James Wright
Sheepherders Ball – December 21
The Sheepherders Ball and Lamb Auction is the primary source of funding for the Basque Foundation’s charity account. The first Sheepherders Ball was held in 1929, after John Archabal convinced two Basque men’s organizations to combine their annual Christmas dances into one unified event for Basques. In 1974, the Sheepherders ball was open to the public. Basil and Dorothy Bicandi Aldecoa donated a lamb for the event’s first auction to raise money for charity. The Sheepherders Ball and Lamb Auction has provided funds for the Basque Foundation to help families in need ever since.
This annual event is a great opportunity for the Basque community to support families in need. Most of the funds raised are reserved for a designated beneficiary (or designated beneficiaries) each year. The remaining funds are shared amongst others in need. Our designated recipient for the 2024 auction is James Wright.
James is the son of Jason and Julia Wright and is part of the Zabala, Markuerkiaga, and Urribaren families. He was born in March 2024 with a condition called craniosynostosis. This condition happens when the skull joins together before the brain has fully formed creating this cranial deformity. James wears a helmet to try to help naturally form his cranium. James also has Loeys-dietz Syndrome, a condition in which the aorta can weaken and stretch to form an aneurysm, aortic dissection, or an arterial tortuosity. This syndrome is linked to the cause of his craniosynostosis. Loeys-dietz Syndrome is hereditary and passes through the male side of the family. James’ uncle was diagnosed in February 2024 and thus the males in the family are now being watched and undergoing preventative care as needed. James had cranial surgery in June and will likely need future preventative surgeries. He is “super smiley,” and has a great social personality. His prognosis for a long life is good.
You can make donations by card, check, or cash. To donate using your credit or debit card at any time, please use our website link at https://www.basquecenter.com/sheepherders-ball/. To pay by check, please mail your donation to Basque Foundation, Inc., Attn: Sheepherders Ball, 601 W Grove St, Boise, ID 83702. Cash and check donations can also be dropped off at the Basque Center during regular business hours. Do make sure to designate your donation is for Sheepherders Ball.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 21, 2024 and join us at the Basque Center for an evening of fundraising and dancing! Doors will be open to the public at 7:15 PM. The Oinkaris will perform at 8:00 PM and the Lamb Auction will immediately follow, around 9:00 PM. Triki-Taka-Stomp will provide music beginning after the lamb auction. The cost for the dance is $5 for those 13 and older and free to those 12 and under. If you are unable to make your reservation online, please call in or text your reservation to 208-572-0604.