F.A.R.M. and Buttons to Hope in Greater Heights!

The fifth monthly meet for Buttons to Hope was held on 24 October 2009 at Secret Recipe and Seattle's Best, SM Megamall. It coincided with the OK Bikol trade fair, where F.A.R.M. was an exhibitor. Gladys Barrameda-Sadang who is based in Dublin, Ireland, hosted this month's meeting.

The F.A.R.M.ers recalled F.A.R.M.'s recent activities - training for BJMP inmates, Bernadette de los Santos' guesting at Shop Talk, the OK Bikol trade fair, as well as upcoming activities.

Jane Barcenas-Bisuna, Buttons to Hope team leader, reported the financial status of the project. As of October 24 2009, Buttons to Hope has raised P189,887.75 ($4,040.oo) worth of cash and pledges from F.A.R.M.ers in the Philippines and overseas. That is 19% of the target amount of P1 million pesos.

The group agreed to focus on minor activities to raise funds, as major ones would be unrealistic considering that it would take plenty of time and logistics to prepare for big activities. Future funds would come mostly from donations and monthly contributions.

The anticipated amount up to June 2010 would hopefully cover 7-8 scholars. It was agreed that scholars would come from each barangay in Baao and would undergo a competitive process of selection. The guidelines will be discussed in the next meeting.

More F.A.R.M.ers indicated interest to support Buttons to Hope. In December, Bernadette de los Santos will be attending a charity dinner for Buttons to Hope in the US, to be organized by her Atenean classmate Ada Glucksman.

After the meeting, Buttons to Hope got a total of P217,887.75 ($4,636.00) worth of cash and pledges. It can already support the 2-year college education of 4-5 Baao scholars.

We might be moving slowly, but what is important is that the level of enthusiasm and commitment from F.A.R.M.ers are just getting higher. We are looking forward to super fun and productive meetings like this. Thank you F.A.R.M.ers from the button of our hearts.

F.A.R.M.ers who came to the meeting: Bernadette de los Santos, Jane Barcenas-Bisuna, Gladys Barrameda-Sadang, Sarah Barrameda-Balares, Iris Barrameda, Perfecto Taduran, Adrian Luzentales, Simonette Brigola-Feria, Rommel Bulalacao, Mia Barandon-Bulalacao, Charina Imperial-Francisco, Jonathan Sumayao, Atty. Tom Ballesteros and Louella Barrameda-Ballesteros, and Jezrille Arroyo-Cariaga.