This article was provided by San Benito County Lulac
San Benito County LULAC was founded on October 17, 1987. This year, the organization is pleased to announce it will hold the 30th Anniversary Celebration on Oct. 28, 2017 at the Elk's Lodge in Hollister. Established in Corpus Christi, Texas on February 17, 1929, the League of United American Citizens (LULAC) is the largest and oldest Latino organization in the United States. The organization was formed with the mission of advancing the economic, educational attainment, political influence, housing, health and civil rights of Latinos through community-based programs.
San Benito County LULAC has confirmed the attendance of Mr. Roger Rocha, National LULAC President from Texas, Mr. Brent Wilkes, National LULAC Executive Director from Washington D.C. and Mr. David Hernandez, National Vice President from the Farwest Region (Phoenix, Arizona). The event also welcomes several state and local leaders and community members, which over the years have contributed to the success of the local LULAC Council.
San Benito LULAC has been in the forefront assuring public transparency and accountability of issues that impact the community. It is through its efforts that many today benefit from the unwavering commitment of LULAC, its membership and leadership. Some of the local San Benito LULAC accomplishments include:
- Establishing one of the largest LULAC Youth Councils in the nation on October 4, 1989 and forming the Young Adult/Collegiate Council in 2000
- Providing over $164,000 in scholarships to local high school seniors
- Sponsoring annual youth mentorship programs, including student leadership conferences and after school reading programs
- Recognizing local women for the past 19 years through an annual reception
- Honoring local Veterans for 22 years with an annual breakfast
- Conducting the Si Se Puede Walk-a-Thon in honor of the labor leader Cesar Chavez
- Leading the efforts to ensure City and County district elections were in place to represent all residents
- Assuring voters rights by forming a partnership with the elections department to encourage Latino voter participation
- Hosting immigration forums, health fairs, farm worker advocacy, holiday toy drives, etc.
"Longevity is often quite correctly associated with integrity. San Benito LULAC has a track record of providing service in the community by demonstrating trust. That alone proves achievable results," said Mickie Luna, founding member of the local San Benito LULAC Council no. 2890, Collegiate Council no. 3084 and Youth Council no. 705.
The success of the organization could not have been made possible without the collaboration of various local agencies and partners.
"We look forward to the community support of this anniversary celebration with friends and partners who have supported LULAC for these past 30 years. Our hope is to have the continued support on common goals, in order to better serve the community, as we have done for many years," said Cesar Flores, San Benito LULAC President.
Tickets for the 30th Anniversary Celebration are on sale on Facebook (PayPal), by contacting Ruth Hermosillo, LULAC Secretary at 831-596-2912 or by email at [email protected]. Ticket cost is $50/person.
Community support allows San Benito LULAC to achieve the goals and mission of the organization. The event will take place at the Hollister Elks Lodge located at 351 Astro Drive in Hollister, CA 95023 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, October 28, 2017.
The evening event will include dinner, program, entertainment with Trio Borincano and dancing to Cafecito, a Latino band from San Jose, California.
