Organizers of the virtual and ongoing “40k4sucasa” fundraiser already have reached the month-long event’s original monetary goal of $40,000. In fact, by today, the total collected stood at $41,815.
But with days still remaining in the series of presentations and activities slated as a way to entertain and fund-raise during the COVID-19 pandemic, they’re now aiming at a new higher figure of $50,000 for Su Casa Columbus. Yuri Penaloza, among the organizers of the multifaceted mix of events, also mentioned that donations will be accepted until the end of October.
Su Casa is a non-profit organization in Columbus, serving as a cross-cultural bridge between Bartholomew County’s Hispanic and non-Hispanic populations.
Celebrating and educating the community about the culture represents a portion of the organization’s mission. In the first three months of the COVID-19 shutdown, the agency served 1,800 people with food, rent, and utility assistance. That is 150% more than the number of people the agency would normally serve in an entire year, according to the agency website.
Penaloza gave credit to Cummins Inc.’s support for the effort and word-of-mouth attention.
“And you know how the Columbus community is very close and united,” she said. “So I think that’s how we did it. I knew that we would would get there. I just didn’t think it was going to be this early.
“So while we are somewhat surprised, we really expected no less support from this community.”
About 2,000 people have watched everything from yoga to country music to Zumba since the fundraiser began as part of Hispanic Heritage Month, she said. And Penaloza added that she now believes a mix of varied events has attracted a broader audience of support that the previous years of a diversity gala.
“I think the effort and impact with this is much greater than with just a one-night event,” Penaloza said. “So, it seems that people are willing to adapt to this new normal — not only our volunteers, but the community at large as well.
“The variety of events this year is allowing us to reach all kinds of people. One event can be targeted generally to only one segmented audience. But these events are much more inclusive.”
Penaloza said she and others are not yet sure what this year’s tweaked format means for future Su Casa galas.
“I don’t yet know,” she said. “But I do think this year is full of a lot of good lessons for us … and a lot of new ideas. We know now that this doesn’t have to be just one event.”
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”Remaining online events” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
Remaining events for #40k4sucasa fundraiser online at the Facebook page for Su Casa Columbus. All are at 7 p.m.
- Oct. 14: Cooking Latino cuisine with Francisco Lagunas
- Oct. 16: Pop-rock music from The Tiptonians band.
To donate: sucasacolumbus.com
[sc:pullout-text-end]
