On the 5th of November, 2023, the autumnal fragrances and the rays of a gentle midday sun intermingled with the warmth of humanity at Hacienda La Andrada. This day, marked on calendars with a note of solidarity, was chosen for the annual charity lunch organized by the AFAR Association, which is fervently dedicated to helping the homeless—a cause that the Rotary Club Sevilla International embraces as its main project.
The event gathered numerous members of our club, who not only enjoyed the culinary delights typical of our region but also united for the charitable cause that called us together. With open hearts and a focus on community service, the Rotarians of Sevilla once again demonstrated their unwavering commitment to the organization’s values.
The culmination of the lunch led to a unique charity raffle. Various artworks, generously donated by local artists, became the centerpiece of an auction with a purpose. In an act of unexpected generosity, the Rotary Club Sevilla International purchased all the remaining raffle tickets, contributing €1080 to the noble cause of AFAR.
Yet the afternoon still held an exciting twist. The tickets acquired by the club turned out to be the lucky winners of several prizes. Far from keeping them, the club decided to auction these prizes in an emotional finale. Luis Prieto, one of our distinguished members, along with his wife Marta Seco, participated with an altruistic spirit and acquired the entire lot, contributing an additional €1200 from their personal funds.
In total, between the purchase of raffle tickets and the final auction, €2280 were raised, a figure which, added to the more than €300 in tickets bought individually by other club members, raised the contribution to over €2500. This generous amount is an eloquent demonstration of the solidarity and fellowship that defines the Rotary Club Sevilla International. In the words of the President of the Rotary Club Sevilla International, Fran Guillén, “we are more than proud of the commendable work of the founder of AFAR, Father Manuel Ángel, an extraordinary person, who knows if someday they will do with him what they did with Sister Ángela de la Cruz who was named a Saint.”
The crowning touch to this day of solidarity was a flamenco finale. Antonio Carrión, Eduardo Rebollar, Pedro Ricardo Miño, Nano de Jerez, and Alicia Gil, among other artists, took the stage to delight those present with their music and passion. Their performances, flowing with the soul of flamenco, infused even more life into the celebration, reaffirming culture and art as pillars of our identity and as tools for unity and social assistance.
This event was not only a demonstration of support for AFAR but also a reminder of the impact we can have when we act together. Hacienda La Andrada bore witness to the beauty that arises when the community unites for a common good, proving that art, generosity, and music are pillars that can uphold and elevate those in vulnerable situations.
From the Rotary Club Sevilla International, we want to express our deepest gratitude to all who participated and contributed to this magnificent event. Together, we continue to prove that “Service Above Self” is much more than a motto; it’s a way of life that transforms communities and touches hearts.
