Lucas and Susie Multanen were presented with the inaugural Corazón de Amigo award earlier this year at a reception in Boise, ID.
The Project Amigo Board recognized the Multanen family’s 30 years of dedication and commitment to helping the children of Colima obtain an education. Gary, known as Lucas to his Colima amigos, is a charter member of the Boise Sunrise Rotary Club and at a Tuesday Rotary meeting he learned of this international project helping children in Colima get their education. Soon after Lucas attended a Service Week.
That was the beginning of a lifetime of involvement and long-lasting positive impact! Susie and Lucas have attended many Service Weeks since then. Their family business, Bestbath, is the lead sponsor for Swim Week, and they said YES to being Padrinos/Sponsors! Over the years, eleven Becarios, mentored and sponsored by them, have graduated from the University of Colima with degrees in biology, surgery, architecture, and many other fields. Ceci Velasco Castro, their first Becaria, obtained a master’s degree in law! Lucas and Susie are sponsoring 2 more students: a boy in 8th grade and a young lady in her first year of university. Their guidance, love, and mentorship helped each of these Becarios realize they could achieve their dream of being the first in their family to graduate from university.
Lucas and Susie’s generosity, their donation of time, talent and treasure will have positive ripple effects for generations to come. They have transformed the lives of many children. Mil gracias for your service and dedication to the children of Colima!
The award reads: In grateful recognition of your enduring generosity, solidarity, and the heart you’ve shared with Project Amigo and the lives it touches in Colima, Mexico. Your example inspires others to give and grow, leaving a lasting impact on our scholars and community.
