Niños del Lago was created to provide mentors and role models
to inspire Guatemala’s forgotten children to seek a pathway beyond poverty.
Set in a safe, serene and beautiful natural camp environment in the Guatemalan
Highlands above Lake Atitlan, Niños del Lago gives Guatemala’s indigenous youth
the self-esteem, resilience and social skills they need to build a better future.
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Our First Cabin: A Special New Year's Gift from Capgemini Employees
The year started off with a major donation from our corporate partner, Capgemini. In February, we received $13,000 which will be used to complete the construction of the first of our six duplex cabins currently in progress. To all the Capgemini employees who have donated throughout the past year, we are truly grateful and we dedicate this cabin to you. There’ll be news of a dedication ceremony following completion of the cabin, so stay tuned.
On January 28th, Associate Director Kristen Hettrick, was interviewed on WBEZ, Chicago Public Radio's, Worldview Program. She shared her personal experiences working with Niños del Lago and in Guatemala.
As a result, we were invited to Chicago's Global Activism Expo on April 17, 2010. Niños del Lago was represented, along with hundreds of organizations doing good work around the world. Special thanks to Sue Patel for representing Niños del Lago.
Site Development Update - Children's Cabins
In late 2009, river-rock foundations, low walls and roof structures for six children’s duplex cabins were completed (for 72 children and 12 counselors). April 1st, architect Aura Aguilar returned to begin completion of the cabins with the installation of natural adobe walls, bamboo ceilings, and colored-cement floors. While cabins are being completed, the site planning, design, and engineering for the three El Nido main buildings will be completed.
Buy a Adobe Brick. Build a Cabin. Create a Future for Forgotten Youth. Whether you’re a part of a corporation doing business in Guatemala looking for a special project with an NGO for your employees and Social Responsibility Program -- or a private Major Donor or Benefactor looking to leave a meaningful legacy for your family for generations to come, you can truly help change the future of bright and gifted Guatemalan children by financing the construction one of our Children’s Cabins.
For a one-time tax-deductible donation of $8,000, you can help build a cabin for six chidren and their counselor and have the cabin dedicated to you and your company or family. Of course, there are other ways to support us through donations of new furniture, kitchen appliances, vans and buses, and other products, services and materials needed for camp construction and operation. For a private tour of the Niños del Lago site, please contact Arlaine Cervantes at ArlaineC@ninosdellago.org
Solar Energy from SunPower Corporation and Capgemini: Employees Step up to the Challenge
Capgemini Guatemala and Poland are involved in many innovative activities and initiatives to raise money for Niños del Lago. Our goal is to raise enough money to put a full SunPower Corporation solar electric installation at the NDL site to assist in the electric generation needs of the camp facility.
Capgemini and SunPower Corporation have joined forces to design, deliver, install, and configure the system to be fully operational in the coming months. Headquartered in San Jose, California, SunPower is a global corporation that designs, manufactures and delivers a wide range of solar technology for residential, business, government and utility customers. Capgemini employees are determined to step up fund-raising activities beyond current levels. The new campaign kicked off with an employee-run car wash on April 10th, followed by a bake sale. Other initiatives include raffles with prizes such as an Apple iPad, luxury hotel stays, and other valuable gifts donated for the fundraiser.
With just over 700 employees in Guatemala and Poland, raising the amount of money necessary for the project will not be easy, but Capgemini and SunPower are determined to meet the challenge and deliver on their promise. With an average of almost 5 hours of sunshine a day, even a ‘niño’ will understand how solar panels have the ability to significantly and permanently lower electricity bills for the Niños del Lago camp.
“Capgemini truly appreciates the generosity of our employees in Guatemala and Poland toward meeting the needs of Ninos Del Lago. The ability to make this environmentally-friendly solar power project a success could not be accomplished without the kindness and generosity of our partner, SunPower corporation.”
Rob Mackey Director — Customer Care & Intelligence CapGemini, USA
International Executive Board Members Come Together in Panajachel
Arlaine Cervantes, and Kristen Hettrick welcomed a group of very special visitors the week of March 19th-27th. Visiting Antigua and Panajachel to see the results of their hard work firsthand were Karin Baimann and Madelon Smelik (Holland) and Joni Daidone (USA) of the Niños del Lago Executive Board and our very special volunteer graphic designer, Emese Szorenzi(US).
It was the first time the team had the opportunity to meet architect Aura Aguilar and Don Pedro, a local construction contractor who has worked with us over the past 5 years. The team was thrilled to see the completed cabin foundations constructed of beautiful natural river rock, as well as the frames of the buildings rising up through the forest.
“We had a wonderful time visiting Guatemala and seeing with our own eyes what we, and our all supporters have accomplished so far. It was a very inspiring and moving trip. We're now more convinced than ever that we’re on the right track and that the US-Holland-Guatemala teams are all working as ONE to make this happen” – Karin Baimman, Niños del Lago Netherlands
Private Events Hosted by our Friends in Ashland, Oregon, La Jolla and Mendocino, California
Late Autumn in Ashland, Oregon can be cold and dreary, but the November 15th Fund-raising Event hosted by Barbara Casey and Robert Sorrell at their beautiful home was vibrant and warm with the colors of Guatemala – and the passion and enthusiasm of Founder, Arlaine Cervantes.
Arlaine gave a captivating presentation to local Ashland residents on the mission and progress of Niños del Lago during 2009. The informal gathering succeeded in building community support for NDL’s unique mentoring experience, as well as raising much-needed funds to help with construction and program development.
The “event” or house party was typical of the fundraisers being hosted by our NDL Ambassadors across the US: it starts with an enthusiastic supporter like Barbara inviting a group of friends and family who have an interest in Latin America to a casual get together. Light refreshments, food and drink are served . And Guatemalan textiles and crafts are offered for sale, or given away as raffle prizes.
For anyone interested in hosting a Niños del Lago house party in your area, please contact Kristen Hettrick or one of the members of the board. Sent in by Hedy Schoonover, Ashland, Oregon Ambassador
Henri and Elizabeth Rice Maget, strong supporters of Niños del Lago, hosted a post-holiday January reception for their friends at their beautiful home in La Jolla, CA. Arlaine Cervantes was invited to give a formal presentation of the Niños del Lago project. The weather was perfect, the setting overlooking the Pacific Ocean was spectacular, the caterer was exceptional, and many guests left behind envelopes containing generous donations for Niños del Lago!
Will Lewis and Karen Tomalison, long-time friends of Niños del Lago, opened their hearts and worked diligently to sponsor a Niños del Lago presentation by Arlaine Cervantes. The event took place in early November in the historic old town of Mendocino, California. It was well attended by local residents, and a number of attendees signed up to be monthly donors!
Want to make a difference? Become a Ninos del Lago Ambassador. Contact
kristenh@ninosdellago.org
Children Helping Children: St. Edmund's Academy Students Step Up Again
Chloe Stiles and her friend Emma Harvey (photo), students of St. Edmunds Academy in Pittsburgh, PA set up a stand on a hot summer day and sold lots of lemonade, then contributed all of the profits to Niños del Lago. We are deeply touched by the generosity and hard work of these young philanthropists.
If anyone would like to plan a school or church event in their community, contact kristenh@ninosdellago.org
News & Events from Holland
Our dedicated team in Holland has been ‘preparing’ for the coming year: creating annual reports, developing new fund-raising strategies and networking with potential sponsors.
Raising the nearly 7,000 additional euros to match last year's 15,000 euro grant is top priority. As the year progresses, there’ll be more exciting news about upcoming events, the Sponsor Walk and the Children’s Festival. NDL Team Holland is also expanding their network into service clubs like Rotary International, who generously donated the funds for the camp roads, as well as new corporate donors like Impulsis in Holland.
Niños del Lago would also like to thank Margery Jaffrey for the beautiful water color of the Niños del Lago dining hall; Sandy Pudifin for providing relevant program curriculum; Luis Briseño, for his ongoing guidance and help in navigating the Guatemalan legal system; Evelyn Herrera, for her dedication to our Guatemalan Board of Directors and connecting us with the local community; Blake Manson, for his time evaluating and recommending solar options; Emese Szorenyi (in photo), for consistently offering her graphic design talents for our web and communication materials; Gary Ellis of Compass Media for his generous offer of free banner ads in his Southern travel and leisure web magazines. Patricia Arevalo and Luis Diaz for translating our English brochure into Spanish; and a special thanks to Lisa Bloomfield who graciously produced our newsletters over the past three years.
Thanks to all our Supporters for 2009 Growth!
Our 2009 Fiscal Year End financial results continue to demonstrate an increase in income and a strong emphasis on Niños del Lago program development. We ended the year with $106,837 in combined income and $98,769 in expenses, 84% of which were dedicated to the development of our program. We managed a lean administration / fund-raising expense of only 16% during this year of more than 250% growth. We'd like to thank our supporters who have helped us achieve this tremendous success by helping to fund our programs and offering their valuable time. Donate now!
Our Current Needs: How to make a difference!
Seeking Board Development: Seeking committed individuals with senior level legal, tax or development experience to join our Board of Directors and help contribute to the development of our international organization. If you are willing to commit time and expertise to support us on projects in your area of expertise, please contract Kris Hettrick at kristenh@ninosdellago.org to schedule an interview with one of our board members.
Seeking Social Media Mavens: Be a big part of transforming the lives of Guatemala's children by spreading the word about Niños del Lago on your Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, or Blog – whatever social media network you’re involved in.
Party and Event Hosts: If you enjoy hosting parties and organizing events, consider becoming a Niños del Lago Ambassador. We'll send you everything you need, including templates for flyers, posters, and other materials to help make your event a fundraising success. Contact Kris at kristenh@ninosdellago.org to learn more and receive your Ambassador tool kit.
Q: How can one week at the Niños del Lago camp make a difference in a child’s life? Lauren F., New Jersey
A: I hear this question all the time. I find myself quoting a former president of Harvard who said that one week of intensive one-on-one mentoring in a nurturing camp environment can provide a more valuable educational experience than an entire year in a traditional classroom setting.
But, I will also offer some first-hand experience from my own childhood having grown up in a variety of state institutions as a juvenile. The one-week camp I went to each year gave me the one-on-one support, self-esteem and strength to overcome a very difficult childhood. It made me feel that someone cared, and that my life mattered. It allowed me to dream and gave me a glimpse of a brighter future.
Questions? E-mail me at arlainec@ninosdellago.org
Please Donate Now!
Visit us at ninosdellago.org or mail your check or money order to Ninos del Lago, P.O. Box 1005, Silverton, Oregon 97381.
You can also make a credit card donation via Groundspring.org or by using PayPal.com
All donations are tax deductible. Ninos del Lago is a 501(c)(3) tax -exempt, non-profit organization registered in the state of Oregon. For donations of $75.00 or more you will receive a formal receipt for your tax records.
All information provided by donors is strictly confidential. We do not share lists or any other information provided to us by our donors and benefactors. Your donations are tax-deductible to the full extent permitted by law.
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The year started off with a major donation from our corporate partner, Capgemini. In February, we received $13,000 which will be used to complete the construction of the first of our six duplex cabins currently in progress
Capgemini Guatemala and Poland are involved in many innovative activities and initiatives to raise money for Niños del Lago. Our goal is to raise enough money to put a full SunPower Corporation solar electric installation at the NDL site to assist in the electric generation needs of the camp facility.
Arlaine Cervantes, and Kristen Hettrick welcomed a group of very special visitors the week of March 19th-27th. Visiting Antigua and Panajachel to see the results of their hard work firsthand were Karin Baimann and Madelon Smelik (Holland) and Joni Daidone (USA) of the Niños del Lago Executive Board and our very special volunteer graphic designer, Emese Szorenzi(US). 
Henri and Elizabeth Rice Maget, strong supporters of Niños del Lago, hosted a post-holiday January reception for their friends at their beautiful home in La Jolla, CA. Arlaine Cervantes was invited to give a formal presentation of the Niños del Lago project. The weather was perfect, the setting overlooking the Pacific Ocean was spectacular, the caterer was exceptional, and many guests left behind envelopes containing generous donations for Niños del Lago! 
Chloe Stiles and her friend Emma Harvey (photo), students of St. Edmunds Academy in Pittsburgh, PA set up a stand on a hot summer day and sold lots of lemonade, then contributed all of the profits to Niños del Lago. We are deeply touched by the generosity and hard work of these young philanthropists.
ated team in Holland has been ‘preparing’ for the coming year: creating annual reports, developing new fund-raising strategies and networking with potential sponsors. 
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