Hi, my name is Monique, and this Christmas 2025 was completely devastated by something unimaginable. My brother and sister in law, Eric and Heather's venue - El Baile Event Center located in Albuquerque's Nob Hill area, was set on fire, and they literally lost everything inside. The building will be covered by the landlord's insurance, however, everything inside, including my family's merchandise, belongings, and their livelihood was destroyed. My family has poured support into the community for years, and now we're left to pick up the pieces. We've never formally asked for support for any of our issues or setbacks of any kind, but at this time, we would sincerely appreciate the community coming together to help us build this back, and to make it better than ever.

El Baile Event Center was established in 2021. and it has been a community staple for bringing people together, through events of various sorts, and the overall wellbeing of Albuquerque as a community. Without this event center, many people will lose out on their livelihoods, and a sense of belonging. We appreciate any support, in any way possible. We thank everyone who has already reached out, offered support and genuine concern, as it sincerely means the world to us and our family.

Please reach out to me (preferably) for anything. This is not a setback, and we're not going to let this incident bring us down. This is a transformation, and we will come back, even bigger and better. This will not stop us, and we will survive. Thank you for making this community strong. Albuquerque is a special place that we hold dearly, as our whole immediate family was born and raised here. We are nothing without you, the community. And we will be back, even bigger, better, and stronger. Here's to fresh 2026!

Thank you again, and please feel free to to reach out any time. We are here for you. With love.

Monique, on behalf of Eric, Heather and El Baile Event Center aka "The House."