Fiesta Raises Record $105K for Hispanic Resource Center

by Elaine Chapnick, photos by Karin Sherman

(November 14, 2006) This year’s Salsa and Sangria fundraiser for the Hispanic Resource Center of Larchmont and Mamaroneck yielded a record $105,000. “This is the greatest amount we’ve raised in the four years that we have held benefit events,” said co-chairman Melina Vourlekis Bodor. The party was held at the Hampshire Country Club on Thursday, November 9.

Dr. Andrew Francella, Mary McDonald, and Ximena Francella danced to a salsa beat.

Attendees danced to a Latin beat, sampled sangria and Latin food and applauded those receiving "Amigo" awards. They also waved their auction paddles to bid on items that included a week at a Maine resort, tickets to Broadway and a cooking party for six. The live and silent auctions helped raise the total brought in from ticket sales and other donations to a record level. Bill Feldman, HRC vice president, assisted NY State Assemblyman George Latimer at the live auction, which alone raised $22K.

“The money will be used to expand our English as a Second Language classes and broaden our array of workshops and services which help all our clients, including those who are not Hispanic,” said John Gitlitz, president. “The success of this event demonstrates the community’s strong support of the Hispanic Resource Center’s work to help new immigrants become accepted and productive as soon as possible,” he added.

Welcoming guests on November 9 at the Hampshire Country Club were (l-r) Mariana Boneo, HRC Executive Director, and event co-chairs, Naomi Lowenthal and Melina Vourlekis Bodor.

Jose Fonseca, Roger Stavis and Marilyn Reader accepted an Amigo award for the Westchester Jewish Center. For the past several years the WJC has sponsored a Christmas party for Hispanic families at St. Thomas Church and has provided other expertise to the immigrant community.

Amigo awards went to (l-r) Doreen Kushel of Mamaroneck and Mary Lee Berridge of Larchmont for their help in trying to resolve the day laborer issues, and Aurelio Castano of White Plains for leading the jewelry workshop.

Harry Gaffney, left, received an Amigo award on behalf of St. Thomas Episcopal Church from Mariana Boneo and John Gitlitz, HRC president. The church has a record of promoting human rights. The HRC is currently housed in the church basement.

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