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 News Around the Republic of Mexico | March 2008 
Mexico's First Lady in Denver Fundraiser for Medical Supplies
 Ivan Moreno - Associated Press
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| | Margarita Zavala, first lady of Mexico, right, talks with Jeanne Ritter, first lady of Colorado, after Zavala's appearance at a Project C.U.R.E. luncheon at a hotel in downtown Denver. (David Zalubowski/AP) | | |
Mexico's first lady visited Denver Wednesday to help raise money for medical supplies for two states in the country devastated by floods last year.
In her first visit to Colorado, Margarita Zavala also spoke to more than 1,800 business and community leaders about the plight of thousands of Mexican children who immigrate alone to the U.S. in search of their parents.
Zavala spoke at a luncheon in support of Project CURE, a nonprofit group that sends medical supplies to developing countries.
"The state of Colorado, in particular this city, are outstanding in their generosity," said Zavala, the wife of Mexican President Felipe Calderon.
Organizers said the goal is to deliver $2 million worth of medical supplies to the Mexican states of Tabasco and Chiapas. Zavala said Mexico's current administration is "committed to making sure that every child in Mexico has access to health care."
Also at the event was Colorado first lady Jeannie Ritter, who introduced Zavala.
"There is hope for the people of Mexico," Ritter said. "Today it is my pleasure to introduce to you a woman who's working hard to make changes and impact the situation for children and families in Mexico."
In November, more than a million homes were inundated in the southeastern state of Tabasco after heavy rains caused three rivers to burst their banks. A half million homes were destroyed and thousands of people were evacuated. The massive rainfall also flooded the neighboring state of Chiapas, which has one of the highest poverty rates in Mexico.
"In the name of the people of Tabasco and Chiapas, thank you again for your generous support," Zavala said.
Zavala also spoke about the Mexican children who cross illegally into the U.S. looking for their parents each year.
"I'm not here to talk about immigration policy," she said. "This is not about being in favor or against current immigration laws. This is about children, our children."
Zavala said about 50,000 children are deported back to Mexico every year, including 22,000 who traveled unaccompanied by adults. Some never find their parents, she said.
"This is a painful reality that needs to be acknowledged," she said. "I hope that by sharing this story and raising awareness of this tragedy we can find a solution."
This is the second year the Colorado-based Project CURE has hosted an event inviting a first lady from another country. Last year, the guest speaker was Ana Ligia de Saca, the first lady of El Salvador.
Doug Jackson, the president and CEO and Project CURE, praised Zavala, calling her "brave, courageous and compassionate."
"The children of Mexico are in good hands with you as their first lady," he said. |
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