The Eva Perón Foundation: And The Money Kept Rolling In

Eva Perón, or “Evita” as she was endearingly called, holds a cherished place in Argentina’s history and in the hearts of millions worldwide. Rising from poverty to becoming the First Lady of Argentina, Eva dedicated herself to transforming the lives of the country’s poor and working-class citizens. The creation of the Eva Perón Foundation in 1948 allowed her to channel her compassion and determination into tangible support for those in need, becoming a beacon of hope for those without access to food, healthcare, and education. Today, her legacy is celebrated through music, storytelling, and a lasting dedication to social justice.

Here at Erewash Musical Society, we’re honoured to bring Eva’s remarkable journey to life in our production of Evita. Through this performance, audiences can witness the passion, strength, and empathy that defined her life and her work with the foundation.

What Did the Eva Perón Foundation Do?

The Eva Perón Foundation quickly grew into one of Argentina’s most influential charitable organisations. Eva, who had experienced hardship herself, was deeply motivated to use her newfound influence to uplift the country’s most vulnerable populations. With the foundation, she aimed to provide a wide range of resources and services—everything from food and clothing to healthcare and education—for individuals and families with little to no support.

The years following World War II left Argentina facing substantial economic challenges, with countless citizens struggling to survive. The Eva Perón Foundation stepped in to offer immediate help but, more importantly, it aimed to create sustainable change. Eva’s vision was expansive; she sought not just to alleviate poverty, but to build a fairer society from the ground up. For her, the foundation was a pathway to social justice, offering individuals the tools to better their lives and strengthening communities as a whole.

Through her foundation, Eva implemented large-scale projects to create entire communities with high-quality housing, schools, hospitals, and recreation areas. These projects provided a safer, healthier environment for families, giving them dignity and hope for a brighter future. Eva’s vision was clear: she wanted to establish a society where every person, regardless of background, could live with security, opportunity, and pride.

Education and Healthcare Initiatives

Education was one of Eva’s primary focuses. She understood that education was key to social mobility and sought to provide schools and educational resources to underserved communities. The foundation built schools across the country, offering children from poor backgrounds the chance to pursue an education and develop their potential. Additionally, the foundation awarded scholarships to promising students, especially young women, so they could continue their studies and contribute to society.

Healthcare was another area of focus for the foundation, and Eva worked tirelessly to ensure that modern medical facilities were available to all Argentinians. The foundation built hospitals and clinics across Argentina, particularly in remote and underserved regions. These facilities not only provided essential healthcare services but also embodied Eva’s vision of equality and dignity for all. For many Argentinians, this marked the first time they had access to quality healthcare without financial barriers.

Empowering Women Through the Foundation

Eva’s foundation didn’t just provide basic resources; it was also an engine for social change, particularly in women’s empowerment. Through job training programs and educational initiatives, the foundation helped women gain independence and enter the workforce—a revolutionary idea in a society where women’s roles were traditionally limited to the home. By giving women the skills they needed to become financially independent, Eva paved the way for a more inclusive society and offered hope to a generation of women who had previously felt sidelined.

Why Is Eva Perón So Important?

Eva Perón’s legacy is about more than her role as Argentina’s First Lady; it is a story of resilience, compassion, and the fight for equality. Growing up in poverty, Eva understood the struggles faced by Argentina’s working class and the disenfranchised. Her personal experiences inspired her to use her influence to bring about positive change and to give a voice to those who had been silenced.

Her work with the foundation transformed her into a symbol of hope, resilience, and compassion. Her dedication to social justice and her relentless drive to improve lives made her a hero to millions. Today, her story stands as a powerful reminder of what one person’s commitment to justice and equality can achieve, and her legacy continues to inspire those who believe in a fairer world.

This legacy is beautifully portrayed in the musical Evita, which brings her spirit, her struggles, and her triumphs to the stage. To fully experience her journey, we invite you to come and see Evita and witness how her life, passion, and mission unfolded.

“And the Money Kept Rolling In” – The Foundation’s Reach and Impact

One of the most dynamic songs in Evita is “And the Money Kept Rolling In.” This lively number captures the rapid growth and excitement surrounding the Eva Perón Foundation as donations poured in from across Argentina, fueling Eva’s work and expanding the foundation’s reach. The song not only reflects the energy of Eva’s mission but also showcases the profound impact of her work on Argentine society.

In “And the Money Kept Rolling In,” the lyrics tell a story of overwhelming generosity and support from all sectors of society, with people from all walks of life contributing to the foundation. However, the influx of funds and resources also led to scrutiny, with some critics questioning how the foundation’s money was managed. Eva’s supporters saw her as a symbol of hope, while others accused her of using the foundation for political gain. Despite the controversies, Eva remained focused on her mission to support the people and provide a brighter future for Argentina.

Here at EMS, setting “And the Money Kept Rolling In” for our production has been a thrilling experience. This number allows us to bring Eva’s ambitious vision and the extraordinary energy surrounding her mission to the stage. “And the Money Kept Rolling In” encapsulates the foundation’s successes and challenges, giving audiences a glimpse into the complexities of her work and the joy and urgency that defined her mission.

And the Money Kept Rolling In

And the money kept rolling in from every side
Eva’s pretty hands reached out
And they reached wide
Now you may feel it should
Have been a voluntary cause
But that’s not the point my friends
When the money keeps rolling in
You don’t ask how
Think of all the people guaranteed
A good time now
Eva’s called the hungry to her
Open up the doors never been a fund like
The Foundation Eva Peron
Rollin’ rollin’ rollin’
Rollin’ rollin’ rollin’
Rollin’ rollin’ rollin’
Rollin’ rollin’ rollin’
Rollin’ rollin’ rollin’
Rollin’ rollin’ rollin’
Rollin’ rollin’ rollin’
Rollin’ rollin’ rollin’
Rollin’ on in, rollin’ on in
Rollin’ on in, rollin’ on in on in
Would you like to try a college education?
Own your landlord’s house
Take the family on vacation?
Eva and her blessed fund can
Make your dreams come true
Here’s all you have to do my friends
Write your name and your dream on a
Card or a pad or a ticket
Throw it high in the air and
Should our lady pick it
She will change your way of life
For a week or even two
Name me anyone who cares as much as Eva Peron
Rollin’ on out, rollin’ on out
Rollin’ on out, rollin’ on out on out
And the money kept rolling
Out in all directions
To the poor, to the weak
To the destitute of all complexions
Now cynics claim a little of
The cash has gone astray
But that’s not the point my friends
When the money keeps rolling out
You don’t keep books
You can tell you’ve done well
By the happy grateful looks
Accountants only slow things down
Figures get in the way
Never been a lady loved as much as Eva Peron
Rollin’ on out, rollin’ on out
Rollin’ on out, rollin’ on out on out
Eva! When the money keeps rolling out
You don’t keep books
You can tell you’ve done well
By the happy grateful looks
Accountants only slow things down
Figures get in the way
Never been a lady loved as much as Eva Peron
Rollin’ on out, rollin’ on out
Rollin’ on out, rollin’ on out
Rollin’ on out, rollin’ on out on out

10 Fascinating Facts About the Eva Perón Foundation

1. Founded in 1948: Inspired by her own experiences of hardship and driven by her commitment to social justice, Eva launched the foundation soon after becoming First Lady.
2. Funded by donations, unions, and lottery taxes: The foundation’s funding sources included donations from the public, contributions from labour unions, and a special tax on lottery tickets, reflecting its broad support.
3. Provided aid to millions across Argentina: Within just a few years, the foundation reached millions of people, offering essential support to families and individuals throughout the country.
4. Built over 1,000 schools: Education was a key priority, and the foundation built more than 1,000 schools, providing children with access to quality education.
5. Pioneered women’s empowerment programs: Through job training and education, the foundation empowered women, helping them gain independence and break away from traditional gender roles.
6. Established healthcare facilities nationwide: The foundation built hospitals, clinics, and health centres, ensuring access to quality healthcare for Argentinians in underserved regions.
7. Invested in sports and recreation facilities: Recognising the importance of community and play, the foundation developed sports clubs, playgrounds, and cultural centres, creating spaces for families to gather and children to thrive.
8. Supported higher education with scholarships: By awarding scholarships, particularly to young women, the foundation made higher education accessible and fostered social mobility.
9. Ran special programs for children and families: The foundation provided holiday camps, distributed clothing, and conducted health check-ups, addressing the unique needs of Argentina’s youth.
10. Left a lasting legacy of social change: Though the foundation was dissolved after Eva’s death, its impact lives on as a symbol of social justice, compassion, and resilience.

Connecting EMS and Eva’s Legacy

At Erewash Musical Society, we understand the importance of legacy and the power of storytelling. With over a century of history in our community, we are dedicated to sharing impactful stories that resonate with audiences and inspire reflection. Eva Perón’s life and her dedication to social justice align deeply with our values, and her journey continues to move and inspire us.

Bringing Evita to the stage is an opportunity to honour Eva’s legacy and celebrate her unwavering commitment to the people of Argentina. Her story transcends history; it’s a universal reminder of the potential for kindness, empathy, and courage in the face of adversity. If Eva’s story resonates with you, we warmly invite you to join EMS. Our society welcomes everyone, whether you have a passion for performing, an interest in backstage roles, or simply a love for the arts.

Eva’s Impact Beyond the Stage

Eva Perón’s foundation was not merely a charity; it was a movement for social justice and equality. Through her work, Eva showed Argentina that every individual deserved dignity, respect, and opportunity, regardless of their social or economic background. Her efforts to bridge social divides and build a stronger, more inclusive society remain inspiring examples of what can be achieved through compassion and determination.

In “And the Money Kept Rolling In,” audiences feel the excitement, passion, and complexity of Eva’s work. The song celebrates her accomplishments while acknowledging the

challenges she faced. It’s a powerful reminder of the joy, ambition, and intensity that drove her mission and of the extraordinary impact she had on Argentina. “And the Money Kept Rolling In” is not only a highlight of the musical but also an anthem of hope, illustrating how Eva inspired people to come together for a common cause. Her ability to unite others in pursuit of a brighter future for all is one of the most enduring aspects of her legacy.

Through Evita, our aim is to convey the nuanced reality of Eva’s work—both the triumphs and the criticisms. Her story is one of courage and resilience but also of complex motivations and public scrutiny. She was adored by millions and criticised by some, yet her foundation’s accomplishments speak for themselves. Her life demonstrates that true change often comes with challenges, and her foundation’s work remains a testament to the power of one person’s dedication to their ideals.

How You Can Connect with Eva’s Legacy and EMS

Whether you have long admired Eva Perón or are learning her story for the first time, we invite you to experience the power of her legacy with us. Evita is more than a musical; it is a tribute to resilience, empathy, and a deep love for one’s country and its people. By attending Evita or joining Erewash Musical Society, you are part of a community that celebrates history, art, and the potential for positive change through storytelling.

Joining EMS means becoming part of a creative family that values the arts and believes in the importance of legacy. If you feel inspired by Eva’s story, consider joining EMS to participate in our shared mission to bring powerful stories to life. Our doors are open to everyone, whether you dream of performing, want to help behind the scenes, or simply wish to be part of a vibrant artistic community.

Reflecting on Eva’s Lasting Influence

Eva Perón’s foundation dissolved after her death, but the values she instilled in Argentina—compassion, equality, and empowerment—live on. She taught a nation to value kindness, to look beyond social divisions, and to believe that a better world is possible when we lift each other up. Her work with the foundation demonstrated that one individual, motivated by empathy and courage, can create ripples of change that last far beyond their lifetime.

Our portrayal of Eva’s journey in Evita aims to inspire audiences to reflect on their own potential for impact. “And the Money Kept Rolling In” reminds us that each contribution, no matter how small, has the power to make a difference. As we bring this story to life, we hope you feel a connection to the themes of resilience, generosity, and the beauty of coming together for a shared purpose.

A Tribute to a Woman Who Changed the World

Eva Perón’s legacy transcends her role as Argentina’s First Lady; she is remembered as a figure of unwavering commitment to social justice and a champion of the underprivileged. Through her foundation, she transformed lives, bridging divides and proving that compassion and determination can reshape even the most difficult circumstances.

Our production of Evita pays homage to her remarkable journey and her vision of a more equitable society. We invite you to join us in celebrating a woman who dared to dream of a better world and who dedicated her life to turning that dream into reality. By sharing her story, we honour not only her achievements but also the enduring values of empathy, resilience, and community.

Through Evita, we hope to remind our audience that the legacy of kindness and the spirit of generosity are timeless. Eva Perón’s work, her life, and her example encourage us to reflect on our capacity for empathy and our responsibility to make a positive impact. As we bring her story to the stage, we hope to inspire you, our audience, to carry forward her legacy of compassion, courage, and commitment to a fairer world.

Join us for Evita, a powerful story that continues to resonate with audiences today. Let Eva’s journey inspire you to believe in the impact of kindness, the strength of unity, and the extraordinary change that one person’s vision can bring. We look forward to sharing this timeless story with you, celebrating a legacy that inspires, challenges, and moves us all.