02 Sep The American Society of Panama
By Natalie Warner
Have you heard about The American Society of Panama? The Society (AMSOC) is a non-profit, charitable, international organization. AMSOC provides an opportunity to give back to the community, to network, and to learn about different cultures. Its mission is to promote diversity and friendship among those who call Panama home.
The organization provides renewable scholarships to Panamanian students starting at grade 7 up to the university level. Each year approximately 20 scholarships are given to students with financial need in either public or private school. Scholarship money can be allocated to tuition, uniforms, books, or supplies.
Scholarship Recipients 2016. Courtesy of AMSOC
The American Society of Panama is holding a scholarship fundraising gala, An American Ball, on September 22. The US Ambassador to Panama will host the evening at his private residence. Attendees will enjoy music, dancing, and a buffet dinner. Dress attire is cocktail dresses for women and guayabera shirt or a suit for men (tie optional). The Wyndham Hotel Albrook is offering special room rates and shuttle service to the party. Coronado Concierge Panama is also providing shuttle service from Coronado to the event.
The American Society of Panama also supports local organizations including the YMCA, Fundación Oír es Vivir, and Fundación el Caño, among others. AMSOC always welcomes opportunities to expand its involvement among charities.
Working with other organizations. Courtesy of AMSOC
AMSOC offers an eclectic calendar of events throughout the year, including monthly “meet and mixers.” In addition to the Ball, upcoming special events include a traditional U.S. Thanksgiving dinner in November, a holiday party in December, and the annual lunch picnic and evening lasagna dinner, an all-day event in El Valle, in January (games, music and dancing included!). Future events around the Playa Coronado area are currently being organized, including an October 14th visit to Castillo de Jack in partnership with Coronado Concierge Panama.
AMSOC Thanksgiving lunch, Courtesy AMSOC
Two members and residents of the beaches area, Christy and Alan, heard about The American Society of Panama through a volunteer fair in Panama City. Although they were considering living in other Latin American countries, they both wanted to be part of a community that gave back. Christy and Alan chose to live in Nueva Gorgona, Panama and joined AMSOC. Since moving here, they have helped expand AMSOC’s outreach to the Playa Coronado area and beyond.
Christy enjoys the organization because she feels like she is making a positive impact within Panama. Because AMSOC has been around for 86 years, she feels like she is connected to a part of history. Alan likes the organization because he feels it brings a concept of mutual respect. Different cultures are acknowledged, and they are all giving back where it is needed in the community. And they both have fun!
Any resident of Panama can join AMSOC. The organization is diverse in both age and country of origin. AMSOC currently has members from Panama, the United States, Canada, Great Britain, France, Venezuela, Colombia—just to name a few.
To learn more about The American Society of Panama, scholarship program, or community involvement, visit their website or Facebook page.
Important note: Space for the scholarship fundraiser, An American Ball, is limited. Reserve your space soon! AMSOC is offering a discounted annual membership fee for couples who want to attend the Ball. Membership also will extend from now through all of 2018, which means member rates for all the upcoming activities! More information regarding the Ball and AMSOC membership can be found at this link. For more information on the shuttle service from Coronado Concierge Panama, contact us.