“Gala” aptly describes our Liga MAC 25th Anniversary celebration that was held on March 30 at Querencia’s spectacular outdoor venue overlooking San Jose bay. Gala-goers were welcomed on the pool terrace with canapés, cocktails and a Codigo 1530 Tequila tasting bar before moving to the lower level for the evening’s proceedings. The entire event was underwritten by Querencia and owners Bonnie and Tom McCloskey allowing 100% of ticket proceeds to be donated to Liga MAC.
Reflecting on Liga MAC’s 25 year history of serving the community of San Jose del Cabo, the Gala welcoming address touched on Liga MAC’s grassroots beginnings, growth and evolution to meet community needs, before sharing exciting plans for our future (see “Other Happenings” below).
The sold out crowd of over 200 guests was treated to a delicious chef-curated 4 course dinner prepared and served by Querencia’s wonderful staff while enjoying the stunning decor and beautiful table settings provided by Del Cabo Event Design. A champagne toast to Liga MAC’s future, fireworks and dancing to the music of Picasso Blvd, rounded out the evening.
But perhaps the highlight of the evening was the testimonial given by one of Liga MAC’s first high school graduates and present day Liga MAC Board of Directors member, Fernando Meza. While his mother, Carmen, and wife, Claudia, looked on proudly, Fernando shared his story:
Fernando, his mother (Carmen) and 2 younger brothers fled their remote home near La Paz and the boys’ abusive, alcoholic father. Arriving in San Jose without resources they found shelter with an older brother’s in-laws. Their story might have ended quite differently but for a referral to Liga MAC.
Liga MAC volunteers visited the family with food and assessed the situation. To sustain her small family, Carmen prepared and sold meals to her neighbours. Fernando, the oldest of the 3 boys, was about to start Grade 7 but without money for uniforms it would be impossible for him to attend school. Fernando was qualified to enter Liga MAC’s fledgling student support program which provided uniforms, tuition, and backpacks as well as basic needs support for the family.
Six years later in 2011, Fernando was in the first cohort of Liga MAC students to graduate from high school. A bright and hardworking student, Fernando wanted and indeed knew that he needed to go on with his education. Again Liga MAC stepped forward to provide a small cohort of exceptional students, including Fernando, with support for university. Fernando went on to study law, be accepted to the bar, and just recently receive his Masters in Criminal Law. Now married to a lawyer, Fernando and his wife Claudia have their own law firm in San Jose del Cabo.
Our amazing event was an incredible tribute to Liga MAC’s 25 year history and credit for its success goes to Co-chairs Leeann Leboeuf and Susan Cornelius and their hard working committee. With 25 years behind us, we look forward to the next 25 years of service to the community!
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