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Please "click" this link for the pictures of the reunion
Please "click" here for the video PART 1 of the reunion at the Hacienda Don Francisco
Please "click" here for video of the reunion PART 2 at the Hacienda Don Francisco
Dear Pedro Pan Brothers and Sisters,
It’s a hot sultry Southern
California morning with the spectacular San Gabriel Mountains providing the backdrop when over 300 Pedro Pan, family and friends
begin gathering at Hacienda
Don Francisco. The perfect Southern California setting at the Gaviña Family Ranch for the fourth annual reunion of the
Cuban Kids from the 60’s Exodus.
A magnificent afternoon to catch up with old friends, meet
new ones, and partake in the activities throughout the day, enhanced by the picturesque Southern California setting and the
magnanimous hospitality of the Gaviña family.
Horse rides for kids of all ages and the Paso Fino ridding
exhibition are enjoyed by all. Along with the varied selection of pastelitos, empanadas, guayaba con queso, and delicious
deserts, enhancing the delicious Cuban cuisine prepared by master chef Tony Hernandez and his crew. Outstanding!
After the benediction by Father Tony, Sergio Diaz commenced
the festivities by introducing the Gaviña family. Pedro took a few moments to extend to everyone the hospitality and a warm
welcome on behalf of the Gaviña family.
Estela Bueno on behalf of the Cuban
Kids from the 60’s Exodus presented the photo albums which she had masterfully assembled to
the Gaviña family. Each album represented one of the three previous Pedro Pan reunions at Hacienda Don Francisco. Berta Freire presented flowers to the Gaviña ladies.
As part of the celebration Arturo Bueno presented our terrific
chef Tony with a picture album commemorating all his hard work over the past years in making the Pedro pan reunions a huge
success. Then Enrique Garcia gave a shirt to Segundo making him an honorary Pedro Pan
After a few words familiarizing those assembled with the Pedro
Pan exodus, Enrique Garcia had the honor of introducing Dra. Dulce Maria Martinez to the gathering. Dulce is a Pedro Pan Parent,
and a symbol of the bravery, selflessness, and courage of all of our parents. Dulce knitted a shawl and presented it to Leonor
Gaviña in appreciation for the support Leonor had given to her daughter Gladys, who is no longer with us. We are truly blessed
to have Dulce be a part of our celebrations.
The tradition of the Cuban Kids Pedro Pan reunion and the highlight
of every event are the Pedro Pan introductions. Numbering 53; including Raul Cano and Cosme Fagundo from Central and Northern
California and Amparo Diaz from Nevada, the Pedro Pan kids gathered to lend support for the self introduction of the Pedro
Pan attending our event for the first time. A part of the healing process when we share our personal experiences as Pedro
Pan with our brothers and sisters.
Broadway has its neon lights, and Hollywood can have its walk
of fame. The Pedro Pan of California has the five Oscars! Eat you heart out Broadway and Hollywood!
The Five Oscars from the right: Fong, Corrugedo,
Cossio, Pichardo, and Acosta
It takes the contribution of many to pull off an event
like this, like Leila and Mercedes who came very early and helped setting up. As well as Letty, Joanne, and Jose who are out
front greeting everyone and checking the lists.
I would be remiss if I did not extend a heartfelt appreciation
to Manolito, our honorary Pedro Pan, and crew for their enormous effort all day long, and everyone out there who worked so
hard to make this event an unqualified success!
The closing challenge as always is to get all the Pedro
Pan gathered as a group in front the palm tree to take the Pedro Pan group picture. I’m happy to report that once again
the Pedro Pan rose to the challenge and the picture taken!
Cuban Kids from the
60’s Exodus would like to thank you for attending
our Pedro Pan of California celebration of family and friends. We look forward to seeing all of you at our next event. Do join us. Who knows
- you may reconnect with an old friend!
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