Graduates Break the Cycle of Poverty

July 22, 2009 - PRLog -- BONAO, D.R. – In a landmark event, the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation (CFCF) celebrated the graduation of its first senior class from the Cigar Family High School, located in the heart of the Dominican Republic.  
   The graduation marked eight years of hard work and commitment by the Fuente and Newman families, in addition to hundreds of Cigar Family members from around the world who have given their time and money to ensure the future of these children.
   “When I first started arriving here, it was probably one of the most violent communities in the Dominican Republic…no electricity, no running water; nobody even knew it was here,” said CFCF co-founder Carilto Fuente. “Thanks to the generosity of the Cigar Family members, this community is at peace. This is a community that loves.”
   The event was attended by over 200 people including the Vice President of the Dominican Republic, Rafael Alburquerque. The school’s marching band kicked off the ceremony, followed by students who performed an interpretive dance, depicting the area before and after the complex. Of the 29 graduating seniors, all of them are continuing their university education and have big plans for their future. The students have expressed a desire to return to the Project once they have completed their education to give back to the community.

About the Foundation
The Cigar Family Charitable Foundaton was founded in 2001 by the Newman and Fuente families, with the intention of providing children of the cigar producing region of the Domincan Republic with a place to attend school. From this small initiave developed an entire complex which now includes an elementary and secondary school, health center, kitchen, sports facility and an ever-growing list of programs and services offered to the surrouding communities. For more information about the foundation please visit www.cf-cf.org