It was a very busy weekend for fundraisers in Carlsbad.
J.R. Doporto and a host of sponsors held the fifth annual fishing derby, which raises money for Carlsbad’s Boys and Girls Club. Families lined up along Lower Tansill Dam to participate. The trout, catfish and bass tournament was a huge success. Congratulations to all of the winners, but we know even those who didn’t win any prizes had a lot of fun.
Additionally, the Faith, Hope & Love Foundation held its first Christmas Cruise Toy Run. This event raised toys for the annual Christmas Shoppe. You can help with this effort by calling (575) 941-2022. The Foundation will have a Christmas application up until Nov. 26 for any families in need. The toy run was a lot of fun and allowed the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce a chance to show off the new train, which will be part of this year’s Christmas on the Pecos program.
Ray Anaya’s Christmas Anonymous program is also in the process of organizing its 59th annual drive. For more information, contact Geraldine Armendarez at (575) 725-1382.
MTD Radio had a food drive in front of La Tienda on Saturday. This event raised 136 pounds of food and almost $500 in cash, all of which went straight to Jonah’s House. The radio station hosted a similar event in Artesia on Friday, with food from that event going to the St Vincent De Paul Food Bank. The United Way of Eddy County assisted with coordination and distribution of this event.
Operation Hope concluded its Thanksgiving distribution on Saturday. More than 300 families received Thanksgiving baskets thanks to all of the hard work and generous donations. This program is organized by Terri Judah and other local educators, who are on the front line in terms of seeing need. Members of the Boys and Girls Club also helped with this event.
In fact, there was a lot of overlap all week – with members of various organizations all assisting each other with fundraising activities. Everyone we talked to was impressed by the generosity displayed by so many residents.
On Friday, Anthony Alonzo invited me to join a group of low riders in a cruise through town. I rode with Angel Romero in his award-winning low rider. Many of these same low rider groups participate in toy drives and other activities throughout the year. This was a lot of fun, and I appreciate everyone turning out to show their support.