Gala Latina Exceeds Previous Records

Yvette Nunez, 267-765-2262

Congreso Gala Latina Exceeds Previous Records, National leaders attend high profile event

PHILADELPHIA—Congreso de Latinos Unidos, a multiservice nonprofit organization serving residents from the
Greater Philadelphia region, hosted its annual Gala Latina on Saturday, March 19th. This black-tie fundraiser
attracted a record number of sponsorships and guests, with nearly 600 seats filled and $300,000 raised.

The event included national leaders including Janet Murguia, President and CEO, NCLR; Stacey Stewart,
President and CEO, United Way Worldwide; Cid Wilson, President and CEO, Hispanic Association on Corporate
Responsibility (HACR); and David Cohen, Executive Vice President, Comcast. Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, who
gave remarks focused on immigration and his steadfast commitment to the Latino community, drew a standing
ovation. It sold out weeks in advance, the earliest it had ever filled all seats.

In addition to raising funds for the agency, which served 17,750 clients in FY15, its purpose celebrates
Latino culture. The 2016 Gala Latina celebrated Venezuela, and featured traditionally dressed greeters and dancers
from Casa de Venezuela, a local cultural organization, as well as a living statue of Simon Bolivar, known as the
liberator of many Latin American countries, including Venezuela. Guests were treated to traditional Venezuelan fare, including cheese arepas, and the Bellevue’s take on asado negro, a popular meal featuring tender cuts of beef.

Remarks by both Figueroa and Congreso Board Chair Carolina Cabrera DiGiorgio emphasized the effects of the
impasse on the agency, its employees, and those it serves. “In the midst of a Pennsylvania budget impasse, which
has had significant consequences in the social services sector, we are so grateful to our supporters, who through
sponsorships, grants and donations have kept our doors open despite this unprecedented hurdle,” shared Congreso CEO Cynthia Figueroa.

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