Centro Hispano of Dane County will host its 41st Annual Celebration on Saturday, Dec. 7, 5:30 p.m. at Calli, Centro’s new home.
Centro Hispano, the leading non-profit organization working with the Latine population in Dane County, annually hosts this event where the community, allies, and Centro supporters come together for a night of fun and fellowship and to honor outstanding community members.
“Centro was founded in 1983 by community volunteers. Ilda Conteris Thomas, who began as Centro’s first executive director, led a space centered on supporting the emergent needs of Cuban refugees. Since then, Centro has played a pivotal role in advocating for an equitable, thriving, supportive community for all Latinx, the fastest-growing minoritized group in Dane County and Wisconsin,” Centro Hispano said in a statement announcing the celebration. “The Annual Celebration has evolved over the years, from banquet to community gala. This year the event celebrates the organization’s relevance in the community, with guests who have uplifted the agency and its mission. More than ever, Centro is unwavering in our commitment to advancing the future of our community with hope, care and love.”
Centro Calli, Centro’s new home, is located at 2403 Cypress Way in South Madison. For tickets to Saturday night’s event, click here.
Five distinguished awardees will be honored who have displayed exceptional dedication to Dane County and Wisconsin including:● Rev. Carmen Porco, CEO of Housing Ministries of Wisconsin, will be honored with the Ilda Conteris Thomas Award named after Centro Hispano of Dane County’s founder. This award represents someone who, with humility and values aligned with Centro‘s mission, ensures a strong Latinx voice.
● Lesli Vázquez Vargas, coordinator of the Roberto Sanchez Scholarship Program, will receive the Roberto G. Sanchez Award honoring an individual who has demonstrated leadership in advancing educational and career opportunities for Latinx in Dane County.
● Cayana Amaguana Cachiguango, program manager at the Tenant Resource Center, will receive the Mario Garcia Sierra Young Dreamer Award given to a young person who has achieved their educational and personal goals while significantly contributing to the community through leadership.
● Theodore “Teddy” Chadwich, partner attorney at Fernandez Chadwick & Crouse, will receive the Marcus S. Miles Volunteer Award named in honor of community photographer Marcus Miles. This award is presented to a volunteer who has significantly contributed to advancing Centro‘s goals and mission through their talents and expertise.
● Fitchburg Mayor Julia Arata-Fratta will receive the Centro Visionary Award, given to an individual who consistently strives for Centro‘s greater vision of a thriving Latinx community in Dane County and is deeply committed to the agency’s role in advancing this vision across multiple sectors.
