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Community Corner

Golf Tournament to Raise $25,000 for Colombo-American Education Foundation

On Monday, June 16, the Eleventh Annual Children’s Charity Golf Tournament will be held in the Marbella Country Club in San Juan Capistrano, Calif., starting at 10 a.m. The event is hosted by the Colombo-American Education Foundation (CAEF), a nonprofit providing funds for the education of disadvantaged and poor children in Colombia.

“We are celebrating our eleventh year and have raised more than $200,000,” said Margarita Martin, president and founder of CAEF and an independent sales associate of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Laguna Beach. “We are funding 85 scholarships, which will allow our kids to have a better life!”

CAEF was started by Margarita Martin and her husband, Dale Martin. Coldwell Banker’s encouragement of community involvement, and their love of education inspired them to financially support the educational needs of unprivileged children in Colombia. Through the Golf Tournament, CAEF aims to raise $25,000 to fund the educational pursuits of students in Colombia. 

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“Schools in Latin America are not free. Students must pay $380 for elementary or

high school and $760 for college or trade schools per year for their education and books,” said Margarita Martin. “We want to educate children who will stay in their country and help others.”

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This year, according to Director Joe De Ladurantey, 110 students are presently benefited with scholarship programs: eight are in college programs, two attend the Petroleum Institute, and in 2013, 45 children received high school diplomas. In addition, CAEF has opened the first “Boys & Girls Club” in South America.  Also, CAEF provided equipment for the computer lab at Neiva, Colombia, and instituted the necessary maintenance programs. Margarita Martin visits Colombia every year to check the academic progress of the sponsored children.

“This is making a difference in the lives of the people in communities surrounding Neiva, Colombia,” said De Ladurantey. “When it comes to the education of responsible future leaders, there should be no borders.”

There are many ways to participate in the Golf Tournament from sponsorships to donating auction and raffle items. To donate, register or learn more, visit CAEF’s website, www.colombiankids.org.

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