Dear Members,
The lucky number 13 for this one-of-a-kind 2011 e-newsletter!
Here’s a summary of the year’s activities and events!
It’s been another busy year—and of course, it’s not over yet—but this e-newsletter already gives you a good overview of the highlights for Casa Alianza Switzerland in 2011.
Of course, as always, feel free to contact us for more information, if you have ideas for activities and/or fundraising, or to receive a print version of QUE PASA.
Our contact information is:
12 rue du Diorama
1204 Geneva
Tel. 022 321 82 86
info@casa-alianza.ch
On behalf of the entire Casa Alianza team, we hope you enjoy reading this issue!
Annual General Meeting on April 12, 2011
On April 12, Casa Alianza held its annual General Assembly, which was attended by 22 people.
As it does every year, the Board presented its annual report and the highlights of 2010, and put the financial statements to a vote for approval.
2010 was a good year. Once again, the continued support of our donors led to strong results in terms of fundraising.
In addition, some excellent news was announced. A generous donor has offered to support the Swiss office by covering 50% of the Executive Director’s gross annual salary, effective January 1, 2011, and for an indefinite period! These funds will help ease some of the pressure regarding the office’s funding, while also helping to secure the position’s long-term stability.
Marjorie closed the meeting by sharing some updates from the field, and the guests then had a chance to chat over drinks.
Casa Alianza at the Fête de la Musique
The 2011 Fête de la Musique took place, once again, in cold and rainy weather! Furthermore, the spot assigned to Casa Alianza was perhaps not ideal. Nevertheless, we still raised 9,000 CHF for street children over the weekend.
What’s more, the booth looked better than ever, with a display of glowing balls designed by Philippe and a bar set up by Sébastien! Braving the inclement weather, the Association’s loyal and generous friends came to enjoy an exceptional traditional raclette!
And the caipirinha flowed freely, warming everyone’s hearts! Nothing could stop the Fête de la Musique from remaining the most enjoyable and beloved event for Casa Alianza’s volunteers and supporters!
Hats off to Malik and Gaël for their dedication and good spirits!
The 2011 Casa Alianza Golf Tournament
Given the success of the four previous editions of the Casa Alianza Golf Tournament and the enthusiasm of the participants, Jérôme Joliat and Gerry Crompton set out to organize the fifth edition, which took place on October 6, 2011, at the Esery Golf Club in neighboring France.
This special edition was held in close collaboration with the club, as its director, Emmanuel Ballongue, made the course available for the competition, which was followed by a cocktail reception with live music, orchestrated by Mr. Dominique Gauthier, chef at the Beau-Rivage in Geneva. We extend our warmest thanks to Michel Cartillier, Emmanuel Ballongue, and Dominique Gauthier for dedicating their generosity, good humor, and talent to the cause we champion.
The participants—golfers and non-golfers alike, all lovers of fine wine and cuisine—were delighted with the evening, which is why we’ve decided to repeat the event in 2012 with the same partners.
We look forward to seeing all golfers—as well as all friends of the Association who don’t play golf—at the next tournament and the next Casa Alianza evening on October 4, 2012!
More and more positive energy for a good cause…
In this newsletter, we’d like to acknowledge the new volunteers who are supporting Casa Alianza in its activities and work.
A big thank you to Gloria Rubio, who organized a food stand in May 2011 during the “La rue est à vous” event in the Geinsendorf neighborhood, with proceeds going to Casa Alianza.
Thanks also to Béatrice Hunziker, who regularly stops by the office to lend a hand with administrative tasks!
Some news from Casa Alianza in Guatemala (La Alianza)
A former member of the Casa Alianza Switzerland Committee, Nicole Riedle, was able to visit La Alianza while traveling in Guatemala.
As a reminder, in the last newsletter, we informed you about the reopening of a center for girls who are victims of trafficking in Guatemala.
The facility is now fully operational and provides care for about a dozen young girls. Awareness-raising, prevention, and training activities addressing the issue of child trafficking are continuing. Nicole was able to meet with the Director of La Alianza and its new Development Manager—a great opportunity to gather information and discuss La Alianza’s progress since its reopening.
Would you like to get more involved?
We always need our members’ time and ideas to support street children. Please feel free to:
- Join a team at Casa Alianza Switzerland by emailing info@casa-alianza.ch or visiting the website www.casa-alianza.ch.
- Come help us with our mailing campaign.
- Contact us if you have ideas for activities.
Thank you for your support!
Edited by
Marjorie Granjon for Que Pasa No. 13
