Hollister
– The local League of United Latin American Citizens chapter is
encouraging women from throughout the community to come out this
weekend for an evening in support of each other and college-bound
students at the 17th annual Hispanic Women in Action reception.
Hollister – The local League of United Latin American Citizens chapter is encouraging women from throughout the community to come out this weekend for an evening in support of each other and college-bound students at the 17th annual Hispanic Women in Action reception.
“The best thing about this is that it’s helping students,” said Reception Chairwoman Marian Cruz. “And it’s also a very fun event.”
The event started in 1988 as a way to bring Hollister women together for socializing and networking. Since then the evening has grown into one of the larger fundraisers for LULAC’s scholarship fund and also honors cancer survivors.
“There are many, many women who work on putting this together,” Cruz said. “It’s very special to all of us.”
Over the years the event, which draws crowds of between 100 and 200, has raised more than $70,000 for scholarships. The awards are available in the spring to college-bound students, Latino or otherwise, who demonstrate community service and financial need.
“I don’t care if they’re going to a trade school or a university or whatever,” Cruz said. “But it’s so important that adults receive an education after high school.”
The event is also a chance to honor a local woman who has made a difference in the community. This year’s Woman of the Year is Veronica Lezama, LULAC’s council secretary and COG employee. She was chosen in part because as a teenager she was involved in LULAC youth activities, received her bachelor’s degree at San Jose State and then returned to give back to her hometown as a volunteer.
“She is a great example of a powerful woman,” Cruz said.
The event will also feature keynote speaker Ana Caballero, Salinas mayor and State Assembly candidate, and Ruben Dozal, a local author who recently compiled a book of poetry.
“Due to circumstances in his life, he did not learn how to read or write until he was in his 50s,” Cruz said. “And now he’s the first local author we’ve been able to feature. It’s very exciting.”
The event also features a silent auction, proceeds from which will go to benefit LULAC’s young readers program, which suffered a funding cutback this year.
“We’re glad that we can help out these two causes in one evening,” Cruz said.
The event will be from 6-10pm Saturday at Ridgemark Golf and Country Club. Tickets are $40 and will not be sold at the door, so anyone considering attending is encouraged to buy early. For more information call 637-1342.
Danielle Smith covers education for the Free Lance. Reach her at 637-5566, ext. 336 or [email protected]
