Metro Infanta Foundation

by Mila Glodava
Benefit Concert organizers in the Philippines have chosen "Champions for a Cause" -- as the title for Metro Infanta Foundation's Benefit Concert celebrating its 10th year anniversary. Among the main organizers of this event is Father Francis Lucas, president of the Catholic Media Network and former parish priest of Infanta. As cosponsor of this event, Kirsten Music and Entertainment is putting in full force its staff headed by Beth Gutierez, president and CEO, Marissa Monte, treasurer and CFO, and its PR team of Adjes Carreo, Sam Salva and Arnielle Serrato.

They are currently scouting Philippine champions in the music, film and stage industry to help us raise needed funds for our beloved town which was ravaged by devastating typhoons of 2004 and may aleady be braciing for the next one. We will keep you posted as details become available.

Mt. Carmel Shrine has agreed to host the event kindness and courtesy of the Carmelite Fathers. Metro Infanta Foundation used this venue during the book launching of "Labong ng Kawayan." However, organizers may have to release this venue and look for an auditorium which is more suitable for concerts. We'll keep you informed of details on venue in later updates.

Meanwhile we are now gathering sponsors for this event, and have received pledges at various levels of sponsorships: Kaibigan: $100 -$499.99 * Pilak: $500-999.99 * Ginto: $1,000.00+. I have indicated in an earlier edition of making a pledge in the Ginto Category and am pleased to inform you that we have pledges of up to $2,500 in this category. We also have at least two pledges in the Pilak category and several in the Kaibigan level. We will post the pledges and donations when we have a few more on the list. Indeed we are off to a good start. I am hoping various Infantahin groups would step up to the plate and generate sponsorships by groups.

In addition, you can also help simply by buying tickets for your relatives and friends. The cost of tickets is based on the location of seats: Thus, Ticket 1: $10 , Ticket 2: $30 and Ticket 3: $50. Please let us know how many tickets you are willing to buy and give us the names of your relatives and friends who will use those tickets. We will have a running list of ticket holders on the website so your relatives can check if their names are on the list.

We would like to raise one million pesos from this event! Help us reach our goal so we can fund the many projects in our native town. I know we can do this. In the last 10 years of MIF existence we have raised more than a quarter of million dollars and have distributed in ten years nearly the same amount. This is, indeed, thanks to all the donors who give generously to our cause.

In order to achieve our current goal, we will need at least 5 gifts in the Ginto level, 10 gifts in the Pilak level and 100 gifts in the Kaibigan level. I ask kababayans who have been blessed in their professions in the United States to follow the lead of our first donors. But remember, we have other categories to choose from, so please take your pick so we can meet our goal to raise one million pesos in August. Also, gifts from kababayans will count for the Matching Grant we have received from other major donors who are not from Infanta.

Posted June 30, 2006