OCCHA will mark 44 years of service at annual fundraiser

Photo

SPECIAL TO THE VINDICATOR OCCHA is planning its 44th annual fundraiser gala Nov. 4 at Antone’s Banquet Center in Boardman. The gala planning committee members, in front from left, are Grimilda Ocasio, Olga Rivera, Elba Navarro and Dr. Consuelo Mendez; and in back are Teddi Noday, chairman Benito Velazquez Jr., Ana Torres and Rosa Tirado.

Staff report

BOARDMAN

Hispanic American Civic and Cultural Organization, known as OCCHA, will celebrate 44 years of service in the Mahoning Valley at its annual fundraiser and scholarship gala Nov. 4 at Antone’s Banquet Center, 8578 Market St.

The social hour will begin at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30. Jess Briganti, WFMJ weather anchor, will be the mistress of ceremonies and DJ Kenny Reyes will provide music.

There also will be drawings and auctions.

Tickets are $50 per person and must be purchased in advance.

Call the planning committee at 330-822-4252 or email occhagala@gmail.com for details.

The following scholarships totalling $28,500 will be awarded this year to:

Rafael Cruz III and Yissel Martinez: OCCHA Changing Lives through Education and Nelly Aleman-Guzman Scholarships

Jared DeJesus: Dr. Clara Becerra Memorial Scholarship

Brittany Rios: Cortes Family Scholarship

Alexis Santiago: Hispanic Health Professionals Scholarship

Ariana Cuevas and Jorge Vega Santos: Hispanic Teachers Scholarship

Ilen Velazquez: Judge Diane Vettori and Ismael Caraballo Scholarships

Christian Nieves and Preston Stitt: Latin American Motorcycle Association Scholarships

Elijah Rodriguez: Richard Pagan Scholarship

Tavion M. Askew: Francisco “Chico” Ocasio Memorial Scholarship

David Suarez: Rafael and Marta Romero Memorial Scholarship

Illiana Suarez: Spanish Evangelical Church Scholarship

Catherine Cooper and Jancarlos Lebron: Latinas United Networking Association (LUNA) Scholarships

16 Youngstown State University students: Shorty and Elba Navarro Scholarships

OCCHA is a nonprofit organization and partner agency of the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley, with Mary Lou Reyes as executive director.

It strives to improve the quality of life for Hispanics and others in our multicultural community by providing social, economic, cultural and educational programs.