How it all began...

On October 22, 2000 I organized and promoted my very first Salsa dance event in Santa Rosa, CA.  The proceeds from that event benefited Kids Kingdom, a children's orphanage in Ensenada, Mexico.  Dr. Ezbon Jen, the Dean of the Health and Life Science Department at the Santa Rosa Junior College organized groups of student nurses and dental hygienists that volunteered at the orphanage. Dr. Jen was also my advisor for Phi Theta Kappa, the local chapter of the International Honor Society for 2 year colleges.  During an office visit while getting school advise I noticed pictures of children on his wall.  They were pictures of orphaned children he had taken during a tour in vietnam as a Combat Medical Specialist (field infantry medic). It was clear where his passion came from for what he did for Kids Kingdom.  I was so inspired by him that I decided to do something to help his cause. Six weeks after that visit I organized and coordinated my very first Salsa event. I called it, "Dance to Make a Difference."  The Hilton Hotel donated the space. I hired a salsa band from the bay area.  My math tutor created the flyer that I have included at the bottom, and Antonio Morán, who I had recently met, donated his time to teach the lesson.  Little did I know that Antonio would become my husband someday, and little did I know it would be the beginning of my career as a Salsa music and dance promoter.

The money that was raised, I learned from Dr. Jen, arrived at the orphanage when they literally didn’t know where their next meal was going to come from. They used the money for groceries and incidentals that the children needed.  Dr. Jen and the directors of the orphanage were very thankful for the contribution from the fundraiser. I did one more fundraiser the following year before transferring to UC Davis to complete my Bachelors in Economics.

With love and gratitude I thank my Salsa community for the difference that was made for the children of Kids Kingdom Orphanage and for 11 extraordinary years of dancing, fun and friendship.  I look forward to many more years of expanding my vision of reaching out and inspiring people of all backgrounds and generations in the appreciation of Salsa music and dance.

Irene Silva
Owner/Founder

Santa Rosa Salsa

When it all began.