Many Santa Cruz locals know of Joop Rubens, Photographer. As well as wedding photography, he also is uses his talents for philanthropic ends. Joop often donates his time to photographing for local nonprofits, and also travels regularly to Africa to capture images of the beneficiaries of Firelight Foundation, a Santa Cruz nonprofit funding sustainable projects benefitting the children of sub-Saharan Africa. This First Friday and the entire month of October, Vinocruz will be hosting a photo show of Joop’s photos, taken in Africa.

We will also be hosting a reception on October 10 for Moses Zulu, a representative from Luapula Foundation in Zambia. From 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Wednesday October 10, attendees may enjoy food, light hors d’œuvre and learning about Firelight’s work in sub-Saharan Africa from Moses Zulu. Those who wish to attend the October 10 event may RSVP here.