Ahora que este extraordinario año 2004 termina, quisiera agradecer a todos los miembros de SADCO, a sus patrocinadores, los asociados, los voluntarios, y nuestros amigos, por su activa participacion y colaboración. Este año marcó el 20 Aniversario de SADCO. También significó el año en el que SADCO otorgó el mayor número de becas con la mayor cantidad de dinero en ellas. Este año fue testigo del mayor número de eventos sociales y culturales celebrados por SADCO. También fue el año en el que SADCO donó más dinero que nunca a los Niños en Colombia y a la comunidad local en Indiana Central. SADCO continuó de acuerdo a su misión y visión mediante la ayuda a los necesitados, asistencia social, promoción de nuestra cultura, y priorización de la educación. Gracias especialísimas doy a la Junta Directiva por su deseo incondicional de trabajar sin esperar retribución material alguna. Esto es realmente lo que hace la diferencia en nuestra sociedad. MIL GRACIAS!. Que la paz, el amor, y la felicidad de las Navidades esté con todos ustedes y sus familias. Y que Dios los bendiga con su paz, los llene de entendimiento, y conceda felicidad y salud a todos durante el nuevo año.

Fernando Otero, Presidente

As this extraordinary year of 2004 comes to an end, I would like to thank all SADCO members, sponsors, associates, volunteers, and friends for your participation and active involvement. This year marked the 20th Anniversary of SADCO. But also it marks a year in which SADCO awarded the highest number of scholarships with the largest amount of scholarship money awarded. This year witnessed the largest number of cultural and social events held by SADCO. Also, SADCO donated the highest amount of money in donations ever for Children in Colombia and in our local community. SADCO continued to be up to its mission and vission by helping others, providing assistance, promoting our cultural heritage, and encouraging high education. We all should feel proud of this journey. Special thanks to the Board of Directors for your unconditional desire to work without expecting a material compensation. This is what makes the difference. BIG THANKS. May the Love, Peace, and Joy of Christmas be yours always. May God bless you with His peace, that passes all understanding, in the coming year!!

Fernando Otero, President

Colombia will always thank you for your contributions!

With the sponsorship of the US Grand Prix of Formula One, SADCO held its 2004 Gala Dance and Dinner on November 6th at Ritz Charles in Carmel, Indiana. As always, this event confirms the general perception that this Gala is the best party in town. The night featured a tasty dinner at a colorfully decorated, elegant ballroom. Impresively dressed attendees enjoyed the enchanting music provided by Diego Del Real's Orchestra and DJ Elkin Zuluaga.

Over 300 people attended this exciting Gala. Attendees came from diverse areas from Central Indiana and even from other states. Guests attended from Michigan, Minnesota, Chicago, Indianapolis metropolitan area, Shelbyville, Bloomington, West Lafayette, Vincennes, Greenwood, Elkhart. Guest delegations included Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Mayor's Commission on Latino Affairs, Univision Indiana, Dr. Luz Elena Valencia, Alivio Medical Center, Allison Transmission, and many other corporations.

SADCO made a special recognition with the Lifetime Dedication Award to Manuel and Bertha Torres, who are founding members and participated in the first SADCO Board of Directors. Bertha and Manuel Torres, former SADCO presidents as well, were specially distinguished during this event due to their long time dedication to SADCO. They exemplify SADCO's heart, serve as true Ambassadors, and are very well recognized and respected as prominent leaders in our community.

Thanks to all of you who attended our Gala and looking forward to seeing you next year.

(En Español abajo)
It is with great pride and happiness that SADCO announces that our Dr. Alfredo Lopez has been awarded as Outstanding Young Professional in the category of Health and Life Sciences by the Junior Achievement of Central Indiana, Inc. and KPMG LLP. The Award Lucheoun was held earlier today Nov 10th.

Dr. Alfredo Lopez, is a member of SADCO's Board of Directors. He is a renowned neurologist in Indianapolis specialized in the treatment of cerebrovascular disease. Dr. Lopez is the Founder and Medical Director of Alivio Medical Center in Indianapolis - an institution dedicated to provide health care to low-income patients since 2002. Dr. Lopez practices in Neurohealth Ltd providing neurology consultations including electrophysiology and ultrasonography. Dr. Lopez has impacted the community in Indianapolis, specially the Hispanic community, through the creation and coordination of free health fairs and Alivio Medical Center, as well as a Spanish radio station show devoted to health education. Dr. Lopez has dedicated more than 10 years to research and study the brain. Dr. Lopez was a Co-Director of IU/Wishard Stroke Unit in 2001-2003, a Cerebrovascular Fellow at Indiana University School of Medicine (IUSM), a resident physician in Neurology at Loyola University of Chicago, and a clinical lecturer in Neurology at IUSM. Alivio Medical Center offers health care in several medical disciplines to cover the basic medical needs of the community such as family practice, cardiology, dietitians, gynecology, laboratory, neurology, orthopaedics, pediatrics, etc. >p> Dr. Lopez is committed to provide high quality health care with a responsible management of his patients’ sanitary information. Dr. Lopez is committed to maintain the skills and knowledge needed for his work through continuing professional development. This same goal is encouraged by Dr. Lopez to the practitioners that work for and along with him. Dr. Lopez understands the cultural implications in the medical practice and health care for Hispanic immigrants specially. He struggles to offer his patients medical services with dignity and quality. He speaks fluently English and Spanish languages. His medical attention will always be the highest regardless of origin and level of economic income.

Congratulations Dr. Lopez, we all are very happy and proud for you.

Es con gran orgullo y satisfacción que SADCO anuncia que el Dr. Alfredo Lopez ha sido premiado como ganador para la distinción como Extraordinario Profesional Jóven de Indiana Central en la categoría de Salud y Ciencias de la Salud. Este reconocimiento especial es otorgado por el Junior Achievement of Central Indiana, Inc. y la compañía KPMG LLP a destacados jóvenes profesionales de 40 años máximo. Los ganadores de cada categoría fueron premiados durante un almuerzo de premiación el dia 10 de Noviembre del 2004 en el Hotel Marriot del centro de Indianapolis. SADCO tuvo el orgullo de nominar al Dr. Lopez por sus significativos logros profesionales, su demostrado liderazgo, sus altos estándares éticos y morales, y su positivo impacto en nuestra comunidad (y además por que es miembro de SADCO). Los invito a que se unan a mi en expresar una gran felicitación al Dr. Alfredo Lopez por esta merecida y muy significativa distinción. SADCO estuvo presente en el almuerzo de premiación en el Hotel Marriot de downtown el día 10 de Noviembre del 2004. Invitamos a los miembros de SADCO a felicitar y demostrar su apoyo al Dr. Alfredo Lopez.

SADCO was honored with the visit of Colombian General Consulate in Chicago, Priscilla Ceballos, and representatives from Colombian associations from Minnesota, Michigan and Northern Indiana. General Consulate Ceballos and representatives also attended 2004 SADCO Gala. SADCO's president, Fernando Otero, met with the group to discuss common issues and possible options for cooperation and collaboration.

These distinguished guests expressed their satisfaction for being able to attend our Gala and met with SADCO. They also stated their very positive impression with SADCO's organization and high quality events and programs. SADCO is very pleased to host them and is willing to participate and collaborate in mutual projects towards the betterment of our communities and organizations.

• SADCO's president, Fernando Otero, had the pleasure to meet Matt and Karen Tanner in Bogotá, Colombia, during the last week of November, 2004. Matt and Karen are from Carmel, IN, and are adopting a beautiful baby boy named Daniel. SADCO congratulates Karen and Matt for this wonderful blessing. May Danielito bring you happiness and satisfaction. Nothing is more precious than a new little one!

• Donations to SADCO
  Thanks to the following individuals and corporations for their donations to SADCO programs:
  
  • Indianapolis Motor Speedway - US Grand Prix of F1
  • Allison Transmission Division of General Motors
  • Dr. Luz Elena Valencia
  • Neurohealth Inc. - Dr. ALfredo Lopez
  • Advantage Health Solutions
  • Anonymous
  • Juan Velez
  • Cummins Business Services
  • Indianapolis Motor Speedway
  • Dr. Nini Bermudez
  • Uivision Indiana
  • La Guia de Indianapolis
  • La Voz de Indiana
  • Luz Marina Paz - Baloopaz
  • All others who have donated money, time or talent to make things happen.
  • All of you who have filled up and sent us the "Change for Children in Colombia" piggy banks

  SADCO is a non-for profit organization, 501-(c ) (3). Your donation may be tax deductible.

• Our Alfredo Gedeon is back home from the hospital recovering from a cardiac problem. He is feeling very well. Our prayers and thoughts are with him and his wife Doris.
  
  
  
  E-mail us at sadcowww@iquest.net, or call us (317) 767-7927

  

2004 marked the 20th anniversary of SADCO. And the celebration was big and with the community. The celebration included cultural showcases, typical music recital, choral concert, and much more. SADCO is committed to organize high quality events to raise funds for its educational, social, cultural programs. Story telling, Independence Day Picnic, the Colombian Music Recital at Carmel's Public Library, SADCO's participation in Fiesta Indianapolis, Choral Concert at Cristel DeHann Fine Arts Center at University of Indianapolis, and SADCO's Gala Dance and Dinner at Ritz Charles, made up the celebration lineup.

Thanks to all of you who supported and attended our events. You are invited to become a member. Click here to download the Membership Application Form. Save the file and print it to fill it out and mail the form and a cheque to SADCO.

SADCO celebró con la comunidad sus 20 años de vida en Indiana Central. SADCO a través de estos 20 años se ha esmerado en servir a la comunidad desarrollando proyectos educativos, eventos de promoción de la cultura, ayudas sociales, y orientación, entre otras muchas cosas más. Orgullosamente SADCO celebró sus primeros 20 años y lo hizo con la comunidad. Gracias por acompañarnos. SADCO invita a todos aquellos identificados con nuestra visión y misión a que se hagan miembros de SADCO y unidos ofrezcamos un mayor valor agregado a nuestra comunidad y a los que necesitan ayuda tanto localmente como en Colombia. Haga un click aqui para descargar el formulario de inscripción. Sálvelo, imprimalo, llénelo y envielo junto con un cheque a nombre de SADCO. Gracias

Con el fin de construir 1.500 casas y mejorar otras 500 para los damnificados de la ola invernal de Cartagena, en particular para aquellos que debe ser reubicados, la Presidencia de la República convoca para el próximo sábado 11 de diciembre COLOMBIATÓN: UN ACTO HEROICO POR CARTAGENA, en la ciudad de Cartagena.

SE REQUIEREN US$11,3 MILLONES (28.000 MILLONES DE PESOS)
El objetivo es recolectar US$ 10,3 millones ($25.500 millones de pesos) para las casas nuevas, las cuales tienen un costo cada una de US$6850 ($17 millones de pesos) y US$1’000.000 ($2.500 millones de pesos) para mejoramiento, cuyo promedio por beneficiario es de US$2000 ($5 millones de pesos).

La recolección, manejo, selección, asignación y auditoría de los recursos recolectados se hará a través de fundaciones sin ánimo de lucro como Compartir, Carvajal, Santo Domingo, Mamonal, Granitos de Paz, Aguas de Cartagena, Corporación Minuto de Dios y Corona. Adicionalmente, la gerencia del proyecto de vivienda la hará la Fundación Compartir de Pedro Gómez Barrero.

El COLOMBIATÓN iniciará a las 11 de la mañana y será un concierto con transmisión de televisión en directo por el canal institucional, con una duración de 10 horas. La producción del evento la realizará Jorge Barón TV y como presentadores y animadores estarán, entre otros, Jorge Barón, José Gabriel Ortiz, Ana María Trujillo, Florina Lemaitre, Adriana Tono, Claudia Hoyos y Claudia Helena Vásquez. Además, contaremos con la participación de renombrados artistas Colombianos, quienes también se han solidarizado con esta causa.

Durante el concierto, se informará permanentemente sobre el avance de los aportes a través de tableros electrónicos, que indicarán el monto y el número de casas que ya tienen financiación.”

About 40 children along with their families got together on Sunday, December 5, 2004; 2:00 - 5:30 p.m., at Forest Glen Elementary School to celebrate SADCO's 2004 edition of the Children's Christmas Party. Each family contributed with a snack item to share in the usual pitch-in. Each family shared the spirit of the season by bringing a new, unwrapped toy to send to the children of Colombia. About 60 presents will be sent to Colombia. Children and family enjoyed a catching puppet show, a graceful bouncer, a surprise present given in person by the suddenly appearing Santa Claus.

Thanks to Clara Ortiz who chaired this event and, as usual, delivered a high quality party.

"Great evening, my danish friend Peter enjoyed every minute of the party".

"Te quiero felicitar por la labor tan admirable que tu junto con todos los que estás trabajando han hecho através de este año. La fiesta fué todo un éxito y todas las personas que llevamos a disfrutar de la Fiesta Gala quedaron impresionados con el orden, la camaderia, la elegancia y la oportunidad de conocer un grupo, segun ellos, tan exclusivo. Ciertamente para nosotros es una oportunidad de integracion de nuestros grupos de trabajo y de compartir con nuestros amigos la mejor fiesta de Indianapolis!!! Yo se que este próximo año va a ser aún mejor".

"I just wanted to thank you again. We had a great time at the Gala Saturday evening"

"Queremos agradecerles todas las atenciones que recibimos durante nuestra estadía en Indianápolis y su gran Gala"

"Congratulations to SADCO members, especially to the Board of Directors, for a great Gala and a great year of 2004"

sadcowww@iquest.net

SADCO would like to thank the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the US Grand Prix of Formula One for sponsoring and supporting SADCO's 2004 Gala and our programs and projects.

E-mail us, or call us (317) 767-7927

SADCO offers scholarships for Hispanic students for accademic year 2005-2006 according to the following guidelines (the number of scholarships will be announced in January 2005):