Our Mission

Elena was a compassionate, honest and trusting young woman who cared deeply for others. She and her family have always been sensitive leaving our world a better place than we found it, and help individuals overcome odds and obstacles and live their lives to the fullest.

Solentiname Solidarity Alliance, with the support of Elena’s close family and friends, has established a memorial fund to honor the life of Elena Bright Shapiro. The Alliance is incredibly honored to be involved in creating a living memory of Elena in Solentiname Nicaragua. It gives her family peace to know that dance lessons are being provided in Elena's name to continue her commitment to dance and their family's personal ties to Nicaragua.

The Elena Bright Shapiro Memorial Fund will be sponsored by the Solentiname Solidarity Alliance which will administer the collection and distribution of donations under its charter as a 501 C-3 (awaiting final approval) nonprofit organization. Funds collected will be managed by a committee of family and friends to assure that all funds are used directly for the objectives in the Fundacion de Baile Elena Bright Shapiro. 

You can make a donation to the Fundacion de Baile Elena Bright Shapiro by sending a check to Regi Bright, 318 Barracuda Place, Corpus Christi, Texas 78411; or by using your credit card or PayPal account on the secure website of Solentiname Solidarity Alliance.

The Objectives of the Fundacion de Baile Elena Bright Shapiro are to: 

•To have a monthly workshop of dance in Solentiname. 

•For local dancers to participate in performances in Solentiname, as well as regional, national and international festivals, competion’s and cultural exchanges.  

•To broaden the art of dance in Solentiname by hosting professional instruction in classical ballet, and other forms of contemporary dance. 

•Solidarity and cultural exchange

•To make available, as possible, scholarships for motivated dancers from Solentiname. In the spirit of Elena

The Fundacion de Baile Elena Bright Shapiro is guided by the Vision and Mission of the Solentiname Solarity Alliance. The Vision of the Alianza de Solentiname (Solentiname Solidarity Alliance) is to affirm a shared membership in one human family and commit ourselves to work for justice and peace, honoring the dignity and strengths of each person guided by the principle of consensual decision making. 

The Mission of the Alianza de Solentiname is to be a collaborative partnership of the people of Solentiname and other organizations to promote social and economic justice through alternative models of sustainable community development and activism. Our Vision is different than the conventional charity model; our goal is work for independence, self- sufficiency and sustainability within our community, steering away from continued dependence on external donations and outside assistance. Our mission statement guides our programs by recognizing the delicate nature of the culture and community. We strive to empower local residents, as partners with a sustainable approach to their project work that recognizes the long-term impact and viability of their efforts