Unlike most monthly celebrations, it may seem a little unusual that National Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 to October 15. But there is an interesting history to its creation.
In 1968 President Lyndon Johnson signed a law designating a week-long celebration honoring the Hispanic and Latin American communities. It was 20 years later that President Ronald Reagan transformed the law into a bill turning the week into a month-long celebration of Hispanic heritage.
That is why North Texas’ The Concilio will kick off its 40th anniversary of helping “Latino families fulfill their potential” with the 2022 Big Dreams Gala on Thursday, September 15.
Taking place at On The Levee, the event will get underway at 6 p.m. with top-shelf cocktails, chef-inspired Latino cuisine, dancing and live music.
Thanks to Presenting Sponsor Santander and other sponsors like Texas Instruments, Insperity, Oncor Energy, Southwest Airlines, Prosperity Bank and Communities Foundation of Texas, plus sponsorships and tickets, The Concilio will continue to “inspire Latin families to achieve big dreams.”
According to The Concilio President/CEO Florencia Velasco, “Families are the foundation of the Latino community, and the strength of the Latino community is critical to the future of our region. For 40 years, The Concilio has united the Dallas-Fort Worth community in support of Latino equity.”
Just this past year, The Concilio’s efforts have achieved the following:
- 2,777 parents and children benefited from The Concilio’s Parents Advocating for Student Excellence program, where parents overcame language and cultural barriers to learn about the U.S. education system and how to support their children on a path to higher education.
- 101 parents graduated from The Concilio’s Parents As Leaders program, where they learned how to nurture their children’s language, motor and social-emotional skills, preparing them for kindergarten and a bright future.
- 2,000 families received technology training to help them support their children’s education and communicate in a virtual world.
- 922 parents, guardians and children completed The Concilio’s Healthy Kids, Healthy Families program where they learned how to prioritize the health and well-being of their families.
- 17,239 households received accurate information about COVID vaccines.
- 250 families avoided eviction thanks to rent and financial assistance.
While sponsorships start at $1,000, individual tickets are going for $100 and are available here.
* Photo courtesy of The Concilio