In 1999 when John Diego came home from Guatemala, we decided that we would no longer exchange gifts with our closest friends at Christmas-time, but instead would collect medicine, clothes, some money and a few toys for the Hermano de Pedro Hospital and Orphanage in Antigua, Guatemala.

This volunteer hospital is the home for approximately 200 handicapped children and adults who have mostly been abandoned. They function on very little and need supplies. For the past few years our friends have contributed generously, donating enough for supplies such as personal care items, over the counter medicines and much needed sheets.

Our party, which used to be at Christmas inside the house, is now so big we have to have it outside. So in 2003 we hosted the First Annual Summer Solstice Latino Fiesta for Hermano de Pedro Hospital and Orphanage.