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.”

John Gitlitz, president of the HRC, and Mariana Boneo (far right), executive director of the HRC, with Joan Gottesman (right) and Jennifer Dolan Waldman (left), pro bono coordinators of the ESL program. The HRC presented its "Amigo" award to the volunteers of the ESL program.

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.”

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.