“Christmas is a tonic for our souls. It moves us to think of others rather than of ourselves. It directs our thoughts to giving.”
― B.C. Forbes
¡The Season of GENEROSITY!
By David Triana
I’ve had the honor of meeting people of all races, economic status, some celebrities, well known entrepreneurs and even some leaders of nations in my life, but the one person that touched my heart the most, was a man of humble means I met in Tucson, Arizona, more than 20 years ago! His name is Ramon Gonzalez. Aside from just being a nice all around guy, to me, he exemplified GENEROSITY throughout the year, and during the Christmas season especially, he indeed became Santa Claus!
Four years ago, Santa Ramon succumbed to complications from COVID, but I have no doubt in my mind that he is in heaven watching over his family. Ramon is also watching over every needy little girl and boy that, if it was not for generous people, would otherwise not have even a little toy for Christmas.
Christmas is described in many different ways, but for me GENEROSITY and LOVE are the primary things it represents.
In 1970, when the parents of the children where he lived did not have money to buy gifts at Christmas, it occurred to Ramón that he could do something about it.
Ramón didn’t have much money either, but with what he had he bought hot dogs and other things and organized a Christmas party and invited all the families in his neighborhood. In addition to food, he made sure to buy some toys for each child. This is how Santa Ramon founded what is now known as “Ramon’s Miracle on 31st Street” also known as Christmas in the Barrio.
For many years now, Ramon’s party is attended by more than 10,000 children every December and Santa Ramón and his small family have been the force that motivates that area of Arizona to UNITE to ensure that kids from low income families receive something at Christmas. Although Ramon is no longer physically with them, his children, his wife and the true friends of Santa Ramon and his sponsors and donors, have made sure to continue his party and thus continue the legacy he left behind.
In 2005, together with several kind hearted Hispanics and non-Hispanics, we founded what we originally called “LUCES NAVIDEÑAS”, which became the Emerald Coast Christmas Miracle Fiesta here in Fort Walton Beach in 2012. I still remember when Ramon “baptized” our Fiesta as “the daughter” of his Tucson one.
On December 21st, United for a Good Cause Inc., composed of a diverse and multicultural group of people, will host the 21st Annual Emerald Coast Christmas Miracle Fiesta. It will be at the NWF Fairgrounds from 12pm to 6pm. We invite you to visit our website for more details about the Party and encourage families experiencing financial hardship this Christmas to register through the website.
Our Christmas Miracle Party was inspired by Ramon’s powerful example of GENEROSITY and LOVE. There are thousands of families in our region who cannot even afford a small toy or gift for their children during Christmas. Our organization, through the party, gives us and gives you the opportunity to help those families, an opportunity to ensure the Spirit of Christmas is alive, and an opportunity for you to be SANTA CLAUS too!
We invite you to be part of this great event and join us as a volunteer or by donating a toy or making a monetary contribution for it. Go to Facebook or the foundation’s website for more information.
www.unitedforagoodcause.org
God bless you and have a very Merry Christmas!
