Blanquita’s Restaurant in San Benito, Texas, was the place to be on Saturday, June 16. More than 100 people attended our Serenata with Carlos Cañas  event, which raised both funds and awareness for the ministry at La Posada.

“The music that Carlos and his son performed was so pleasant and relaxing,” says Client Coordinator Monica Peña-Rasmussen, who attended the event with ten members of her family. “Every chair in the restaurant was filled, but it still felt like a very intimate gathering because it was so well organized. My family really enjoyed the food, which was delicious, and the festive atmosphere.”

The evening began with a warm welcome from Program Director Zita Telkamp, CDP, who introduced the board members, staff and clients of La Posada in attendance. Board member Everett Driskill led the gathering in prayer before dinner, which current La Posada residents helped serve. The clients introduced themselves to each table in English, a language many have only been speaking for two months.

“It was a wonderful opportunity for people to realize that we provide shelter and assistance to clients from all over the world, not just Latin America,” says Monica. “Clients from Bangladesh, Cuba, Kenya and Rwanda were there representing a sample from the more than 70 countries we serve.”

During the course of the evening, several raffles were held to benefit the shelter. Board Chair Debbie Grayson concluded the festivities by thanking everyone for their support of La Posada and Board Member Paula Olivarez for organizing the event.

“Because Sunday was Father’s Day, Carlos even sang a special song in their honor.  All the fathers in attendance were given a little gift – a ballpoint pen,” commented Sister Zita. “It really was a delightful evening for everyone.”

Blanquita’s Restaurant invited clients back on Monday for tacos to thank them for helping serve on Saturday.  We are thankful to Blanquita’s, and all our supporters, who made Serenata with Carlos Cañas such a success.