On the first Saturday in May the Vecinos will be out in full force, hats in hands and bow-ties at the ready, to support El Rio Health Cancer Screening and Prevention Programs with “Run for the Roses”— Vecinos Block Party 2025.
The themed event continues a tradition of raising funds to expand access to healthcare for those most in need at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 3 at Plaza Palomino, 2900 N. Swan Rd.
“We live in an incredibly polarized world currently and it is unfortunate that cancer is one of the few things that ties everyone together. It has affected every family and individual you talk to. We are taking that negative and trying to turn it into a positive and support people who don’t have the resources for screenings to prevent cancer,” said Shayla Sandoval, president of the Vecinos.
Over the past 12 years, the group of young professionals has raised more than $1 million to fund various causes for El Rio Health, which serves 129,000 patients annually. For the past several years, they have turned their efforts toward funding cancer screenings — including mammograms and colonoscopies — along with promoting awareness and cancer prevention, education and support.
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Proceeds from the 2025 Block Party will fund 175 to 200 free mammograms for uninsured women, providing critical assistance for patients without other financial resources.
“Lots of people feel like cancer funds are a lost cause, but we choose to believe that every dollar has the ability to turn someone’s life around if they have been impacted by cancer,” said Sandoval.
The current fundraiser comes at a time of healthcare uncertainty for many, according to Brenda Goldsmith, Executive Director of El Rio Health Center Foundation.
“We have many people who are very concerned about access to healthcare and Medicare and Medicaid funding. We are here to serve the community. We expect to see the needs get even greater going forward, especially if there are budget cuts. There’s concern for the healthcare safety net here in our community and across the country,” Goldsmith said.
She credits the entire Block Party team, which is led by Erin Frekker and Kevin Foster, for their outstanding efforts and is grateful that the Vecinos are committed to ensuring that all people are treated with dignity and respect.
“They work hard to make sure that everyone at the event has a lot of fun, but ultimately they are saving lives,” Goldsmith said.
Sandoval, a Tucson native and Senior Vice President of Client and Creative Services for Sandoval Creative, encourages those under age 40 to consider donating time and talent to the Vecinos, who are actively recruiting. She and Goldsmith agreed that the service organization is an inspiring and inclusive option for volunteerism.
“Just like El Rio, Vecinos are very welcoming to all people. They aren’t a group that you have to know someone to get in. They embrace people who have been here but also transplants, and bring them into Tucson culture and create a family, really,” Goldsmith said.
