Christmas in July might just be a real thing – at least, for me, the non-stop schedule certainly has been!
From the women’s conference in Costa Rica to the bakes in Alexandria and St. Louis Park…from pretzel prepping to pizza parties…from meetings and presentations to planning for Oktoberfiesta…it’s been happening this past month!
I’m convinced it takes more than just one village. It takes an army of good-hearted volunteers from several villages to make everything happen. I am so very, very grateful for everyone who gives freely of their time and talent to see a busy month through from start to finish.
A section of this newsletter is devoted to partner appreciation, and if you’ve been keeping up with our social media, you’ve seen many of them in action. Thank you! We could not do this without you!
¡Pura vida!
BRICKS TO BREAD
July 2026 Newsletter
♥ 5th ANNUAL WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE ♥
July 10-13, 2026
36 oven recipients attended
Recipients represented 22 oven projects
Women traveled a cumulative 1,946 miles (one way) to attend
7 women brought their specialty bread and pastries to share
3 Peace Corps volunteers assisted with logistics
2 presenters were from Coocique Cooperative Bank
2 presenters were small business owners
36 prizes (2 grand prizes) were awarded for Bingo
91% of attendees feel that their business has improved their quality of life and that of their family.
91% feel POSITIVE about their business right now.
97% feel capable of achieving the goals they have set.
93% are confident in their ability to accomplish difficult tasks.
93% believe they can succeed in endeavors they set their mind to.
93% feel they will overcome challenges that come their way.
Enjoy this beautiful message we received from one of our newer oven recipients and conference attendees, Marielen Araya Villagra of Quebrada Grande.
Dear members of BRICKS TO BREAD:
Receive a warm and affectionate greeting from all the women who are part of the Foundation.
We would like to express our deepest gratitude for the enormous affection, dedication and support you gave us during these days. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to participate in such an enriching training, carried out in such a beautiful and special place. Every teaching, every activity and every moment shared left us with great learning that will have a positive impact on our lives, our families and our community.
We feel truly valued for the effort you made to provide us with such a quality experience. Beyond the beautiful hotel and all the attention received, what we will keep most in our hearts is the time, love and trust you placed in each of us.
Thank you for believing in the potential of women, for encouraging us to grow, to dream and to discover new abilities. Your generosity and commitment are an inspiration to move forward with hope, strength and a desire to serve others. We ask God to bless you abundantly, to grant you health, wisdom and many opportunities to continue transforming lives, just as you have transformed ours.
With immense gratitude and affection…
CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF PARTNERSHIPS
What have your gifts made possible?
Partnerships that strengthen us!
We teach our entrepreneurs to value partnerships with their local Peace Corps volunteers, 4-H Club members, contacts at educational institutions, municipal and business leaders, and others. Their relationships provide access to training, sales channels, and opportunities for advancement, both personally and professionally.
The same is true of our partnerships here at home! Without help, it would be impossible to share our message and accomplish our mission!
Calvary Lutheran Church Summer Bakes
Lion’s Fire
Alexandria Community Wood-Fired Oven
Ida Graves Distillery Kids’ Pizza-Making
Oktoberfiesta ’25 Auction Winner Party
Trinity Lutheran Church Summer Nights
Wayzata Community Church
Vacation Bible School
Alexandria United Methodist Church
Rejiks SC Men’s Soccer Team
Legacy Circle Members & Private Donors
And many, many others…!
What does the future look like?
Vibrant relationships that strengthen our mission so more women are empowered to lift their households, extended families, and communities out of poverty.
Whether you choose to donate to our 10th Anniversary Campaign, to our Mobile Oven Fund, or through one of our bread bakes or other events, you are our partner! Your gift ensures that we can continue to meet the needs of our Latin American entrepreneurs and applicants. Thank You!
Enjoy your favorite all-you-can-eat soft pretzels hot from the oven, our signature cheese dip, grilled brats-on-a-stick, an assortment of sides and desserts, and local craft beers and spirits.
Bid on silent auction baskets. Win one-of-a-kind experiences in a fun and fast-paced live auction. Play interactive games. Meet Doña Marjorie. Bring your family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers and spend the evening in a casual, festive atmosphere filled with excitement and celebration.
Much more information to come!
Add nalvarado@brickstobread.org to your Contacts so you don’t miss event updates and announcements.
Our Contact Information www.brickstobread.org info@brickstobread.org 3870 Yosemite Ave. S. St. Louis Park, MN 55416
