Been A Long Time

So sorry to be away for so long. It has been an extremely busy summer. I just wrapped it up with 1o days in the Dominican Republic relaxing and getting ready for the next few months.

I made it through the hurricane but unfortunately one young boy walking up the main road picking up crabs that were thrown onshore by the heavy waves was swept into the see. R.I.P. It reminded me of how precious life is.

I have so much to be thankful for especially when I go to poor countries and see the poverty and the pain. We always do our part with the help of our friends to help. This time we took to suitcases full of children clothes for families in need. Our next mission is to revisit the Katrina families. That problem is still there unbelievable. Don't forget to check out the CNN special on Katrina, "Children of the Storm" this Sat & Sun at 8pm with Spike Lee.

Here are some of the highlights since my last post.

• Rented and sold apartments in NYC with my job as a Real Estate Broker
  
• MC for the All American Talent Summer Finals in Cape May, NJ in July
  
• Marketed and coordinated production for the 5th annual White Party Moonlight Cruise in NYC


• Preparing the 2008 schedule for JS Presents

Look forward to many special events.

More later. Trying to catch my breath. Have a wonderful weekend.

La Casa Rosada Food Campaign

Last week I had the opportunity to return to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic to celebrate the birthday of my good friend Greg. Everytime I travel to a foriegn country I look for a way to help out the unfortunate. Four years ago we were introduced to the La Casa Rosada Orphanage by an American - Anthony Montgomery that lives in DR. The orphanage cares for infants and children with HIV/AIDS in Santo Domingo.

This time I decided to ask several of my close friends and associates to give something that I could take down to help the orphans. I was overwhelmed by the response from the few people I asked. Because of their contributions we were able to buy 250 pounds of rice, 150 pounds of beans, 10 chickens, 400 plantinans, 50 stuffed animals, underwear and socks, coloring books in spanish and crayons, toilet paper and had enough to leave the Sister with $200 in cash. Wow...now that was more than I expected to get but I am truely thankful to my friends for their contribution.

We were also blessed to see another American Chris from Atlanta who was kind enough to drive us around all day to find the best price for the food in DR. He and his friend spent the whole day Saturday shopping and then delivering the van of food to La Casa Rosada. Did you know that gas down there is about $6.00 a gallon. He didn't even ask for gas money. Wow.
La Casa Rosada has a new project going now. They have been so successful in treating the kids that now they are growing up fast. It is necessary to separate the boys from the girls because the homones are starting to kick in. They have purchased some of the land but need to raise $250,000 to start to build the additional wing. The whole project is estimated at $1,250,000. Some friends of mine are trying to work out an arrangement with Banco Popular to make it easy for people to give. I will keep you informed.

You can also send checks to Maria Carmen Veiga c/o La Casa Rosada - Hogar-Escuela- Hospital

Av. Prol. Venezuela, C/ Isabel Aguero "Loly"

Los Tres Brazos, Santo Domingo, Este Rep. Dom

info: lacarosada2001@yahoo.com