Past Events

PAST EVENTS

		June 19, 2010 :: New York Cocktail Reception and movie screening

On June 19 a reception was held after which the film “Un viaje hacia el mar” ("A trip to the sea") was screened. Attendees left happy and a people came forward to learn more about Reaching U and the Foundation's work in Uruguay. We would like to thank Jimena Pereyra and all the staff at Opia for their unwavering and highly professional support.


		June 7-9, 2010 :: Montevideo Workshop for Nonprofit Organizations

This event, held at the U.S. Embassy in Uruguay ,featured a workshop for NGOs and a meeting of social development organizations. The NGO workshop lasted for three days during which an overall analysis was made of tools for strategic planning, fundraising, project development, leadership and volunteer work, among other topics. 23 organizations took part, 9 of which were presented by Reaching U. Among these were: Jubilar, Madres de la Cruz, Aires Puros, Ceprodih, Los Pinos, Fundalca, Providencia and Casa Lunas. The workshop was led by Dawn Crosby, regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and responsible for managing economic and humanitarian assistance provided by the U.S. Ms. Crosby noted a "duplication of efforts" between certain organizations and that they must "differentiate" in order to receive international financial aid. Furthermore, she said that ONGs in Uruguay are very "dependent on volunteers," although "they understand management practices." The workshop concluded with a meeting to which some 150 organizations were invited and where the Executive Director of Reaching U, Ines Bonicelli, attended as one the distinguished speakers along with representatives from the World Bank, the Portones Shopping Foundation and the San Vicente Organization among others. In the words of Social Worker Victoria Marguery, coordinator of Madres de la Cruz: "The workshop has given me the opportunity to learn tools for evaluating the performance of our organization as well as to consider deeper changes .... Reaching U has undoubtedly played a major role in the growth of Madres de la Cruz in recent years."


		2010 :: Montevideo Uruguayan American School (UAS) students help Reaching U

In 2009 UAS’s Economics and Finance students managed two stock portfolios of $10,000 and decided to donate $4,000 earned in profits to an organization supported by Reaching U. Reaching U presented the class with different options and they selected “Madres de la Cruz,” which provides after-school educational and psychological support for disadvantaged children living in the center’s neighborhood. For more information, read this article (available in English and in PDF format). Congratulations to the UAS students for being such good stock pickers and thanks for helping Reaching U!


		January 3, 2010 :: Punta del Este Thank-you cocktail for donors and partners

Taking advantage of the presence in Uruguay of many Uruguayans and foreign nationals who cooperate with the organization, Reaching U held a meeting to honor the contributions of all those who enable the organization to function throughout the year and to present its goals for 2010. ¨We support organizations that present innovative social projects, we also support organizations with established long-term projects that have shown excellent results. We have worked to the best of our abilities, professionally and transparently. Many things were done right and we have a lot more to learn ¨ - said Executive Director Inés Bonicelli addressing the audience of more than 300 people gathered in Lapataia. The venue, generously provided by Princess Laetitia D'Arenberg, provided an excellent backdrop for the many volunteers and contributors to share their experiences and impressions with the Reaching U board members. Robert Weisz, President of the Board, said, "It is often said that volunteer work is inefficient, uncommitted or inconsistent. I think Reaching U has demonstrated totally the opposite." Photo gallery




		January 6, 2010 :: Punta del Este Reaching U at the San Fernando race

As part of the San Fernando run that takes place every year in Punta del Este, a group of runners - Los Primitivos - once again supported Reaching U by wearing our logo. Los Primitivos decided to support our efforts, in this case, by spreading the name and work of Reaching U among the many spectators who turned out to see the race. In 2009, the Primitivos runners who took part in the New York marathon gathered support from friends and colleagues, donating all the money raised to Reaching U. Between them, just five runners managed to raise US$2,500. By participating in the San Fernando race, this group of runners (well-known in Montevideo where they train daily and take part in many events held in the city) sought to raise awareness about the importance of solidarity. During the race they were easily distinguishable thanks to their orange vests and the large Reaching U logo.