Over the “long weekend” of the 25th to the 27th of February 2012, numerous fun events were celebrated in Casa de Campo; the “Carnaval de la Marina”, Dominican National Independence Day and a wonderful Spanish “Noche Sevillana” at La Casita restaurant as well as one very special event, for a wonderful cause – the “Adopt a Crib” dinner by the Hogar del Niño, hosted by Xiomara Menéndez at her extraordinary Casa de Campo villa! Each year, Xiomara Menéndez, the founder of the Patronato Benefico Oriental (umbrella organisation to the Hogar del Niño) hosts an exclusive dinner for the generous Casa de Campo residents and villa owners who support the “Adopt a Crib” program, which enables the daycare and educational facility to care for more than 200 babies in their “crib room” (la sala de cuña) everyday, and a total of more than 1500 adolescents.
The “Adopt A Crib” scheme, is a magnificient initiative started in 1998 to ensure a continuous flow of contributions for the Hogar del Niño from their regular supports, which has now become the educational and daycare center’s major source of income, gradually allowing the facility to develop into the most complete daycare center in the Dominican Republic! To participate in the scheme, generous Hogar del Niño supporters donate a minimum of US$1,000 annually.
Glamorous hostess, Xiomara (center) welcomes her guests
On Saturday the 25th February, more than 200 elegant and jolly guests arrived at the Xiomara’s stunning oceanside Casa de Campo villa, fully prepared for a thrilling Arabian Night, dressed in a variety of exotic costumes, with flowing crepe gowns, headdresses and some even adorned with glittering facial jewels! The guests enjoyed a wonderful cocktail on the villa’s breathtaking terrace overlooking the ocean and the Chavón bay, uniquely decorated with incense, candles and an enormous tent elegantly draped across the pool area and decorated in blue and red. The welcome speech was given by Ramon Menéndez and Phyllis Berney, who reviewed many of the Hogar del Niños achievements, whilst also thanking the more than 200 guests, whose continued support and important contributions are of vital importance to the everyday running and continued expansion of the facility. Following an exquisite dinner under the stars enjoyed to the melodic music of violinists and cellists, guests were surprised (and thrilled) by three talented belly dancers from the Vanessa Angulo Belly Dance Academy of Santo Domingo, who performed various routines involving swirling veils and even swords, which certainly mesmerized many of the guests – with some lucky diners invited to join in the action (which they did with enthusiasm!)
Shaking, shimmering and shining, the belly dancers put on quiet a show!
Congratulations to Xiomara Menéndez for such a wonderful event and many thanks to all the generous Casa de Campo villa owners and residents who year after year contribute to this great cause! Below you can enjoy of a selection of photos taken during the “Adopt A Crib” dinner in Casa de Campo:
The Hogar del Niño recently celebrated it’s 15th annual fundraising weekend with numerous sporting activities and the grand finale dinner, this year in celebration of the “Zona Verde” informal education pavilion. Click here for photos of this magnificent event!
The Hogar del Niño
The Hogar del Niño is a children’s daycare and educational center for over 1500 children, located in La Romana town, just outside of Casa de Campo. Children from as young as just a few weeks old up to 18 years old are cared for and educated daily, from as early as 5:30am and staying as late as 7pm. The organization also provides special schooling to over 75 hearing impaired and blind children, as well as a vocational school where over 235 students receive classes in different areas like: sewing; industrial preparation, installation and electrical maintenance; plumbing and management of computer office programs.
Spanish
Over the “long weekend” of the 25th to the 27th of February 2012, numerous fun events were celebrated in Casa de Campo; the “Carnaval de la Marina”, Dominican National Independence Day and a wonderful Spanish “Noche Sevillana” at La Casita restaurant as well as one very special event, for a wonderful cause – the “Adopt a Crib” dinner by the Hogar del Niño, hosted by Xiomara Menéndez at her extraordinary Casa de Campo villa! 
Each year, Xiomara Menéndez, the founder of the Patronato Benefico Oriental (umbrella organisation to the Hogar del Niño) hosts an exclusive dinner for the generous Casa de Campo residents and villa owners who support the “Adopt a Crib” program, which enables the daycare and educational facility to care for more than 200 babies in their “crib room” (la sala de cuña) everyday, and a total of more than 1500 adolescents.
The “Adopt A Crib” scheme, is a magnificient initiative started in 1998 to ensure a continuous flow of contributions for the Hogar del Niño from their regular supports, which has now become the educational and daycare center’s major source of income, gradually allowing the facility to develop into the most complete daycare center in the Dominican Republic! To participate in the scheme, generous Hogar del Niño supporters donate a minimum of US$1,000 annually.
The Hogar del Niño is a children’s daycare and educational center for over 1500 children, located in La Romana town, just outside of Casa de Campo. Children from as young as just a few weeks old up to 18 years old are cared for and educated daily, from as early as 5:30am and staying as late as 7pm. The organization also provides special schooling to over 75 hearing impaired and blind children, as well as a vocational school where over 235 students receive classes in different areas like: sewing; industrial preparation, installation and electrical maintenance; plumbing and management of computer office programs.
Contact the Hogar del Niño on: