I am writing to share an incredible opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of Puerto Rican youth from our community in Buffalo. Many of these remarkable young individuals have not ever been to Puerto Rico and for some who left Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria, this cultural trip represents their first return since leaving the island.

This journey aims to bridge the gap between their present lives and their cultural origins, allowing them to rediscover, embrace, and celebrate their Puerto Rican heritage. It's an opportunity for these youth to rekindle connections severed by adversity and to immerse themselves in the vibrant richness of their native culture, one they have been student ambassadors for years.

One of the highlights of this trip is that El Batey youth have been invited to participate in one of Puerto Rico's largest folkloric music events “Encuentro de Tambores” 12th anniversary. Our youth will engage as ambassadors of Buffalo, joining the diaspora delegation representing us in Puerto Rico. Our youth will proudly stand as ambassadors of Buffalo, joining the diaspora delegation in Puerto Rico. At this momentous event, they'll actively participate as percussionists, dancers and singers alongside Bomba practitioners from both the island and the diaspora, showcasing their talents. Their presence will symbolize the rich cultural wealth we have been fostering here in our community, strengthening cross-cultural connections and celebrating the vibrant spirit of our heritage in a truly transformative manner with this once in a lifetime opportunity.

This experience promises to not only reconnect these young individuals with their heritage but also instill in them a deep sense of pride and belonging. Additionally, it will empower them to become cultural ambassadors, bringing back newfound knowledge and experiences to enrich our community here in Buffalo.

We are seeking your support to make this transformative journey possible. Your sponsorship will directly contribute to covering travel expenses, accommodations, and participation fees, ensuring that these youth can seize this life-changing opportunity.

Your generosity will not only enable these young individuals to reconnect with their roots but also contribute to the cultural enrichment and empowerment of our community. We hope you will join us in supporting the future leaders of our Puerto Rican heritage

Cultural Ambassador Sponsorship:

- Donation Amount: $10,000 or more

Benefits:

- Exclusive recognition as the Cultural Sponsor of the trip

- Logo placement on all promotional materials, including flyers, banners, and social media posts

- Mention in press releases and media coverage

- Opportunity to address the community center members during a special event

- VIP updates to all trip activities and events

- Special mention and gratitude in the community center's annual report

2. Heritage Hero Sponsorship:

- Donation Amount: $5,000 - $9,999

Benefits:

- Recognition as a Heritage Hero Sponsor of the trip

- Logo placement on promotional materials, including flyers and banners

- Mention in press releases and media coverage

- VIP access to select trip activities and events

- Special mention and gratitude in the community center's annual report

3. Cultural Trailblazer Sponsorship:

- Donation Amount: $2,500 - $4,999

Benefits:

- Recognition as a Cultural Trailblazer Sponsor of the trip

- Logo placement on promotional materials, including flyers and banners

- Mention in press releases and media coverage

- Access to select trip activities and events

- Special mention and gratitude in the community center's annual report

4. Heritage Champion Sponsorship:

- Donation Amount: $1,000 - $2,499

Benefits:

- Recognition as Heritage Champion Sponsor of the trip

- Logo placement on promotional materials, including flyers and banners

- Mention in press releases and media coverage

- Special mention and gratitude in the community center's annual report

5. Community Connector Sponsorship:

- Donation Amount: Any amount below $1,000

Benefits:

- Recognition as a Community Connector Sponsor of the trip

- Name listing on promotional materials, including flyers and banners

- Special mention and gratitude in the community center's annual report

El Batey goes to Puerto Rico

El Batey goes to Puerto Rico