A series of fun and educational events offer a chance to keep Latino individuals and couples warm and dry during what’s been a cold, wet winter so far.
The indoor fun starts with the second annual Chili Cook-off hosted by the Spanish American Organization (SAO) Saturday, February 3, 2 to 6 p.m., at the Latins United meeting hall. Ten chili cookers will “bring the heat,” with attendees deciding the winner of a $100 prize. Chili samples will be offered for $3, $5, or $10, depending on how many recipe samples are desired.
The cook-off will also feature a DJ, raffles, and a free dessert. Raffle prizes include assortments of lottery tickets and gift cards. All proceeds will benefit SAO’s Frances Martinez scholarship fund, which provides financial help to deserving Latino college students. Monetary donations can be sent via Venmo (SAO419) and questions can be directed via email to spanishamericanorg@gmail.com.
Justice for Migrant Women is offering a three-part training program on consecutive Saturdays called Rural Women Lead. The three-day leadership development program for rural and migrant women will be held February 3, 10, and 17, at 105 Stone St. in Fremont. The series is meant to get more females civically engaged in their communities. There is a $25 enrollment fee. Registration is required at https://forms.gle/KmeHcVtjHzo9fa4v5. For those unable to attend all the sessions, those will be recorded to share with participants.
Toledo-area teens and young adults are being encouraged to sign up for a 12-week podcast training program being run by Toledo’s Top Talent and Mas y Mas. Ten adult and ten teen participants will be taught everything they need to know about starting a podcast, from the basics in equipment to advanced techniques. To register, potential students can visit the website www.toledotoptalent.com or call 419.461.7296. The program will kick off February 6.
Latins United is hosting a reverse raffle and chance auction Saturday, March 23, with dinner at 6 p.m. and the drawing to follow at 7 p.m. Tickets are $40 each and include dinner, drink, dessert, and an entry into the main raffle. Only 150 tickets are being sold with a grand prize of $2,500. Proceeds will go to the organization’s building fund to make ongoing repairs to the meeting hall.
Latins United also hosts ongoing events this winter, including a Money Wall, which encourages donations to the building fund. Envelopes are posted on the meeting hall wall. Donors can choose an envelope matching the amount they’d like to contribute. The aim is to empty the money wall of envelopes as soon as possible. A popular Friday evening event resumes February 18, as envelopes are stuffed for the weekly Queen of Hearts drawings. Proceeds from that fundraiser are split between building upgrades and donations to Toledo-area nonprofit groups.
The Believe Center and El Corazon de Mexico dance troupe will host the eleventh annual Thank You for Believing fundraiser Saturday, April 6, 5 to 8 p.m., at The Believe Center. The event will include music, food, live performances, and raffles. Proceeds from the annual event are split between the two organizations. Sponsorship opportunities are available by calling 419.283.1628.