Each year Italian Festivals of New Mexico produces the NM Italian Film & Culture Festival to raise funds for the state's only hospital dedicated to the care and treatment of newborns, infants and children.

The 2014 week-long celebration of Italian cinema and culture resulted in a donation of $26,000. It was presented to the Hospital during a ceremony on June 20.

Representatives of Italian Festivals gathered to hear from Hospital administrators and unit directors about how the money is used to enhance the lives and augment the treatment of thousands of our state's most seriously ill children.

It was an inspiring moment for members of the nonprofit organization who recently finalized the dates and began developing next year's festival. "It gave us a new shot of enthusiasm," said the festival's managing director, of the meeting.

"The sincere gratitude expressed by the Hospital staff and the insight into how they make miracles for children renewed our commitment to even greater success in 2015."

Source: Italy in NM