Dear Sir,

In last week’s Letter to the Editor, Sofia Valdez Bustamante expressed concerns about the direction of the Lake Chapala Society Board of Directors. I appreciate her perspective, and I’d like to add a broader view. Not all Board members fit the picture presented in her letter. In fact, several long-standing members of the Board are steady, professional, and working very hard to bring balance and stability back to the organization.

Dear Sir,

There comes a moment in the life of every institution when its leaders must decide whether they exist to preserve the organization entrusted to them — or merely to preserve themselves.

Dear Sir,

The Lake Chapala Society promotes itself as a pillar of community, cultural respect, and ethical engagement. My direct experience as its former Executive Director compels me to say plainly: its current actions fall short of those principles.

Dear Sir,

Mr. Rogers was famous for saying, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”

It is rare for me to make a specific appeal on behalf of a single child. Generally, I write to our supporters about how we work, offering details and insights into our program. Today is different — today I am looking for helpers.

Dear Sir,

I am the former manager of the Lake Chapala Society (LCS) Children’s Art Program – a post I held from 2011 to 2024. I still care very much about the kids and the program and, for about two months, have been trying to correct an issue with the sale of children’s art at LCS.

Dear Sir,

The Lake Chapala Society Board of Directors acknowledges the recent resignations of the President and Executive Director.

Leadership transitions, while significant, do not alter our commitment to the mission, staff, volunteers, community and members of LCS. Programs and services continue uninterrupted.