Laura Villarreal – Key Biscayne Artist and Creator of the #HopeMasks initiative
When Tatyana and Cristine heard Laura’s idea, they knew exactly who to connect her with, Rebeca Calvet, Founder of Club eXpats. Laura shared her idea and explained that she needed seamstresses to help sew the masks. Rebeca knew they would also need additional volunteers to help complete the project. She reached out to several contacts and friends through Club eXpats. One of those contacts was Cristina Kunkel, a volunteer at La Casita Foundation where they “work with women in vulnerable situations providing them with the necessary tools and skills to live with dignity.” Cristina
brought women from La Casita to sew the masks. Other women from Club eXpats ran errands, gathered materials, cut the fabric, and delivered the masks… #HOPEMASKS is no longer just an idea or
Guadalupe Reyna, Local Artist helping make the masks
a project, it is a reality. Together these women created hundreds of beautiful masks you now see everywhere around the island. Each one unique and displaying the message of hope.
Margarita Mordones who coordinated the work with the women from La Casita
Art, Social and Human Services came together, made masks to protect against a disease, provided income for the financially distressed, and continue to inspire hope every day in the community. Do you volunteer? Does your neighbor? We love sharing the good deeds and community involvement of the neighborhood! Email us at KBLiving@ n2pub.com to learn how to be featured in the next Community Impact Spotlight!
22 KB Living • May 2020