Passage 2 Puerto Rico

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Hola! This summer I have the opportunity to go to Puerto Rico for 10 days with my Bomba group El Arco Iris. I have been with the group for 5 years. In the group I sing, dance and drum. We have classes and summer camp to grow our skills. Our group has performed all over the community in events such as The Ordway Children's Fesitval and Cinco de Mayo. We have also performed for fundraisers to raise money for different non-profits in our community like The Neighborhood House. 



I love Bomba! It is an Afro-Puerto Rican tradition and I am glad I am part of keeping it alive. Especially in such a cold place as MN! I am also excited to be able to use my spanish skills. Even though I am not a native spanish speaker, I am fluent. I have studied the language since Kindergarten. What a great way for me to use my skills in the real world!



We are going to Puerto Rico in July 2014 for 10 whole days. While we are there, we will take classes from professional dancers! We are also taking a tour of the Taino Memorial Site and some museums. I will be able to visit Loiza, Carolina and San Juan. On the 26th of July we will be hosted by the city of Loiza and performing for locals! They can't belive there are people in the cold MN, who have never been to Puerto Rico that continue the tradition and are very excited to see us!!



Our group is doing fundraising as a whole to lower the total hotel costs for the group. We will be doing some performances and having a big fundraiser with a silent auction. I also need to pay for some things myself like airfare, transportation, and food costs for myself and chaperone aka my mom. We are saving every penny, and my mom has gotten a second job on the weekends so we can go. We are also planning a yard sale in the spring to help.



I know I will be able to make this trip happen with the support of friends, friends of friends, and family. Please donate to my page and make this trip a reality. I am so excited and hopeful! This is the opportunity of a lifetime!

Thank you for supporting and believing in me!! 

Avahnii Lewis
Age 12
Minnesota