The Consulate of Mexico in Boise, along with the Mexican Embassy in Washington, D.C. and Mexico’s consular network across the U.S., are launching “Becas — Por una vida mejor (For a Better Life).”

The scholarship fundraising program will run until September. It’s seeking individual donations of $5 and $10 through text messages to the number 20222.

The amount donated will depend on the text written on the message: GRANT ($5) or STUDY ($10).

Consul Ricardo Pineda and Deputy Consul Diego Simancas are highlighting the importance of education within the Mexican-Idahoan community. The goal: improving families’ access to colleges and universities.

Read more at idahostatesman.com.

ROCK FOR WATER SAFETY

The Treasure Valley YMCA, Hannah’s and the family of Mason Goldberg are hosting a fundraiser at 7 p.m. Thursday at Hannah’s, 621 Main St. Suggested donation at the door is $5.

“Rock for Water Safety” will include performances by Pinto Bennett, Bill Coffey, The Divas of Boise and many others. Keynote speaker is Jim Everett, director and CEO of the YMCA.

All proceeds will go to the Mason Goldberg Foundation to provide funds for swimming and water safety instruction through the YMCA, especially for local families who would not be able to afford such programs otherwise.

Mason Goldberg, a 5-year-old resident of Star, drowned in July. His family is initiating this campaign in his memory.

Drowning is the second-leading cause of accidental death among youngsters in the U.S. Idaho has ranked between second- and fourth-worst in the nation for drowning per capita.

Read more about the Mason Goldberg Foundation. Find a link at idahostatesman.com.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

Low-income families in need of housing can apply to help build a house, then buy it through an affordable process from Boise Valley Habitat for Humanity.

Interested applicants must attend one of two meetings: 7 p.m. Wednesday at All Saints Episcopal Church, 704 S. Latah, or 10 a.m. Saturday at the same location. Call 331-2916.

CALLING ALL TEACHERS

TeachIdaho, a new nonprofit support group for teachers, hosts a special event on Friday.

“What I Learned on My Summer Vacation” will be a chance for teachers to meet their peers and share ideas and talk about their summer experiences.

The event is from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the clubhouse of the Paramount Subdivision, 673 W Laughton Dr. in Meridian.

Woodriver Winery will host a tasting during the event. TeachIdaho will provide refreshments.

RSVP at 559-5194 or kkurdy@teach-idaho.org.

AUGUST RESPITE CARE TRAINING

Respite care providers who care for children with special needs on a temporary basis are in demand across the state. They provide much-needed breaks for parents.

The Idaho Federation of Families is presenting its monthly free respite care provider webinar training at 5 p.m. Monday.

For more information or to register for the August training, contact Cindy at 1-800-905-3436 or cshotton@idahofederation.org.

DO YOU HAVE A CALENDAR PET?

The Idaho Humane Society is looking for local pets to grace the pages of their 2013 “Friends for Life” calendar.

The society will accept photographs of companion animals (dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, ferrets, guinea pigs, rats, mice, birds and horses depicted in a humane and dignified manner) through Sept. 30.

A panel of impartial judges, along with IHS representatives, will choose the models.

The calendar will be available for $14.95 at the society’s gift shop and other local stores in October. All contest entrants will receive a calendar. Entry fees and sales proceeds will help support the more than 13,000 animals who pass through the society’s doors each year.

To enter, find a link at idahostatesman.com or pick up your entry form and guidelines at the shelter: 4775 Dorman St., Boise, ID 83705. For more information, pawprints@idahohumanesociety.org.

Anna Webb: 377-6431