Ruiz Foods Fundraiser Raises $170,000 for Children's Charities

DINUBA, Calif. -- The 2009 Ruiz 4 Kids annual fall fundraiser, "Embracing Children's Dreams" Fiesta, held last month at the Visalia Convention Center, proved to be a huge success, raising more than $170,000 for four children's charities.

The event featured a Mexican dinner, a Texas Hold 'Em tournament, a silent auction, dancing and entertainment. Boys and Girls Clubs of the Sequoias, California Law Enforcement's Wish Upon a Star, CASA Tulare County and Family Services of Tulare County are beneficiaries from the Fiesta's proceeds.

"Each of the beneficiaries is dedicated to making children's dreams come true, whether it is granting a wish or simply providing the care and comfort every child deserves," said Kim Ruiz Beck, chairman of Ruiz Foods Inc. and Ruiz 4 Kids Advisor. "We are proud to support children's dreams and those organizations making them come true."

Beck also presented the 3rd Annual Danza Community Service Award to Don and Shelly Groppetti of Visalia, Calif., owners of Groppetti Automotive Family, who are active members of the Central San Joaquin Valley community and consistently contribute to a variety of community organizations. Ruiz Foods and Ruiz 4 Kids created the Annual Danza Community Service Award to pay tribute to people who have given an abundance of service during their life focusing on the betterment of the community, the company stated. The "Danza" is known as a "circle of friends," a humble piece of terra cotta folk art dating back to Mayan times. Ruiz Foods and Ruiz 4 Kids believe the "Danza" is a relevant symbol of those who contribute and work to form a strong circle empowering the community, according to the company.

Ruiz 4 Kids, a nonprofit organization, was founded in 1990 when Ruiz Team members approached Fred Ruiz asking him to help them explore ways to assist families with children in need. Since then, it has organized two annual fundraising events -- the spring Louis F. Ruiz Golf Invitational, which raises money for scholarships, and the Embracing Children's Dreams Fiesta, which raises money for area non-profits who are in need to grow their children-focused programs.

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