By Gabriela Mondino | VISIONAR SCHOLARSHIPS
February 17, 2016
Dear friends,
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news on the passing of our beloved Atrapasueños leader, and VISIONAR pioneer, Graciela “Cheli” Asís de Lombardi.
Back in 2007, I traveled to my hometown of San Francisco, Argentina, with a dream, that was to help outstanding students get a college education and reach their professional and personal goals. Miss Evelina Feraudo, founder of Atrapasueños, kindly opened the doors of her organization to implement the scholarship program that we named VISIONAR. From that moment, Cheli and I worked hand in hand to make it happen: we went to local high schools, spoke with principals, visited the local extension of the National University, and presented the program to community leaders at Rotary Club and Lions Club. We reviewed students applications, went to applicants’ homes, met with their families, and listened to their stories. After careful consideration, Cheli and I recommended to award the first scholarship to Emiliano, a gentle and studious boy from a modest background that was our “guinea pig” but quickly became our success story, and today is an IT engineer. Other 22 students came after Emi and are a testament to Cheli’s legacy.
Cheli was more than a scholarship manager; she was devoted to the VISIONAR cause. She was there to listen and guide our students, any time of day or night. It was in her house that we would get together with the students and other Atrapasueños members for refreshments and pastries during my annual visits to Argentina, sharing our stories, reveling in the camaraderie. Cheli cared deeply about each of the students, and they felt her love. Some would say to me that Cheli was their “second Mom”.
After a hard and courageous battle with cancer, Cheli is now our angel watching over us all. In her memory, may we all continue to strive to reach our dreams and goals, and may we continue to help others like she helped us.
We love you and we will miss you, Cheli!
Gabriela, the Atrapasueños team, VISIONAR students, VISIONAR friends and donors
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