How the Little Ark Foundation is building big hope, one child at a time
Atop a quiet rooftop in Quezon City, this June 29, something beautiful is set to unfold—a celebration of art, music, fine food, resilience, compassion, and the enduring power of community.
The Little Ark Foundation, a non-profit organization supporting children undergoing long-term and terminal treatment at the National Children’s Hospital (NCH), is hosting an intimate merienda cena and art raffle to raise funds for its expanding programs. The event will take place from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the VCP Building Rooftop, 68 Kalayaan Avenue, bringing together artists, musicians, and supporters for an afternoon filled with meaning.
For founder Butch Bustamante, the mission began with a simple desire: to ease the pain of children navigating the most difficult journeys—those marked by illness, uncertainty, and often, isolation. “When you’re that young and that sick, every little kindness matters,” he says. “We want to be there to offer dignity and comfort, even in the smallest ways.”
The foundation currently runs several outreach initiatives, including LAF Housing (which provides temporary lodging for families), Care Baskets and Care Carts (with supplies and comfort items for patients), and edutainment activities during treatment days. As demand grows, so too must the foundation’s capacity to respond.
That’s where art steps in.
Some of the Philippines’ most renowned artists have donated works for a one-of-a-kind raffle, exclusive to 100 ticket holders (P10,000 per ticket). The lineup includes Joven Alcala, Benjie Cabangis, Toym Imao, Pete Jimenez, Rodel Tapaya, and pieces from Juvenal Sansó via Fundacion Sansó. The tiered raffle system means the more tickets a guest purchases, the higher their chance of taking home a rare or high-value piece. But ultimately, everyone wins—because every ticket directly supports a child in need.
The event will also feature a live performance by Novo Concertante and Magiliw Street, paired with a thoughtfully prepared meal by Sote Catering Service. It’s not just a fundraiser; it’s a feast for the senses with a cause at its heart.
And yet, the foundation recognizes that not everyone may wish to participate via the raffle.
“Some people prefer to support in kind, through services, or through quiet donations,” says Dayang Yraola, the event curator. “That’s just as valuable. We welcome all kinds of generosity.”
In an era when large-scale issues often overwhelm the individual, The Little Ark Foundation is a reminder that small, focused efforts—when fueled by love—can have a lasting impact. With art, music, and merienda as its medium, this event is more than a fundraiser; it’s a celebration of humanity at its most tender and courageous.
For ticket inquiries or to make a donation, email butch.bustamante@littlearkfoundation.org or contact the foundation via Viber/WhatsApp at +1 732 300 3902.
In this little ark of kindness, there’s space for everyone to help steer toward hope.
