Mi Gente... Happy 2012!
This time last year, I was in a hospital bed, fighting for my life with my family by my side and in many of your thoughts / prayers. It was a scary time for me so much so that when I got out of intensive care, reading your emails and tweets is what made my day. I have said many times that I have the most amazing network of people who know the meaning of true community.
For almost 15 years, I have personally financed this website and have refused to give in to advertisers that do not really believe in the website or it's mission... they simply wanted to use the trust you have in me to promote their products / services to you and make their sales numbers.
I did not think that was right... so I kept it grassroots and now the current state of the economy threatens the legacy we have been building. It is getting harder for me to fund these programs.
Since my return in March... it has been a struggle physically, financially and mentally. Due to almost 4 months of income loss...there were many days that I thought that this blog would cease to exist after almost 15 years in existence. The thought of that happening breaks my heart because this blog is so much more than a website. This blog gave birth to projects that serve thousands of Latinos like
- Capicu Poetry & Cultural Showcase - a grassroots multicultural producer of performing arts based in Brooklyn NYC that provides paid opportunities for poets, authors and artists to showcase their talents.
- Radio Capicu - A live radio show that features 2 way discussions about issues important to the Latino community in the United States. This show was the first live show on the internet dedicated to the Latino community.
- Latino Community Info, a job board that posts jobs for bilingual and multicultural candidates.
- Pa'l Pueblo Christmas Charity - Toys for headstart program that currently serves 500 children annually in 5 different schools.
- Promoting Healthy Community - Our company donates Social Media support for major health initiatives like Por Tu Familia, the Latino campaign for the American Diabetes Assoiciation for the last 4 years. We have also developed smaller health fairs and screening days with local medical practices.
- Over the years we created an extensive community accross several social media platforms of community minded and action driven Latinos ready to respond to community concerns and celebrate our cultural heritage.
In addition to these established projects, Sofrito Media Group and it's sister company Capicu Cultural Showcase have been leaders in the NYC cultural community in developing / participating in events ranging from grassroots, academia and even in the diversity corporate circle.
That said... I have 60 days to figure out how I can continue the work we started in 1997, can you help?
I will say that if you are able to help keep this site alive... click here, or use the PayPal link below.
Your support will help us provide a variety of of education and outreach services that will take our commitment beyond the website and directly address needs in the community. We still need to reach those who may not have access to the internet.
Please consider making a contribution today!
Thank you for empowering us to continue to enrich the lives of all those looking to feed their souls with the best of Latino culture on the web!
All donors will be recognized on our website for contributing to the mission.
For more information on how you can help, contact us at SofritoMediaGroup@gmail.com
GRACIAS!!!!
As I am,
George Torres
The Urban Jibaro
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