El Centro Hispano Celebrates 42 Years of Continued Service to Westchester Community

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. - May 31, 2016 - PRLog -- El Centro Hispano, Inc. recently celebrated its 42nd anniversary of continued service to the Hispanic community during a full-capacity, gala dinner with more than 200 distinguished guests and supporters at the historic Rockefeller Family Playhouse in Pocantico Hills.

A pioneer in meeting the needs of Westchester's ever increasing Hispanic community, El Centro Hispano honored philanthropists and humanitarians George and Rachel Gumina. "Together, they have made an indelible impact in the community including their long-time support of our organization," said Isabel E. Villar, founding Executive Director of the non-profit organization.

Mr. Gumina was cited for his contributions in assisting the disadvantaged and improving their access to community services as well as for his role as philanthropic coordinator for the Town of Greenburgh for the past 19 years.

Similarly, his wife Rachel, the granddaughter of former New York Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller and U.S. Vice President, was recognized for learning at an early age to contribute to the betterment of her community and her world. She is a member of Amnesty International as well as several key environmental organizations.

The spotlight at the black-tie event was also shared by The Lanza Family Foundation as special honoree and Ann Rockefeller Roberts as an honored guest and author for their ongoing and significant support of El Centro Hispano.  Ms. Roberts is the mother of Rachel Gumina.

Ms. Villar noted: "The Guminas and Lanzas, though not Hispanic by heritage, have been generous and tireless in their assistance to our goals. We are pleased to recognize their service".

Mr. Gumina added: "In my schooling, we learned the words of President Kennedy: That a country must be judged by how it treats the neediest. That ideal is exemplified by El Centro Hispano and I am proud to be part of its mission."

Last year, El Centro Hispano provided 16,125 services to 5,945 unduplicated clients through 25 programs ranging from finding housing and jobs and promoting literary in English to completing applications, translating, composing letters and weekly food distribution.

Ms. Villar noted that El Centro Hispano has also received strong support from The Lanza Family Foundation, the Generoso Pope Foundation, Apple Bank for Savings, Brady & Goldberg, Cabanillas and Associates, Ronny and Jeffrey Hersch, Lisa and John Manuele, Dr. Lucy Rockefeller Waletzky, Center for Vein Restoration, Formé Rehabilitation, Inc., New York Presbyterian Hospital, Paraco Gas Corporation, The Westchester Bank and White Plains Hospital

The Honorable State Senator George Latimer served as master of ceremonies. In keeping with the Hispanic theme, the Mambo Blue International Band provided the music entertainment.

The generosity of the numerous event sponsors was acknowledged, notably Rachel and George Gumina (Platinum); The Lanza Family Foundation (Diamond) and The Generoso Pope Foundation (Ruby).

About El Centro Hispano

El Centro Hispano, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit, fulfills its mission to strengthen the Hispanic community by offering a wide variety of bilingual programs throughout the year. The 25 programs currently offered by El Centro Hispano are changing the lives of our clients through … Education, Technology, Services, Cultural Events, Outreach, Counseling and Empowerment, and through Special Activities. They include English as a Second Language, GED, and computer classes; tutorial and mentoring programs; scholarships to graduating high school seniors; literacy support for our youngest clients; Girl and Boy Scout troops; educational and informational workshops; weekly food distribution; free legal and Affordable Care Program assistance; sponsorship of cultural events; as well as translation services and assistance in finding housing and looking for a job. To learn more, visit www.elcentrohispano.org.