On the 14th of July we gathered at Kinda Tropical with DJ Sal Vasquez, Indivisible Austin, Cine Las Americas and CustomInk to celebrate the World Cup, fellowship, family and freedom. Sal Vasquez, along with Jean Anne Lauer (Cine Las Americas) and Sara Clough (Indivisible Austin) had put their heads together and decided to throw a T-shirt fundraiser (through CustomInk) benefitting Casa Marianella!

Sal Vasquez is a local PE teacher, and has been the House DJ for Cine Las Americas’ 2018 season. For a brief moment in 2015, he was the local chairperson of the United Front Against Austerity.

DJ Sal saw something on his Facebook from Indivisible Austin announcing a rally at the capitol, putting out a call to various members of the community to volunteer, which included audio/visual support. That gave him the feeling that they (IATX) could be approached directly, so he sent them an email with his idea, and Sara Clough, their VP, responded. They spoke, and she put him in touch with Madeline O’Connor, a professional and courteous executive at CustomInk Fundraising T-Shirts. She set up an account and he then approached Kinda Tropical with his idea, and Joanna Becker sent him an email the next morning agreeing to provide their space, Jean Anne Laure at Cine Las Americas agreed to co-host…and that was it!

Cine Las Americas is a multi-cultural non-profit organization based in Austin Texas, offering theatrical screenings of films made by and/or about Latinos or Indigenous peoples of the Americas. Films from Spain and Portugal are also included, enhancing a truly Pan-American cinematic experience. They seek to promote cross-cultural understanding and growth by educating, entertaining and challenging the diverse Central Texas community through film and media arts. As a part of their mission, they partner with local, national, and international organizations who are also committed to community engagement and fostering diverse and supportive inter-cultural relationships.

Indivisible Austin supports citizen activists in Central Texas by providing leadership, resources, tools, and training to oppose authoritarianism and defend democracy.

We are very thankful for the support from all these incredible people and organizations as they’ve helped us carry out our mission to provide shelter, promote self-sufficiency and show hospitality to the immigrant community here in Austin, Texas.

Big thanks to DJ Sal Vasquez, Jean Anne Laure, Cine Las Americas, Sara Clough, Indivisible Austin, Madeline O’Connor, CustomInk, Joanna Becker and Kinda Tropical!

With much gratitude,

-The Casa Fam