Catholic Charities’ Spanish Catholic Center Gala Raises Record-Breaking $325,000
Carolina Herrera, Janet Murguía and Adriana Barraza Honored for Outstanding Commitment to Hispanic Community
The annual Catholic Charities’ Spanish Catholic Center fundraising gala, chaired by Mr. Richard Frank, CEO, Darby Overseas Investments, and Dr. Irma Frank, associate dean, International Programs at Georgetown University School of Medicine, raised more than $325,000 for the social service programs offered through the Spanish Catholic Center. The evening’s proceeds exceeded the original fundraising goal by $75,000.“For 41 years, the Spanish Catholic Center has provided healing, guidance and support to the Hispanic immigrant community of Washington, D.C. and Maryland,” said Irma Frank. “[The Center] provides services to immigrants from all over the world, joined together by one common goal: a better life in the United States and improved lives for their families.”
“The work of the Center will be expanded by the generosity of [tonight’s] individuals and corporate sponsors,” added Richard Frank. “Collectively, we are providing [Spanish Catholic Center Director] Father Mario Dorsonville, his staff and an army of volunteers ever more resources to provide their vital services.” Event festivities included the presentation of philanthropic and community-activism awards by Washington Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl to Carolina Herrera, designer, Janet Murguía, president of the National Council of La Raza, and Adrianna Barraza, actress and Spanish-language television director. Filmmakers for the 2007 movie Bella, also were recognized for their film’s positive portrayal of Hispanic culture in America.
“This year, we shine a special light on the importance of Latin American women in our society. Latinas provide a core of strength, love and hope to those in their world,” said Rev. Mario Dorsonville, vice president for mission, Catholic Charities, and director, Spanish Catholic Center of Catholic Charities “We also honor the film Bella, which beautifully portrays the struggles and richness of the Latino immigrant family.” Held Saturday, Mar. 29, 2008, at the Organization of American States, entertainment for the evening included a dinnertime soprano opera by Diana Abel and Kate Lewis and after-dinner entertainment from Supercombo Melodia, with a special guest performance by rising Colombian star Adriana Lucia Lopez.
The James Cardinal Hickey, Monseñor Oscar A. Romero, and Lucia Lado awards are presented annually at the Spanish Catholic Center spring fundraising gala.
Carolina Herrera received the James Cardinal Hickey Award, which recognizes an individual or organization that advocates for and practices corporate responsibility. A world renowned fashion designer who moved to New York City from Venezuela, Herrera has leveraged her prominence and brand-recognition to increase awareness for malnutrition and its deleterious effects in developing and least-developed countries. Herrera also is a Goodwill ambassador and facilitator for the Intergovernmental Institution for the use of Micro-algae Spirulina Against Malnutrition.
Janet Murguía received the Monseñor Oscar A. Romero Award, which recognizes an individual’s exceptional commitment to promoting issues of justice and humanitarian assistance to those in need, particularly in the Latino community. As President and CEO of the National Council of La Raza, the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the U.S., Murguía served as an advisor to former President Bill Clinton, as well as presidential candidate and former Vice President Al Gore. Murguía also worked at the University of Kansas, overseeing the university’s internal and external relations with the public, including governmental and public affairs.
Adriana Barraza received the Robert and Lucia Lado Award, which recognizes an individual or organization that has made a significant philanthropic contribution or demonstrated exemplary dedication to improving the lives of members of the Latino community. A popular Mexican actress, director of Spanish-language television and respected drama coach, Barraza was relatively unknown in the U.S. until her portrayal of an illegal immigrant nanny in 2006's Oscar-nominated film Babel. Throughout her acting career, Barraza has used her talents to highlight the plight of Hispanic women, most notably with the popular Mexican show “Mujer, Casos de La Vida Real /Women, Real Life Cases. In her role in Babel, Barraza brought the difficulties of the undocumented population in the U.S. to life.
About The Spanish Catholic CenterThe Spanish Catholic Center of Catholic Charities provides medical, dental, legal, immigration, employment, and social services for the Washington metro area’s Latino community, as well as newly arrived immigrants and refugees from all over the world. The Center operates seven programs in three locations in Washington, DC and Maryland, providing assistance to more than 33,000 adults and children each year. The Center’s doors have been since 1967.
About Catholic CharitiesCatholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington helps individuals and families in need living in Washington, DC, and Calvert, Charles, Montgomery, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s counties in Maryland. Annually, approximately 100,000 people receive needed support related to housing, food, legal aide, physical and mental health, and other services, regardless of race, nationality and religion. This support is delivered by 94 programs in 88 geographically diverse locations with nearly 6,000 staff and volunteers. For more information, visit www.CatholicCharitiesDC.org.