The Montecristi Foundation, Inc.: A non-profit, private operating foundation: Summary
“And maybe what’s good gets a little bit better,
and maybe what’s bad gets gone.”
It Goes Like It Goes Oscar-winning song from Norma Rae
Some things we do to try to make things a little better, instead of letting them get a little worse:
Weaving School—In January of 2011, we established a weaving school in Pile, the village where the finest hats are woven.
Medical Care—When we first began to provide medical care to the village of Pile, back before the turn of the century, ours was the only medical care available in the village.
Safety Masks for Weavers—Sulfur powder must be used to make genuine Montecristi hats. But the caustic fumes are hazardous to breathe. The Foundation has provided free safety masks to the weavers of Pile.
Blood Tests—When CBS News visited in April 2007, we were drawing blood so that lab tests could be run in town, yielding data to help diagnose and treat the weavers and their families.
Eye Exams—In November 2006, we funded eye exams and glasses for weavers and their families. Being able to see what they are doing might be useful to weavers.
More Free Eyeglasses—Eyes change. New glasses were needed. So, in July 2011, The Montecristi Foundation again funded an optometrist to go to Pile.
Denomination of Origin—Perhaps our most significant achievement to ensure the long-term survival of the art of Montecristi hats.
Fair Trade—Seems like a great idea, yes? But does it really help workers? Sometimes yes, sometimes no.
The Montecristi Foundation, Inc. has received major financial support from the business (The Panama Hat Company of the Pacific, Inc. dba Brent Black Panama Hats) . Before the foundation was incorporated, the business already was funding programs for the weavers and generally trying to do the right thing
Text and photos © 1988-2012, B. Brent Black. All rights reserved.
