A simple trip to Mexico to investigate adoption possibilities for her son and wife changed more than Celia Gonzalez's life; it also transformed her fellow parishioners at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Claremont. That auspicious journey launched a friendship that's still going strong today between parishioners and needy children across a border.

Last January, Gonzalez visited the orphanage La Ciudad de los Niños de Salamanca where she met 293 children, ranging in age from toddlers to young adults. Even though her family was denied the initial adoption, Gonzalez was overwhelmingly touched by the orphans and their great need; she promised to return with gifts.

Back at her parish, Gonzalez collected clothing, toys and cash donations. She had told the children that upon her return, she would cook them a meal --- which she did in April.

To Gonzalez' delight, the grateful young people promised to come to Claremont and entertain as "Los Niños." Gonzalez learned these orphans are renowned in Mexico as a traveling troupe of musicians who have performed at the Basilica of Guadalupe, the Governor's Palace in Mexico City, the Cathedral of Morelia, and for Vicente Fox when he was President of Mexico.

This hard-working and close-knit "family" of 45 teens and young adults help support themselves and the younger children at the orphanage with their performances as mariachis, traditional choir and instrumental band.

Several dedicated young adults, raised and educated at the orphanage since toddlers, have become troupe leaders and organizers, including one young man now trained as a dentist.

Learning that this summer Los Niños would tour California --- with Claremont as their final stop --- Gonzalez was determined to make the experience something special for the children.

Enlisting the help of her extended family, friends and fellow parishioners, Gonzalez acquired free accommodations for the 48 members of the company, including Father Pedro Gutierrez, director of the orphanage, at the Hotel Claremont courtesy of Jose Cardenas of Cardenas Markets.

In addition, she negotiated a discount admission for all members to go to Disneyland and raised $2,500 from family and friends to pay for the once-in-a-lifetime experience.

On the day of the concert, Gonzalez welcomed the tired and hungry guests with an afternoon meal and then shipped them off to the hotel. Later, the troupe returned to the church where they were greeted by volunteers who had decorated the parish hall with enlarged photographs of the children.

Msgr. Tom Welbers, pastor, offered an exuberant welcome, and seminarian Julian Melendez proudly introduced the performers. Even at the end of a long and tiring journey, the young people nevertheless played and sang with gusto. Some individuals paid up to $50 to hear a requested song from the mariachis.

"It was beautiful to see my kids performing," Gonzalez remembers. "I wanted to cry, but I told myself it was time to celebrate and enjoy the moment. I saw the pride in Father Pedro's eyes when they received a standing ovation."

Following the surprise Disneyland trip, troupe members stayed two additional days at the hotel, caught a Dodgers game, experienced a California earthquake and enjoyed a donated breakfast at the BC Café in Claremont.

The manager of a hotel also donated food for a farewell barbecue dinner cooked at the hotel by parishioners.

Before the young people departed, Gonzalez's family and fellow parishioners fed them a big breakfast and sent them packing with box lunches. In turn, Los Niños sang their farewell, and $500 was collected when the basket was passed around, enough to give each youth $10.

In the end, the musical journey netted $5,400 of donations along with armloads of donated clothing.

"We'll be back," Los Niños exclaimed to their new-found friends at Our Lady of Assumption. "Remember us, remember the little ones! Muchas gracias, abuela" ("Thank you so much, grandmother.")

Celia Gonzalez and her parish are raising funds for blankets and washing machines for the orphanage. Donations to La Ciudad de los Niños de Salamanca may be sent to Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 435 Berkeley Ave., Claremont, CA 91711, attn. Sandra Leonor.