LDTF marks 5th anniversary with $5K donations

First lady Diann Torres presents $500 each to the CNMI Women’s Association and the Center for Living Independently as a part of her foundation’s “$5K for 5 Years.”
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS)

Ten non-profit groups in the CNMI stand to benefit from the Lady Diann Torres Foundation’s “$5K for 5th Year” anniversary goodwill initiative.

Through her foundation, first lady Diann Torres has pledged to donate $500 to 10 non-profit organizations that continue to make a positive difference in the community.

The 10 non-profits include the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, Tan Siu Lin Foundation, Music of the Marianas, Center for Living Independently, Autism Society of the CNMI, Commonwealth Women’s Association, Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, Pride Marianas, Karidat Social Services, and FitBeat Fitness Program.

“LDTF’s slogan of Bettering Lives is manifested not just through its in-house programs but through countless other charitable organizations that similarly depend on donations to keep programs running,” said Torres. “It is in our partnership with other non-profits that our collective efforts are able to make the biggest impact on the lives of those most in need. We need to continue helping one another, especially during this pandemic.”

The basis for the selection of the 10 recipients were focused on LDTF’s shared or similar goals, missions, and visions.

LDTF is expected to release a comprehensive informational digital brochure within September highlighting the foundation’s programs and contributions since its establishment back on Aug. 28, 2015.

With thousands in direct cash donations, relief goods distributed throughout Saipan, Rota and Tinian, the reestablishment of adaptive sports activities, the creation of a young author’s language and literacy program focused on the preservation of indigenous languages of Chamorro and Refaluwasch, and countless other initiatives, on this fifth year of charitable efforts, “we look back and relive memories of what this young organization accomplished these past few years,” said the club in a statement.

Torres and her team at LDTF are working on organizing a webinar that will include organization partners and volunteers who will participate in discussions relating to past, present and future programs and partnerships that benefit local young authors, those with disabilities and the welfare of the public during this time of pandemic crisis. The webinar will be made accessible via YouTube.

The foundation’s current and ongoing programs include Project Haligi 2020: Canvas of Hope and the LDTF Language and Literacy Young Author’s Program, both of which received a federal grant through the National Endowment for the Arts and Northern Marianas Humanities Council, respectively.

The Project Haligi 2020 was recently put on hold as the organization received an overwhelmingly high volume of applicants, exceeding the number of poles allotted for the stipend program.

The Language and Literacy Young Author’s Program, which had five authors successfully published, is now working on its sixth book. All published books can be viewed online via https://issuu.com/ladydianntorres.

LDTF is located in Susupe at the Joeten Center Building 2. Due to limited operating hours, inquiries are encouraged over email at ladydianntorres@gmail.com. For program information and updates, LDTF are accessible on Facebook and Instagram.

The leadership of LDTF has grown over the years, with Torres as president; Geralyn Dela Cruz as vice president; Kathy Palacios as director and treasurer; Shirley Sablan as director; Claudia Flores as secretary; and Irene Torres, Bonnie Royal, Michelle Sablan, Tiana Reyes, Donovan Tudela, and Randall Pangelinan as members. (PR)