education in the ‘Casa de Niños Montessori’ of the Centro Esperanza. To the surprise of all guests the little boys and girls recited the ‘Negroide’ poetry of Luis Pales Matos and danced Bomba and Plena with Ivanka Trump and Michael Suarez. 

During the activity, the golfers and Miss Trump had the opportunity to meet members of the center’s music program ‘Creando y Cantando’ (Creating and Singing), consisting of children between the ages of 7 and 14. The Band’s talent and expertise was evidenced through their musical repertoire with which they delighted the guests.  They were joined by Popular mascot ‘Populoso’ and the Puerto Rico Golf Association who brought balloon figures for the children to enjoy. 

This visit is part of the alliance established between the Organizing Committee for the Puerto Rico Open and United Way to invest resources in projects that impact the community. “Through this alliance, in 2008, we were able to develop initiatives such as the project ‘Compaz de Salud’ Workshop, which aims to promote a culture of peace among Loíza’s youth, and a scholarship program aimed at encouraging the youth of Rio Grande to continue post-secondary studies,” noted Samuel González, president of United Way. “The call for applicants to the Fellowship Program will be held in March 2009,” added González. 

“This year we dedicated the tournament to children, so this visit is very important for our organization. In the 2008 edition of the Puerto Rico Open presented by Banco Popular, we were able to pool together with United Way $200,000 for charities and we hope to overcome that figure this year,” commented Sidney Wolff, chairman for the event. 

From March 12 to the 14, United Way will host an exhibit area in the Puerto Rico Open for children, young people, and the parents who attend the event. As part of the program, there will be arts and crafts workshops, as well as drawing and graffiti classes, board games, parenting information, and the United Way’s  ’Éxito a los 6′® (Success by 6) will be distributing Child ID Kits.  In addition, golf enthusiasts will have the opportunity to get the LIVE UNITED t-shirt in support of the organization’s call to action.

About Fondos Unidos de Puerto Rico / United Way: Puerto Rico’s United Way is a call to action: Help out. Volunteer. Support a cause. LIVE UNITED ™. Live United aims to promote social welfare, to recognize that when we extend our hand to help those in need, we are affecting the welfare of society as a whole. Today, this nonprofit organization financially supports 144 charities which provide health services and promote social welfare in Puerto Rico. It also has programs such as Community Impact 2-1-1 in Puerto Rico, the Volunteer Center and the initiative Success by 6 ®. Throughout 42 years of experience, United Way has distinguished itself by promoting a culture of social responsibility in Puerto Rico by promoting volunteerism and partnerships in the area of social investment. 

About the Centro Esperanza: This center is one of the 144 non-profit organizations affiliated with United Way since 1977 and is located in the municipality of Loíza. Administered by ‘Las Hijas de la Caridad’ (Daughters of Charity), the Centro Esperanza has four programs: ‘Vida y Esperanza’ (Life and Hope), ‘Creando y Cantando’, Casa de Niños Montessori del Mar (Children’s Home), and ‘Arriba Loíza’. The Center’s mission is to promote and facilitate the development of children and families with limited economic resources within the community of Loíza and surrounding areas, through education - supporting families to ensure their welfare.