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38th Annual Gala expected to raise more than $5,000 for OCCHA
By John W. GOODWIN Jr.
YOUNGSTOWN
Dozens of supporters, politicians, judges and community leaders came together in an effort to raise money for programs supporting the local Hispanic community.
The Organizacion Civica Cultural Hispana Americana (OCCHA) had its 38th Annual Gala on Friday night at the Embassy Banquet Hall in Struthers.
OCCHA is a nonprofit organization with a mission to improve the quality of life for Hispanics and others by providing social, economic, cultural and educational programs.
OCCHA was established in 1972 as an organization with a principal goal of identifying problem areas in the Spanish-speaking community and establishing programs to address those problems. The organization is funded through individual, private and corporate donations as well as foundations and grants.
Mary Isa Garayua, OCCHA director, said the annual gala is the main fundraiser for the organization. She said the more than $5,000 that likely will be raised during the event will be used to fund the various programs supported by the organization.
“It’s a chance for the community to come together, have fun and at the same time, raise money,” she said.
The organization offers programs in social services, English translation, counseling, job readiness, computer literacy, financial literacy, after-school day camp, health services, senior outreach and a list of services.
Garayua said OCCHA is often a first stop for people just coming to the area.
“When they come from another place, they always come to OCCHA to see what the programs are and what is available to them. That is why these programs are very important,” she said.
Benito Velazquez, OCCHA president, said the agency offers support to more than 4,000 people in the community annually. He said offering services to those people would not be possible without support from the community.
“I am humbled by the way the tri-county community supports us year after year,” he said.
Many politicians and political candidates attended the annual affair. For some, that political support is a sign of the growing influence of the Latino vote.
Atty. Miriam Ocasio, OCCHA vice president, said she is impressed to see the influence of Latinos in the political arena.
“The Latino vote is a very strong vote and is reaching its pivotal point. Right now you have so many Latinos in distinguished positions. It is wonderful and impressive to see all the outstanding recognition Latinos are receiving,” she said.
Sara Cuevas and Aida Pacheco were co- chairwomen for the event.