“Light Up Life” united helping hands for the Hogar de la Paz “Mother Teresa of Calcutta”

12 December, 2025

• The dinner-concert was attended by the First Lady, María Elena Urquidi; the Apostolic Nuncio, Fermín Sosa; and the Archbishop of Santa Cruz, René Leigue. There was also an art auction.

More than 400 people responded to the call of the National Foundation Vida Segura at the dinner-concert “Light Up Life,” held in support of the Hogar de la Paz “Mother Teresa of Calcutta,” which in Santa Cruz de la Sierra shelters children with disabilities and abandoned elderly people. The gathering took place in the Chiquitano Hall of Fexpocruz.

At the beginning, the “ambassadors of light,” individuals committed to the cause, lit candles and carried them to their tables in a symbolic and moving moment. This was followed by an artistic performance presenting the four pillars on which the Foundation was created and which guide its work in the department of Santa Cruz: health, education, sports, and culture.

In his opening remarks, the institution’s president, José Luis Camacho Miserendino, highlighted that this activity was born from deep human sensitivity and recalled a teaching by Mother Teresa of Calcutta, the inspiration for the evening: “You will never be too busy to think of others.” He concluded: “May we never lose the ability to reach out and embrace our neighbor.”

With emotion, he announced that the Foundation has established agreements with major international organizations, such as UNICEF, the Tecnológico de Monterrey, the Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital, Rotary International, Lions Clubs International, the International Red Cross, and the World Health Organization, among others.

At the national level, the Foundation has forged alliances with Cainco, Infocal, the Gabriel René Moreno Autonomous University, APAC, the Santa Cruz Philharmonic Orchestra, the Youth Symphony Orchestra, the Archdiocese of Santa Cruz, Hipermaxi, the Tahuichi Aguilera Academy, and many other institutions. With most of them, initiatives have already been launched in favor of the community and the most vulnerable.

The governor of Santa Cruz, Luis Fernando Camacho, echoed this message, stating: “What we see here today is an example of what Santa Cruz can achieve: uniting efforts. We are a region that produces, that works, and above all, that helps. In this community, entrepreneurs join neighbors; families join volunteers; and institutions share resources, time, and heart.”

The First Lady of Bolivia, María Elena Urquidi, attended the gala. In her remarks, she underlined the importance of strengthening support networks capable of connecting the State, the private sector, faith-based organizations, international cooperation, and citizens. “When we walk in unity, solutions reach farther and faster,” she said. “Tonight is not just an event; it is a reminder that light, no matter how small, always multiplies when shared. Every act of love, every hour given, every donation, and every helping hand makes Bolivia a more humane, more just, and more hopeful country.”

Business leaders, authorities, diplomats, and professionals from different fields attended this special gathering. Among the guests were the Apostolic Nuncio of Pope Leo XIV, Fermín Sosa, and Archbishop René Leigue, who added their presence to this gesture of unity and solidarity.

Music, gastronomy, and art shaped an unforgettable experience. Pianist Marianela Aparicio performed pieces inspired by the cultural heritage of Santa Cruz; the dinner was prepared by chef Santos Coaquira; and the dessert was created by pâtissière Yayoi Araujo. The evening concluded with a successful auction of 10 artworks organized by Manzana 1 and animated with the charm of Reyes Seleme, who brought festive energy with the fluttering of napkins.

The goal was achieved: thanks to collective effort and generosity, the children and elderly residents of the Hogar de la Paz, accompanied by the Sisters of Charity, will enjoy greater well-being and peace for a good time. It was a night that reminded everyone that when solidarity is ignited, hearts rise and smiles multiply.