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img_6655For anyone hiding under a rock, last weekend marked the 12th annual Hogar del Niño Weekend.  The event was an exceptional one, with record participation and donations. It seems that despite all the problems going on in the world today, everyone is clearly looking to give a little more to those in need. Its easy to have a good time during these events and forget that it takes a lot of money to keep institutions like Hogar del Niño going. Current estimates place the monthly cost of keeping Hogar del Niño going at around $100,000 per month!! So every dollar donated helps – and this year saw tremendous and generous help! The weekend was short, sweet and tremendously effective. The event was three days and consisted of a tour of the Hogar del Niño center, followed by Golf, Tennis and Polo tournaments, a Home and Garden tour and concluded with dinner and dancing.  The Homes and Garden Tour –  A tremendous success! With over 150 attendees signed-up to visit some of the most spectacular homes and gardens in Casa de Campo.  Special thanks goes out to all those who lent their homes for this special event. Polo Tournament –  The tournament of the Sport of Kings also saw an unprecedented participation, with a record 6 teams, playing high and Low handicap and the final match going into over time…..it was really exciting – even as a spectator. 

High Handicap winners:

  • 1st Place – Mártires Quezada, Pedro Soria, Roberto Jimenez, Eddy Martínez2nd
  • 2nd Place – Tony Rivera, Ezequiel Martinez, Johny Alvarez, Guillermo Cochon

Low Handicap winners: 

  • 1st Place:  Joaquín Sánchez, José López, Ramón Espinal and José Cedano
  • 2nd Place: Anton Casasnovas, Joselo, Leo Carrión and Leonardo Cortez
Golf Tournament –  This years golf tournament, while friendly and for a good cause, did not spare the gloves, as they say.  The match was all in good fun, but still held a healthy competitive spirit. 

Champions: Federico Schad, Danilo Caro, Toni Caro and Jorge Robello

Runner’s-Up: Robert Lynn, Maria Lynn, Jovanny Duluc and John Schmidt 

Third PlaceFederico Feliz, Daniel Medina, Ramon Campechano Jr. and Ramon Campechano 

Tied for Fourth Place:

  • Abel Gonzalez, Luis Garcia,  Nestor Villalobos and Toni Lama 
  • Ramon Caceres,  Javier Elmudesi,  Jose Veras and Tatiana Sourmatch 
  • Jeronimo Estevez, Eduardo Cutillas,  Alex Brito and Porfirio Brito 
Ball Drop – The Ball Drop is one of the more exotic events of the Hogar del Niño weekend, that consists basically of participants buying as many golf balls as they would like, then having the golf balls thrown from a helicopter over a putting green. The winner(s) are those who’s balls fall into the hole. This year, there were three winners: Jean Dye, Javier Elmudesi and Marcela Bettoni.  Tennis Tournament – The Tennis matches where also quite exciting, with all players having a really great time. Then again – with only 12 players this meant everyone got a lot of action!

Doubles 1st Place: Antonio Esteban & Alberto Jimenez

Doubles 2nd Place: Magdalena Garcia / Antonio Esteban Jr.

Dinner-Dance – As for the Dinner-Dance and award ceremony, it was most impressive indeed. With over 400 guests in attendance, Hogar del Niño was able to not only receive a considerable sum in donations, but also make everyone feel good about giving so much – many of which danced the night away till late into the evening! If you attended any part of the Hogar del Niño weekend, we would love to hear your comments!!  Please share them with us by leaving your comments below, or email us at info@casadecampoliving.com. Also if you would like your own photos featured in our photo gallery feel free to submit them to info@casadecampoliving. Check back for new photos!