Lifestyle

International Businessman Gome Gomez’s Covid-19 Virtual Fundraiser Helped Prepare Healthcare Personnel In Mexico

Published

4 years ago

October 8, 2020

In May, Guadalajara, Mexico-based businessman, Gome Gomez, hosted a private virtual fundraiser to secure indispensable personal protective equipment for frontline healthcare workers in his home state of Jalisco. Gomez, who holds leadership positions within various companies, understood the importance of helping protect medical personnel so they could safeguard public health. Local business executives Francisco Padilla and Roberto Romero aided Gomez with key activities in organizing the event. Gerardo Zamora, a Mexican talent manager, helped coordinate several artist performances. Their efforts helped ensure safer working environments in various clinics and hospitals.

The charity event entailed DJ sets by talented performers from around the world: Diplo, Ten Walls, Sharam Jey, and Iñigo Vontier, among other artists. Attendees were asked to contribute $40 or more towards the Ahora Te Cuido Yo (Now I Look After You) NGO. Gomez offered to cover the cost for potential attendees who could not donate at the time due to the pandemic. For weeks following the event, the donation link remained live, and the event raised a total of more than $35,000 for the initiative.

“Despite the pandemic being a global problem that stresses resources everywhere, we had guests from around the world, ranging from LA to Qatar, donating to help healthcare workers in Mexico. I was touched by the generosity of so many friends and acquaintances.”

Gomez asked Ahora Te Cuido Yo, the organization in charge of purchasing the medical gear and delivering it to the different public hospitals, that his personal donation of $10,000 go to help the secluded Native American area in the Northern part of Jalisco, which is one of the few places in México where the Wixárika people reside. Wixaritari is known in Mexico and abroad for producing intricate artistic depictions of their worldview using beadwork, yarn, and other mediums. Gomez’s family has a history of working with and supporting this ethnic group, both through Arte Kuu and through Fundación Wérika, two organizations started by Gomez’s mother, Martha Collignon.

After the Secretary of Health Jalisco, in coordination with Ahora Te Cuido Yo, dispersed the grant to vulnerable regions of the state, including the Wixárika communities in the North, the positive impact of Gomez’s fundraising did not go unnoticed. This month, Dr. Guillermo Islahuaca, the General Director of the Sanitation Region 1 Colotlán of the state of Jalisco, reached out to thank Gomez to represent the Wixárika villages that received aid. In an official letter, Gomez was thanked for the medical equipment that maintained healthcare workers’ safety while serving 853 COVID-19 patients across 28 rural clinics thus far.

Gomez’s selfless act helped medical staff respond quickly to patient surges. However, he does not plan to stop contributing to public health causes:

“Region 1 Sanitaria Colotlán has been proactive in working closely with the community. It serves to mitigate the virus’s spread and provide acute medical care for individuals who have already contracted the disease. Recently, they airlifted an 82-year-old woman with COVID out of this remote area to get treatment at a larger hospital. She thankfully made a quick recovery! I will personally continue supporting Dr. Islahuaca, Dr. Itzel Aguilar (founder of Ahora te Cuido Yo), and others who are doing their part in the COVID-19 battle. For now, I am told that Región 1 Sanitaria Colotlán feels well equipped regarding protective gear as we go into the colder months.”

Lifestyle

From Wealth to Fields: A Billionaire’s Commitment to Small Farmers

Published

2 weeks ago

July 11, 2024

Michelle Langton

In recent years, billionaire Stefan Soloviev has transitioned from the world of New York real estate to the fertile farmlands of the American West.

His journey from urban wealth to rural development showcases a unique dedication to revitalizing small farming communities and transforming the agricultural landscape.

A New Vision for Agriculture

Stefan Soloviev, son of the late real estate tycoon Sheldon Solow, has amassed a considerable amount of farmland across Colorado, Kansas, and New Mexico. Soloviev’s agricultural enterprise, Crossroads Agriculture, spans over 400,000 acres, making him one of the largest landowners in the United States.

This substantial investment is not merely a financial venture; it represents a commitment to supporting and empowering small farmers in these regions.

Soloviev’s approach to farming is characterized by his desire to move away from competitive practices that often leave small farmers struggling. Instead, he emphasizes collaboration and sustainability.

By leveraging his resources, Soloviev aims to create a farming environment where smallholders can thrive alongside larger operations. This philosophy is particularly evident in his strategic acquisition of the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad, a critical transportation link for agricultural products in the region.

Revitalizing Rural Communities

Soloviev’s impact extends beyond farmland acquisition. His purchase of the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad at a bankruptcy auction for $10.7 million highlights his broader vision for the agricultural sector.

This railroad, previously owned by Iowa Pacific Holdings, connects the San Luis Valley to the national rail network, facilitating the efficient transport of goods and boosting local economies.

The acquisition is seen as a positive development for the San Luis Valley, with Soloviev’s Colorado Pacific Railroad expected to be more community-focused and supportive of local initiatives compared to the previous owners. This includes potential cooperation with local recreational projects, such as the proposed Heart of the Valley Trail, which aims to integrate rail and trail use for community benefit.

Soloviev’s dedication to the region is also reflected in his willingness to work with local stakeholders to address community needs. His approach contrasts with more traditional, profit-driven business models and underscores his commitment to fostering a sustainable and inclusive agricultural ecosystem.

Building a Sustainable Future

Soloviev’s investment in the Colorado Pacific Railroad and the broader agricultural infrastructure is part of a long-term vision to create a more resilient and sustainable farming community. By improving transportation networks and providing support to small farmers, he hopes to mitigate some of the challenges these farmers face, such as market access and transportation costs.

Moreover, Soloviev’s initiatives are seen as a way to preserve and enhance the rural way of life, which is increasingly threatened by industrial farming and urban encroachment. His efforts to balance economic viability with environmental stewardship demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the complexities of modern agriculture.

In conclusion, Stefan Soloviev’s transition from urban real estate mogul to a champion of small farmers is a testament to his innovative and community-oriented approach.

His significant investments in farmland and infrastructure, coupled with a commitment to sustainability and local engagement, are paving the way for a brighter future for small farmers in Colorado and beyond. Through his efforts, Soloviev is not only transforming

the agricultural landscape but also setting a precedent for how wealth and resources can be used to foster positive change in rural communities.