The 2013 Ruiz 4 Kids Annual Fiesta fundraiser surpassed monies raised from last year’s event. In total, the event raised $352,189 – a 30 percent increase from 2012.
“We are so grateful and want to thank everyone who supported our community organizations,” said Kim Ruiz Beck, chairman of Ruiz Foods, Inc. and president of Ruiz 4 Kids.
A representative from each of the four organizations was presented with a check at the Annual Ruiz Holiday Luncheon held December 10 at the Visalia Convention Center.
Wish Upon A Star, an organization granting wishes that provide a sense of comfort and support to Central Valley children suffering from high-risk and terminal illnesses, received $77,224.85.
CASA of Tulare County, which speaks up for the innocent children who are victims of abuse and neglect by advocating for their safety and well-being by training community volunteers to represent their best interests and be their voice in court, received $95,954.85.
Blind Babies Foundation, an Oakland-based organization focused on providing critical early intervention and educational services to Tulare and Kings County infants and preschoolers who are blind or visually impaired, received $75,654.85.
Miracle League of Visalia, which allows disabled children and youth to be a part of baseball in a way not otherwise possible, received $103,354.85.
Ruiz 4 Kids was founded in 1990 to explore ways to assist families with children in need. Since then, Ruiz 4 Kids has organized two annual fundraising events – a golf invitational to raise monies for college scholarships and a fiesta event to raise monies for area nonprofits who are in need to grow their children-focused programs.
Ruiz Foods is a privately owned corporation with corporate offices in Dinuba.