Hispanic Heritage Series – Part IV of V
From the Publisher: Sharon Vigil has been a community leader to Denver’s Latino community for years. Her bold and compassionate leadership implemented the New Beginnings Annual Christmas Food Basket Program that celebrates family during the holiday season. In its 8th year, the program returns to help many families. We salute Sharon Vigil for her compassion, her vision and work.
By Antonio and Sharon Vigil
Giving back to the community is a blessing which we can all embrace. In 2017, Sharon Vigil implemented the Christmas Food Basket Program working with New Beginnings Ministry.
Working alongside New Beginnings Ministries, Vigil developed a relationship that has flourished since the program’s start and is now going on its eighth year. During this time with the strong and dedicated leadership of Geri Martinez and Pastor Becky Romero from New Beginnings Ministries they have provided over 750 baskets that feed families of four–over 3,000 people. This effort has ensured a meal to families who might not otherwise have had a holiday meal, or a Christmas dinner together. The New Beginnings Ministries was originally founded in Northside Denver. This program is operated by a diverse group of men and women. Their mission is to enrich the lives of our members, families, and communities through community involvement, church, volunteer commitment, and financial generosity. New Beginnings Ministry also provides weekly food donations for underserved families.
Sponsored by Ramos Law for the last 7 years, Joseph Ramos, M.D., J.D., adds, “I love helping people. While providing expert medical testimony, during my medical career, I realized I could help people even more with a law degree, so I went to law school.” Additionally, Tammy Quintana, Community Relations Director at Ramos has been a valuable asset. Quintana is an individual who clearly knows her business dating back to working as my personal assistant at the Denver Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Quintana now offers innovative and professional support as a part of the new era team at Ramos Law. Quintana says, “The best part of my work is that I get to make a direct impact in helping my community. It is important to remember compassion, integrity, drive, focus, appreciation for your team, passion for your work, and determination to accomplish your goals with excellence and impact.”
Negotiating, coordinating and loading nutritional food for delivery and distribution takes many volunteers and vehicles to deliver to New Beginnings Ministries and eventually to these families in need.
A special thank you to family, friends and volunteers for continuing to help each year. Over the years we have had over many individual donors that give from $50 to hundreds of dollars. We would not be able to accomplish this mission without our caring donors. We are grateful to Strohauer Family Farms for the annual potato donations and to Walmart for working with us on pricing and organizing items for pickup.
Thanks to our sponsors and donors, our final result is, Ramos bags contain turkey or ham and cooking pan, 5 lbs. of potatoes, corn, macaroni and cheese, 5 lbs. rice, 5 lbs. beans, gravy, bread, tortillas, cake mix and frosting that can be used for multiple meals to ensure a happy holiday meal.
Our 2025 New Beginnings Annual Christmas Food Basket Program supported by our major sponsor, Ramos Law is scheduled for December 20, 2025. We are seeking sponsors and individual donations to enhance our 2025 Christmas Basket Program.
Please keep in mind that food prices have increased significantly, and our ultimate goal has doubled.
Please consider giving back to your community as you celebrate the holiday season with your family. For more information, please contact Sharon Vigil at sharonvigil3@gmail.com.
