 | | | | | | In this March 2026 Issue: - A Dream Becomes A Reality
- Family of the Month
- Volunteer Spotlight
| | | | | A Dream Becomes a Reality | | | | | A Heartwarming Pre-Opening Event On Saturday, March 14th, over 150 people came to the Warehouse located behind the Toledano Building in Los Naranjos for a pre-grand opening celebration of the brand new community food bank in Boquete.
The guests were invited to bring a bag of non-perishable food and over 1,500 pounds of food was delivered. These guests enjoyed the wine and delicious appetizers provided by Nomad Restaurant.
A Shared Mission: Food to Share - Alimentos Para Compartir Named in spanish as Alimentos Para Compartir - Banco de Alimentos de la Communidad ( Food to Share -Community Food Bank), represents a powerful partnership between Amigos de Boquete (ADB) and Buenos Vecinos de Boquete (BVB).
Their joint mission is simple yet profound: to eliminate food insecurity in Chiriquí by ensuring that no one in our community goes hungry. Their vision focuses on creating consistent access to nutritious food for local families in need. | | | | Ribbon Cutting and Reflections The official ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by Price Peterson, marking a new chapter for the Boquete community. The new facility will be shared by both BVB and ADB, with plans to open to the public in May.
During the event, Ajit Mathew George, president of Fundación Alimentos Para Compartir / Food to Share, gave an inspiring talk on the 20-year history of Buenos Vecinos de Boquete—which began as a small group of neighbors helping neighbors and has now grown to support 150 families every month with essential food deliveries.
Turning Vision into Reality The idea of a community food bank took root in July 2025, thanks to the leadership of Maristela Fountain and John Wiseman. Together, with the support of BVB and ADB, the team overcame many challenges—from finding a suitable facility to securing a five-year lease. Key facility improvements include: - A walk-in cooler for storing perishable produce
- A commercial shelving and racking system
- A power lift for moving large pallets of food
- Two full-time employees hired to manage daily operations
Community investment in action – building infrastructure that sustains compassion.
Leadership and Gratitude The Board of Directors of Fundación Alimentos Para Compartir / Food to Share includes: - Ajit Mathew George, President
- Maristela Fountain, Secretary
- Karen Murphy Friedhaber, Treasurer
- Cary Louise Gordon, Director
- John Thomas Wiseman III, Director
- Jane Youtz Riecke, Director
Special thanks go to Joy Drover for organizing a truly spectacular and heartfelt celebration.
Stay Tuned As excitement builds, the community eagerly awaits the official public opening in May. The success of this initiative shows what can happen when compassion, collaboration, and commitment come together.
Congratulations to everyone who made this dream a reality—and thank you for helping Boquete continue to care for its own. | | | | With the opening of the Community Food Bank, there are many meaningful opportunities to volunteer and support our neighbors. Whether you can give a little time or a lot, your help makes a real difference. Click below to register as a volunteer. | | | | | | | | | | Meet Robinson Salina, Jocelina, Mixiano, Nastia, and Naomi | | | | This month, we introduce you to an Ngabe family living in Palmira Centro, a district of Boquete. Robinson Salina, age 32, has been unable to work for the past six months due to injuries suffered in an automobile accident. Robinson was the sole financial support for his wife, Jocelina, and their three children: Mixiano Montezuma, age 9, Nastia, age 6, and Naomi, age 2. Jocelina's two sisters also live in the home.
Robinson needed a wheelchair with leg support due to his injuries, which a Buenos Vecinos volunteer was able to source from Boquete Health and Hospice. Robinson will need additional surgeries to recover from his injuries.
Robinson remains hopeful that he will be able to return to work at a local supermarket after he recovers. In the meantime, Buenos Vecinos will provide food support for him and his family. | | | | | | | | | | You can sponsor a family like Robinson's for a donation of just $50 per month. If you donate through our U.S. PayPal account and you file taxes in the U.S., your contribution could be tax deductible. Click on the PayPal link at the bottom of the newsletter to donate whatever amount is comfortable for you, choose monthly and you're done! Your gift will automatically be sent to BVB to help with food purchases. Please consider joining our growing family of monthly donors. There are many families who need your help. | | | | | | |
Ajit Mathew George Inspiring Change Across Communities | | | | | | | A Global Citizen with a Local Heart Ajit Mathew George is a philanthropist, retired entrepreneur, and lifelong community builder whose passion for service connects three corners of the world—Wilmington, Delaware; Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands; and Boquete, Panama. Wherever he lives, Ajit brings leadership, creativity, and compassion to every endeavor.
Turning Ideas into Impact Through his company Magic Dust, LLC, Ajit guided individuals and organizations to transform goals into results through life coaching, marketing, and event strategy. His creative direction produced many acclaimed events, including Meals From the Masters, Evening With the Masters, Virgin Islands Winemakers Dinners and the MidAtlantic Wine + Food Festival, which united chefs and winemakers from around the world in support of good causes. He is currently helping organize the first annual Tastes From The Masters a benefit for the Parque Biblioteca Boquete on April 19 at Finca Lerida.
Compassionate Capitalism in Action Believing that meaningful work can change lives, Ajit founded Second Chances Farm, LLC, an indoor hydroponic farming initiative in Delaware that gave returning citizens new beginnings after incarceration. The project embodied his lifelong mission to pair innovation with compassion, creating economic opportunity while strengthening communities. He also founded TEDxWilmington, organizing 32 events featuring nearly 500 speakers whose talks have reached and inspired 34.2 million globally. Award-Winning Leadership Ajit's service and creativity have earned him numerous honors, including the Wilmington Award for Community Service, the Jefferson Award for Public Service, and Rotary International's Paul Harris Award. | | |
Serving Boquete with Vision Since settling part-time in Boquete, Ajit has become an active local leader and generous supporter of community programs. He currently serves as President of Alimentos Para Compartir – Banco de Alimentos de la Comunidad | | | | | (See "A Dream Becomes a Reality" article in this newsletter.) Ajit also helped create two U.S.-based nonprofits that strengthen charitable efforts in Chiriquí: Dos Jefes Nutrition and Educational Fund, Inc., where he serves as Treasurer, and Boquete Community Fund, Inc., where he is a director. Both work closely with Buenos Vecinos de Boquete in improving nutrition and education across the province.
Living Generously Ajit continues a lifelong tradition of service. Known for his love of gardening, food, and wine, he brings warmth and enthusiasm to everything he does—reminding us that kindness, creativity, and connection are at the heart of true community. | | | | Buenos Vecinos exists to help people who are unable to meet their basic food needs. We have provided emergency food support on many occasions and have been successful in helping families through hard times. We will help them with food support until the working age adults in the family can find enough income to become self-sustaining. | | | | |
