Our 2nd Annual Breakfast to Benefit AMIGOS on October 24, 2018 was a huge success, raising nearly $60,000.
More than 200 guests enjoyed a wonderful morning at the Houston Country Club. Art Rascon, our Master of Ceremonies kicked off the morning, introducing AMIGOS President and CEO Sara Nathan, who spoke about her own time abroad as a five-time AMIGOS alumna.
Co-Chair, Groundbreaker Sponsor, and AMIGOS alumna Catherine Masterson welcomed our Co-Chairs and spoke of her own AMIGOS experience.
“I made new friends, gained fluency in Spanish, and learned to appreciate and embrace a new culture. But even more, I gained a new level of confidence, independence, and, perhaps most of all, grit.”
–Catherine Masterson
Catherine introduced Eli Samson, a two-time AMIGOS alumnus and current student at Carnegie Vanguard High School. Eli spoke of the life-changing impact of AMIGOS, such as sparking his desire to pursue Economics and Latin American Studies in college next year.
“AMIGOS helped me find my voice and my purpose in life. AMIGOS isn’t just a summer volunteering program, it is a path that leads you to appreciate other peoples and cultures, a journey that develops you as a leader, an adventure that makes you realize that you are more capable than you think.”
–Eli Samson
Keynote speaker Dorn Wenninger stole the show as he shared about his amazing 2018 World Marathon Challenge journey inspired by his own AMIGOS experiences in high school. Dorn raised over $60,000 for AMIGOS as he ran 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days.
“The world is meant to be explored and our difference celebrated!” –Dorn Wenninger
At the Breakfast, Dorn was granted the Amigo Para Siempre Award in appreciation and recognition of his outstanding support of AMIGOS. St. Agnes Academy was also honored at the event with the School of the Year Award as recognition for their outstanding partnership with AMIGOS and for sending 36 students abroad over the past five years.
The Breakfast to Benefit AMIGOS brought together the AMIGOS family, both old and new, to raise awareness about our programs, mobilize support, and expand financial assistance for under-resourced applicants. Thank you for your support in giving more youth the opportunity to join the AMIGOS family.
If you would still like to make a donation, please click here.
