Ray Thomas Foundation

The dusty paths winding through the colonias are a far cry from Luxury Avenue; however these roads lead you straight into the heart of Los Cabos.  The colonias are home to the thousands that make it all happen on the beaches, golf courses, fishing charters, and in the many restaurants and bars that attract tourism to the Baja. One local foundation, Grupo de Apoyo Ray Thomas, sits at the crossroads, adjoining these two different but very dependent worlds of Los Cabos.  The foundation, known as G.A.R.T. for short, turns the generosity and goodwill of a few, into opportunity and healthy alternatives for many children in the Southern Baja community. 

G.A.R.T. began in La Paz twenty years ago and joined the Cabo scene about a year and a half ago. London based sports journalist and soccer coach, Steve Mills, joined the team and was instrumental in bringing the soccer program to the area. Today, four local elementary schools and two pre-schools, have over one thousand students participating in the soccer program. Students from all schools also have the opportunity to play baseball at the Capella Baseball Academy.  Girls and boys ages five to fifteen get the chance to work with former college and professional baseball players from the United States and México as they learn technique and participate in weekly organized play.

Leonardo Gastelum Elementary is the first Cabo School to receive a G.A.R.T. funded kitchen to accompany its sports program.  Although currently under construction, the kitchen is set to open in September 2010 and feed over one hundred and fifty students breakfast, each day.  

A community’s survival depends on the support from within.  The future of Los Cabos lies in the hands of its children and local foundations such as Grupo de Apoyo Ray Thomas, who work to keep Cabo’s children active and engaged in their community.

For more information visit www.raythomasgroup.org .