Miss World Guatemala Monique Aparicio Raises Funds In Vernon, BC

October 5 and 6, 2013 - Food for the Hungry was proud to partner with Vernon Alliance Church for a special Xonca Dinner Dessert Auction with guests Jon Neufeld of the band, Starfield and Monique Aparicio, Miss World Guatemala 2012.

The evening started with an inspiring worship set with Jon Neufeld and transitioned over to a moving testimony by Monique Aparicio. 

A professional auctioneer led the Dessert Auction and the following items got a lot of buzz- two wrapped and printed photographs from FH Guatemala brought in $625 each, many amazing cakes brought in over $500, "Breakfast with Monique" brought in $450, and a Cream Puff Tree (and song) by singer Connie Scott brought in $825.

The event resulted 43 new child sponsors, several pledges, and just under $12,000 towards Educational Assistance for Indigenous Youth program in Guatemala.

The event highlights the importance of educational opportunities for the Indigenous Youth in Guatemala, a special program geared towards enabling the completion of middle school and high school, and open up specific occupational study. 

The requirement for students to do an internship in their last year of high school creates work experience and growth for their calling in life. Currently, a student is doing an internship at the FH Guatemala office in the area of agriculture and as of September, many other internship opportunities through FH Guatemala have become available. The desire for more education has grown and FH Guatemala proudly reports that many of the students have moved on to university. 

Through FH, the areas of vocational training, social/spiritual support, and youth leadership development are addressed with the foundational understanding of how God created each person with a purpose. How God addresses stewardship and community within the Guatemalan culture brings hope to the young people and helps them prepare for an exciting future.

Vernon Alliance has partnered with the village of Xonca, Guatemala and Food for the Hungry since 2010, and has been a part of numerous projects in that village from school classroom to student lunch programs to a medical clinic. Monique, because of her passion for children and concern for the rate of malnutrition and poverty in her own country, last year joined FH as a staff member. Jon continues to partner with FH by using his music and platform to advocate for children and families in need of a helping hand.

Understanding and being informed about the issues that young Guatemalan’s face has built an undeniable passion to see that these young men and women thrive in their community. The event last weekend was a success and we are grateful to Vernon Alliance Church for hosting this event.

If you would like an event like this for your church, or are interesting in partnership through FH Canada, check out more at www.fhcanada.org/partnerships