OCCHA prepares for 42-year celebration

Photo

SPECIAL TO THE VINDICATOR OCCHA will have its annual fundraising gala Oct. 17. Above, from left to right, are committee members Grimilda Ocasio, Elba Navarro, Consuelo Mendez, Ana Maria Torres, Aida Pacheco, and Olga Rivera. Rosa Tirado also is a committee member.

Staff report

BOARDMAN

Hispanic American Civic and Cultural Organization, known as OCCHA, will celebrate 42 years of service in the Mahoning Valley during its annual fundraiser and scholarship gala on Oct. 17 at the Georgetown Banquet Center, 5945 South Ave.

The theme of the gala is Changing Lives Through Education. A social hour will begin at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30 with live music by Tomas Molina.

Marilyn Montes will be the mistress of ceremonies and Dr. Gabriel Palmer-Fernandez will be the guest speaker. Afterward, DJ Kenny Reyes will provide dance music until 11 p.m. Also featured will be a 50-50 raffle and gala auctions.

Tickets are available at $50 per person. Advance ticket purchase is encouraged. Contact the planning committee at 330-755-0430 or occhagala@gmail.com for more details.

This year scholarships worth $26,000 will be awarded to Christian Labra, OCCHA Changing Lives Through Education Scholarship; Brianna Diaz, Dr. Clara Becerra Memorial Scholarship; Dylan P. Sanchez, Francisco “Chico” Ocasio Memorial Scholarship; Jose Miguel Rodriguez and Daniel Duran, Latin American Motorcycle Association Scholarship; Alexandria Rodemoyer, Juanita Mendez Memorial Scholarship; Janeetsa Ortiz, Hispanic Professionals Scholarship; Selena Rodriguez, Rafael and Marta Romero Scholarship; Natalia Suarez, Spanish Evangelical Church Scholarship; Gabrielle Villaplana, Judge Diane Vettori and Ismael Caraballo Scholarship; and 16 Youngstown State University students, the Shorty and Elba Navarro Scholarships.