Greetings!
The JunTos Foundation is very thankful for all those who came out in support of this year's 6th Annual Event. Our organization is grateful for the opportunity to continue to redefine the face of young, charitable fundraising in Miami through this labor of love. With more than 550 people in attendance and over $80,000 raised, JunTos is proud to be associated with our sponsors including LINQ Financial Group, Costa Foundation, International Finance Bank, Siemens/Med Lab, Bargello Bistro, Lydian Bank, Squire Sanders, Virgin Health Corporation, Star Bakery, Coral Gate Mobil, Coastal Building Maintenance, A&A Underwriters, and LoMo Trading Inc. Thanks to them, our event was an incredible success and JunTos can now reach out and help more people in our community afflicted with cancer and heart disease
Sincerely,
Lucas Diaz
JunTos Foundation
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Doubling Down to Raise Big
The JunTos Foundation just celebrated our 6th Annual Event at CIFO Art Space presented by LINQ Financial on May 1, 2010. Proceeds from the event will benefit those dedicated to curing cancer and raising awareness of heart disease.
The evening was a fabulous mix of fun and fundraising with its bamboo filled courtyard and breathtakingly lit jungle mosaic serving as the perfect backdrop. For the first time this year, we introduced casino gaming to the festivities, with proceeds going to help individuals in the community who are battling these terrible diseases. Our guests enjoyed playing craps, roulette, blackjack and poker with the top four chip winners receiving one of four wonderful prizes.
 One of the evening's highlights was when co-founder, Michael Mendez, presented the JunTos Courage Award to Amy and Leslie Lorenzo, two incredibly inspirational young women who were diagnosed with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy very early on in their lives. Both sisters received heart transplants and have been bravely fighting this disease ever since. As we all know, it's a miracle when someone receives a new heart and as an organization we were touched by the strength and determination Amy and Leslie have shown by following their dreams in the face of any adversity. Their unconditional love and support for one another while attending doctor's appointments and procedures is truly amazing. Traditionally, the Courage Award is given each year to an individual who shows great character while overcoming their battle with cancer or heart disease. Past recipients Archie McNealy and Alfonso Otero also attended this year's event and were proud to help us welcome Amy and Leslie into the JunTos family.
The event featured hors d'oeuvres and dinner provided by Mena Catering, open bar and an exclusive silent art auction which included artwork from more than 50 elite, internationally renowned artists in Miami such as: Maximo Caminero, Rafael Consuegra, Armando de Jesus, Vicente Dopico-Lerner, Israel Guevara, Baruj Salinas and Helen Weiss. Attendees were also able to write their own heartfelt messages or simply sign their name to a wall with the JunTos logo and board member handprints at the heart of it.
Many of Miami's young professionals attended t he event including local celebrities, such as Univision's Pamela Silva and Josie Loren star from ABC Family's Make it or Break it. Everyone who came out to support, enjoyed musical performances by Remix and DJ Danny Carreras late into the night and enjoyed Sir Pizza and LA Sweets cupcakes on their way out the door. Gift bags provided by International Finance Bank, were filled with merchandise from local businesses around Miami such as Peace Love World, Perfumania and Catalonia Cleaners. Guests also took home a lovely travel book provided by Quintessentially, a luxury lifestyle group. In the end, the night was a huge success and a great time for an even greater cause!
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JunTos Gives Back
The party is so important to us as an organization because it's how we raise the funds we need to help others. This year, JunTos teamed up with Josie Loren from ABC Family's "Make It or Break It" and Miami Children's Hospital to bring a Movie Day to its patients. Josie played her Disney movie "Hatching Pete" and signed autographs for all the children. It was a fun day for everyone involved and one that won't soon be forgotten. We were also able to provide DVDs for all the patients in attendance.
Most recently, in conjunction with Ransom Everglades, we have raised over $24,000 for former Courage Award recipient, Archie McNealy to support his continued battle against cancer. Archie is facing health insurance payments, experimental procedures and a bone marrow transplant. His courage and strength continue to inspire us and so we wanted to keep assisting Archie in his fight.
On June 5th, JunTos is Going to Bat for Platelets by organizing an event with the Florida Blood Center. There is a serious shortage of platelet donations in Florida as well as the rest of the United States and a lot of patients who need them. Therefore, the JunTos members will be donating on Saturday, June 5th and we are encouraging friends and family members to become donors as well! We're working hard to make an impact in our community and to help local hospitals who are in desperate need. To find out more information about becoming a platelet donor or to find a donation location nearest you please log on to www.floridabloodcenters.org. If you provide us with your donor number we'd love to send you a FREE JunTos T-shirt.
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Sculpture Unveiling at Westmister Christian
This sculpture was commissioned as a tribute to our friends Juanchi de la Rua and Toti Mendez, two brave Warriors who exemplified the qualities of strength, honor, and courage on and off this field. We will always remember their ability to make us laugh and find the joy in each moment. Their lives, though brief, ignited a spirit of giving in those whose hearts they touched and taught us all that life is measured not by the time we are given on this Earth, but by the imprints we leave behind.
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About JunTos Foundation
JunTos Foundation is a 501 (C) 3 non-profit organization established in 2004 by family and friends of Juanchi de la Rua and Toti Mendez; two inspirational young men whose lives were unfairly cut short by cancer and cardiomyopathy. The foundation's mission is to prevent the unnecessary loss of precious lives by working together to find a cure for cancer and raise awareness of heart disease. JunTos' mission is achieved by hosting charity events such as the annual party and their annual golf tournament. For more information please visit www.juntosfoundation.org.
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