For ECoSistema parent Bertha Arreola, bringing the community together to support a cause you care about is second nature. Bertha, a longtime ECoSistema parent, shared that in her experience growing up in Mexico, when the community saw a need, everyone would pitch in and offer what they could – whether making food, offering their time, or donating supplies – to raise money for the cause. This type of community-led fundraising event, called a kermes, is a way for the community to unite behind people and programs that make a positive impact. This summer, Bertha approached the ECoSistema team and said, “I want to do this for you as a thank-you for all that ECoSistema does for our students.”

Thanks to Bertha’s tireless efforts and to strong support from the Boys & Girls Club of Goshen, ECoSistema held a hugely successful kermes-style fundraiser for Club members and families: the ECoSistema Back-to-School Bash! The contributions came flooding in: ECoSistema parents put together giveaway baskets, made ECoSistema-branded keychains to sell, provided baked goods, and brought delicious, home-cooked Mexican food – even bringing a grill to make fresh tacos on the spot! One ECoSistema parent, Diana Sanchez Lopez, is a professional face painter and donated her services for the duration of the event. Parents volunteered their time to take orders, serve food, and collect proceeds from raffle tickets. The ECoSistema community of families truly came together to make this event a success.

ECoSistema’s strong partnership with the Boys & Girls Club also helped make this event possible. Each year the Back-to-School Bash is a highlight of Club programming for families – and this year all proceeds went to support ECoSistema. The Club helped secure bounce houses for kids to enjoy, and Club staff gave of their time to help set up, clean up, and ensure that everything ran smoothly. Local businesses also made valuable contributions. One business owner in Elkhart donated a large event tent as well as dozens of tables and chairs to provide comfortable, shady seating for families to enjoy while eating.

Entertainment for the evening was provided by Mariachi ECo, ECoSistema’s very own mariachi ensemble. The intergenerational ensemble performed favorites like “Guadalajara” and “Cielito Lindo” as well as debuting some new selections such as “El Cascabel.”

The fundraiser was widely attended and helped raise a considerable sum for ECoSistema. More importantly, this event provided a joyful opportunity for the ECoSistema and Boys & Girls Club community to come together and enjoy several hours of fun on a beautiful fall evening!