Let’s Celebrate 30 Years of La Mision Children’s Fund BECA Scholarship Program
BY Mary Beth DiCecco, Molly Post with Martina Dobesh
Since 1995 BECA has been supporting students in La Mision, Santa Anita and Santa Rosa, Baja California, Mexico. The BECA Scholarship Program works with educators who identify motivated students that benefit from financial assistance to stay in school.
Education not only changes the life of a student it also changes the lives of the family and the community. Over the years BECA has provided hundreds of scholarships for students from elementary schools through university. Over 100 BECA students have graduated from university or trade schools in the past 20 years. Some have returned to teach in the La Mision community!
In addition to scholarships, other services include a Breakfast Program, WIFI to schools, school supplies, clean water systems, building repairs, field trips and services of a part-time school psychologist.
Our Major Fundraiser
Our annual Fandango is our biggest fundraiser. Fandango is a lively celebration with dinner and drinks, Silent and Live Auctions, music and dancing, and is a roaring good time! Fandango has had extraordinary support from the community over the past 25 years!
We fondly remember our original Fandango flyer as designed by Charlie Wild, a longtime resident of La Mision and a Hollywood artistic legend. Continued in later years by Keith Williamson, also somewhat of a Hollywood legend, as photographer to the stars.
Our venue has changed from Charlie Wild’s Beach house on La Mision Beach, to Eve’s Garden in La Mision, then the Kirchhoff Ranch for many years, and later to the Croswaithe property near the Estuary. BECA families prepared our food, under the direction of local resident Vita Bon.
We have been privileged to have California voice and film actor Douglas Rye as our emcee and auctioneer for 20 years, with accompanying support by Winifred Morice. The silent and Live Auctions are always a highlight, offering gift baskets, gift certificates, jewelry, art, furniture as well as unique dining, party and even travel experiences. Under Doug’s spirited auctioneering, there has always been enthusiastic bidding at the Live Auction and its one of a kind treasures, one year including a bracelet owned by Elizabeth Taylor!
Live music has been provided by a variety of talents, including local recording artist, composer, and producer Derek Wille as well as drummer Randy Seol, formerly of the psychedelic rock band Strawberry Alarm Clock.
🎟 Info & tickets: lamisionchildrensfund.org/purchase-fandango-tickets
Join Our Volunteer Staff
The BECA Fandango Committee is a collaborative committee with many strong and talented members. Beverly Wilburn and Molly Post are often credited for being the leaders because of their long-time involvement.
We are an all-volunteer organization with minimal overhead costs. Volunteers are the heart and soul of LMCF. Every dollar donated to LMCF/BECA goes directly to support local education.
If you are interested in volunteering with us, we would love to talk with you—whether you are a longtime resident in Baja, have recently arrived, or visit only occasionally. If interested go to “contact” at https://lamisionchildrensfund.org and send us your information.
Celebrate With Us and the Children!
Thank you to everyone who made Fandango a celebrated and successful event for so many years. Our 2025 event on Sunday, August 31, 2 pm features a spacious new venue by the sea, Quinta Las Delfines Cultural Art Center, k 56.5 Carretera Libre. Our DJ is well-known musical talent Billie Knight, and actress and artist Lisa Briganti Rath will serve as emcee. Students will provide a special folklorico performance, and the legendary Silent and Live Auction items will continue to awe and inspire! Dress in your finest Western attire and come join us!
See flyer in this edition for more information on this year’s special event, and to purchase your tickets!
