What do Cinco de Mayo and Mother's Day have in common? Actually, not that much except that they both occur around the first of May and the phrase "Cinco de Mother's Day" has a nice ring to it. Why not throw them together into one festival and celebrate the day in 1862 when Mexico beat France in the Battle of Puebla as well as honor our beloved mothers?

Our local OLAX (Organizacion de Latinx) did exactly this on Sunday, May 5, at Christmas Circle. Over 100 mothers and families showed up for three hours of music, dancing, raffles, corsages and free food from Jilbertos (Thank you!) The wind only flamed the fun folks were having as mothers claimed their classy gifts and dancers from the Elementary ASES After School Club danced their hearts out.

OLAX has been organizing cross- cultural events for over two years now in our village of Borrego Springs. As a recently designated 501c3, they are building up to be a strong voice for our large Latinx population here in Borrego. They are not only hosting events such as this one and Day of the Dead, but they are also finding representation on the various decision-making groups in Borrego such as the Borrego Valley Stewardship Council. OLAX Vice President Alicia Ramirez holds a seat on this group.

The goal of OLAX, says President Israel Ochoa, is to "empower our Latino community to understand and appreciate the vital role they play in our village." They are doing this with the help of many individuals and groups: Sandy Hansberger, Rams Hill, WeKleen and individual donations.

OLAX's proudest moment will be at the High School's Scholarship Assembly in June when they will be handing out OLAX Scholarships to two high school seniors going on to college or trade school. OLAX strives to be an equal giver in this incredible Borrego Community of philanthropy.