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HRC Fiesta Raises More Than $90K For ESL Programs
from the Hispanic Resource Center, photos by
Myra Hafetz
(November 13, 2008) While the forecast for the economy
is gloomy, it did not deter nearly 300 supporters from attending the Hispanic
Resource Center’s annual fundraiser on November 6 at Hampshire Country
Club in Larchmont.
This year’s Fiesta celebrated the Center’s 10th
anniversary of helping newly arrived immigrants integrate into the community.
As part of the festivities, the HRC’s president, John Gitlitz, and
executive director, Mariana Boneo, presented the Amigo Award to the teachers
of its English as a Second Language program for “helping everyone
speak the same language.”

According to the Fiesta's co-chairs, Naomi Lowenthal and
Melina Vourlekis, “The HRC is in need of more funds than ever as
the economic downturn has directly affected many of our clients. We currently
are assisting more than 1500 individuals and families. We were concerned
that the turnout and level of donations would be lower than previous years
but are pleased to report that we raised between $90,000 and $100,000
which will allow many of the HRC’s programs such as English as a
Second Language to continue.”
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Among those attending the Fiesta were: State Assemblyman George Latimer;
County Legislator Judy Myers; Marta Lopez from the Westchester County
Office for Hispanic Affairs; Mamaroneck Town Supervisor Valerie O’Keeffe;
Mamaroneck Town Council Members David Fishman, Ernie Odierna and Nancy
Seligson; Mamaroneck Village Trustees Tom Murphy, Toni Perogola Ryan and
Randi Robinowitz; Village of Mamaroneck Justice Richard Lanza; Mamaroneck
School Superintendent Dr. Paul Fried; School Board President Linnet Tse;
and School Board members Michael Jacobson, Rick Marsico and Nancy Pierson.
Nine-year old Carly Sonenclar (at left), who starred as young Cossette
in Les Miserables on Broadway, performed the song “Home” from
the show “Beauty and the Beast.” The song, which is about
someone adjusting to a new home, was an appropriate tribute to the people
the HRC serves.
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