HeartBridge International Foundation and Mayor Gavin Newsom Raise $14K for Leyte Mudslide Victims
Consul General Maria Rowena Mendoza Sanchez (right) with Mike Nevin (2nd from right), Supervisor Fiona Ma (3rd from right), and a member of Mike Nevin’s team at the auction
Treasurer Jose Cisneros speaks at the auction for the victims of the Leyte Mudslide disaster.
HeartBridge International Foundation Chairperson and Juvenile
Probation Commissioner Jacqui Lingad Ricci together with the
Office of Mayor Gavin Newsom hosted an auction on Friday, 17
March 2006. The event was held to raise funds for the victims
of the Southern Leyte mudslides which occurred on 17 February
2006. The mudslides buried towns in Southern Leyte including
Barangay Guinsaugon and caused the deaths of thousands and the
displacement of many others. The victims are now trying to rebuild
their lives and although much assistance has been received through
the international community including members of the Bay Area
more aid is needed.
The auction raised $13,810 through the sale of various items
which included round trip tickets to the Philippines, a ride
on the fireboat of Chief Joanne Hayes White, Filipino made handicrafts,
books, chocolates, and an assortment of other quality items.
Various persons spoke at the event including Treasurer Jose
Cisneros who said “Many things are still needed by the
victims, housing, medicines, education and we must do all we
can to help.”
Commissioner Jacqui Lingad Ricci, the moving force behind the
event was pleased with the turnout and the amount that they
were able to raise, “the almost $14,000 dollars the auction
was able to generate will go a long way in alleviating the suffering
of the victims and will help them rebuild their lives.”
Consul General Maria Rowena Mendoza Sanchez for her part said
“I am very appreciative of the efforts of Commissioner
Jacqui Lingad Ricci: Her hard work on behalf of our kababayans
in Southern Leyte will truly help them get back on their feet.”
“I thank everyone who attended the auction and gave generously
to the victims,” she added.
