On September 11, 2021, Chenega MIOS, along with members of the Chenega IT Enterprise Services (CITES) team, joined the Los Charros Foundation as a Title Sponsor for a night under the stars. Los Charros hosted the event to benefit local and rural community youth who desire to pursue higher education and other leadership opportunities. This year was the 4th year running for the event titled “Dancing Under the Stars,” held at the beautiful Vera Earl Ranch in Sonoita, AZ, known as one of Arizona’s largest cattle ranches.
The night kicked off with a live band and some dancing as guests arrived at the ranch. Once everyone settled in, the silent auction began featuring prizes such as a weeklong getaway, tickets to concerts including meet and greets, and more. MIOS and CITES eventually tested the waters of the auction by bidding on a pig. After a nail-biter of an auction, Chenega MIOS became the top bidder for the pig, which will eventually be given to a chosen young leader for him or her to raise and ultimately sell to help get involved in the livestock sale industry.
Following the auction, scholars and leaders took the stage so that attendees could see and meet the community youth that their support was benefitting. All in all, it was a beautiful night that fortunately ended with Los Charros far surpassing their fundraising goals.
A key part of the Chenega MIOS Community Outreach agenda is to support organizations like Los Charros Foundation. The Los Charros Foundation is a selfless organization intent on making a difference for Southern Arizona youth. The Foundation’s mission is to provide access and a mechanism for these aspiring individuals to achieve academic excellence in the areas of Agriculture and Livestock. It’s truly an honor to get involved in the Foundation’s Dancing Under the Stars event and to see firsthand the impact their programs have in their community. – John “JC” Campagna, MIOS President
We cannot thank Los Charros enough for all that they do for their local youth and are thankful to have had the opportunity to be involved and support the incredible cause.
About Los Charros Foundation:
The Los Charros’ mission is to promote the Cowboy Way of Life, Land Conservation, and Youth Development &; Education, specifically in Santa Cruz, Pima and Cochise Counties, Arizona. The Los Charros Foundation was founded in 2015 as a way to give back to the rural communities. They strive to help, assist and provide opportunities to youth who otherwise would not have the same chances as those in larger communities. In their first four years, the Los Charros Foundation has awarded scholarships to 48 youth totaling $160,000. Scholarships range from one year to four-year scholarships at 12 different educational institutions.
