Celebrating in the sand with the Hogar del Niño at the BEST beach party!

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Hats (and shoes) off to the Hogar del Niño! On Saturday the 16th of February 2013, to close the Hogar del Niño fundraising weekend the Hogar del Niño, having chosen Minitas Beach as the venue for the party,took the concept of “beach party” and ran with it… creating a party I’m sure none of us will ever forget!

Welcome to the Hogar del Niño beach party!

Arriving to the beach, we were welcomed with a traditional Hawaiian “lei” and along a kind of stepping stone pathway lined with torches and overlooked by the giant figures of the  Hogar del Niño were greeted by the welcome party – with whom we made all made a wish-pledge; to love, health, peace, land, education or art.

Wish-pledge for love and health!

And from there with rum punch in hand, we stepped into the sand… and whilst many had planned ahead and were wearing cute sandals or flat shoes, those of us (myself included) in heels – had no choice but to deposit those pesky (and uncomfortable) heels at the “shoe check” and enjoy the rest of the evening with the heavenly feeling of sand beneath our feet – in true beach party style! The celebration continued from that point as both elegant yet casual, with each table simply decorated with yellow flowers and candles, the buffet adorned with spectacular glittering underwater-world decorations, whilst overhead lighting was proved by strings of lights. It was beautiful – and we all loved it! Many congratulations to Xiomarita, president of the Hogar del Niño and Sandra Alvarado on creating a fantastic ambience – as well as to the team of Tres Eventos who contributed with their expert team and experience.

Party in the sand with the Hogar del Niño!

A buffet-style dinner was served under the stars – with the added addition of an “asado” – beef, veal and lamb slow roasted all day long over fires in the sand. And before the dancing got underway the prize-giving ceremony took place and the winners of the various sporting activities; polo, golf, tennis and biking received their trophies.

At the end of the evening came the final surprise – bonfires and lanterns! At the waters edge small bonfires were lit and a crowd quickly gathered as a series of lanterns were lit and floated off into the night sky – carrying with them our hopes and dreams for the future.. The following collection of photos were taken on Saturday the 16th of February at the Hogar del Niño “beach party” on Minitas Beach in Casa de Campo: 

A record turnout for the Hogar del Niño’s 16th fundraising weekend! Friday the 15th and Saturday the 16th of February 2013, the Patronato Benefico Oriental (PBO) – the umbrella organisation for the Hogar del Niño hosted it’s 16th annual fundraising weekend – with great success and more people than ever joining the celebration. Click here for photos and the full story!

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. Click here to read more about the Hogar del Niño and their recent events and activities! Contact the Hogar del Niño on: Tel: (809) 523-8901 or (809) 556-3181 Email: info@pbo.org.do Website: www.hogardelnino.com