Shrine Auction starts tomorrow, 17 April 2010

Rebecca has the information on the Shrine Auction to benefit the Oaxaca Street Children's Grassroots organization.  In order to bid, you'll need to register and then create your profile.  I've got my eye on 2 in particular and hope I win the bidding competition!

Here is a little information about the Oaxaca Street Children's history.  You can find more information at their website, here.

Oaxaca Street Children Grassroots

Harold and Jodi Bauman founded Oaxaca Street Children Grassroots in 1996. They had spent a lifetime caring for their own children in Missouri, USA. where they were mental health professionals. The couple first came to Oaxaca on vacation in 1984, and although they were enchanted by the city's charms, they were deeply troubled by the many young children they saw working in the streets and parks. These youngsters were selling trinkets and candy, both during school and nighttime hours.

The Baumans began by helping one family of Triqui Indians to enroll their children in school. Each year they expanded their efforts and spent more time in Oaxaca. By 1996, they and a few friends were supporting approximately seventy children, and Harold and Jodi realized that they could reach more children if they formalized their initiative. Together with another couple, they chartered Oaxaca Street Children Grassroots and created a child-sponsorship program.

By the end of 1997, 148 children had found sponsors with the help of "Grassroots". This number climbed to 190 by the end of 1998, and to 230 by the end of 1999. Today over five hundred children and adolescents have international sponsors (or "Godparents") through the auspices of the organization. In addition, we added a Food and Medical Program in 1998, and a Community Center in 1999.

Centro de Esperanza Infantil A. C.

In 1999, we chartered a sister organization in Mexico, El Centro de Esperanza Infantil (or "Center of Hope for Children"). In March 2000, El Centro de Esperanza Infantil achieved the Mexican equivalent of a US 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.
As a result, we are now carrying out our services here in Oaxaca through a Mexican organization, but neither the donation process nor our program offerings will change. Donations should still be sent to Oaxaca Street Children Grassroots, Inc. to the address listed in the Contact Us section of the website.

I hope you'll take some time to look at the truly beautiful shrines and help a very good cause.  Just don't bid on the 2 that I want!!