A crowd of 300 people celebrated the life-saving work of Montaña de Luz during the 2026 Fiesta fundraiser in Columbus.
The event raised $153,000 for the nonprofit, which empowers children and families affected by HIV in Honduras. Montaña de Luz operates a children’s home in rural Honduras and also provides education, health and family programs.
The event featured an extensive silent auction, dinner, music and video updates from Honduras on MdL’s key focus areas.
Fani Mira, the new national director, traveled from Honduras and greeted Fiesta guests. She thanked supporters for their love and generosity. She praised the team in Honduras, including nurse Helen Lopez, who also traveled to Ohio for the event.
Anna Jackson, MdL executive director, credited the leadership team in Honduras for their innovation, hard work, and devotion to the children who live and study at the facility. She shared video updates from the Mountain of Light that showcased success stories and achievements by the young people and staff.
Skeet Ayscue, board president, presented the new Board Member Emeritus crystal awards to former board members Sandy Boylan, Stephanie Brett and Doug Haddix. Boylan served on the first MdL board of directors and has volunteered in recent years as advisor to the board. Brett and Haddix recently completed six years of board service, including Brett’s four years as treasurer and Haddix’s four years as president.
Ayscue also thanked Fiesta Committee members for their tireless work, dedication and creativity. Committee members are Stephanie Brett, Laura DiFilippo, Angela Jackson, Cathy Morrison, Lynne Roloson, Diana Short and Shannon Smedley.
Volunteer photographer Jeff Soiu captured the energy and spirit of Fiesta. Click the button below to access the photo gallery.
A collection of photos appears below. Click a photo to enlarge it. Once you enlarge a photo, you can advance through the slideshow by clicking the small arrow on the right side.
