Why I Give: Donor Spotlight with Chris Duran
Giving Tuesday is November 29, the unofficial kick-off to the end of year giving season, and a great reminder that you can still make a positive impact in your community! One of our longtime collaborators, supporters, and donors, Chris Duran has supported Cultural Coalition in a variety of ways over the years. Last year he chose to make his end of year gift to us, and we were so excited to hear he’s going to give again – we were so touched by his story, we had to share.
“My name is Chris Duran and my passion has always been art. I own my own fabrication studio, ICON Fabrication. We have been in business for almost 30 years, producing 4 to 5 sculptures a year. Artists come in and we work with them, the City and with other businesses to make their pieces. Any metal – steel, bronze, aluminum, and some casting. I’ve had the great opportunity to work with Zarco on a variety of projects over the years, most recently his upcoming light rail sculpture, and I’ve always loved the outreach work he and Carmen do through Cultural Coalition.
I originally met Carmen and Zarco when they had their band Zum Zum Zum. They used to play at the Acapulco Beach Club, and I loved to watch them perform. I felt such a connection to them and their music, I knew I had to meet them. We connected through his daughter taking flamenco classes with my wife at the time. Getting to know Zarco, we started a great friendship and then, our business relationship. I had spent a lot of time in Mexico, researching and connecting to my Mexican roots. I really loved the work Cultural Coalition was doing, and saw their work as another way for me to connect to my heritage.
About a year and a half ago, Carmen invited me to visit El Rancho del Arte to see the work they were doing with their after school program. I was blown away to see all the great work they were doing! Seeing the space and how it was great for the kids and how much the kids loved it. Seeing all they were doing, I really believe our community needs more Carmens! It worked out that at the end of the year, I had the capacity to give and make a donation, and I really loved what they were doing and I know it’s not free, so I donated to Cultural Coalition.
I’ve always given at some level. People underestimate how much of an impact their contribution can make to an organization. It doesn’t always have to be $100. Whatever it is, $25 or $5, when it adds up, it helps to move that organization forward. I encourage people to get out into their community. Learn about what’s going on, and find out how they can make an impact. I don’t really care about the tax deduction, I care about what it means for the organization. It will enrich your world just by giving. It just has to come from your heart. Giving is good for the soul.”