Latino News Midwest - Online News Magazine

Amongst hundreds of attendees Casa de Esperanza celebrated its 25 years of serving the community successfully. The event took place at the elegant Crowne Plaza Hotel in downtown St. Paul.

The event was a colorful celebration of years of community engagement in the efforts to end domestic violence.  The large display  of  delicious ethnic food beautifully decorated in pavilions of different Latin-American countries, along the entertainment and the silent auction; all created an unforgettable Fiesta atmosphere filled with much excitement.

Also featured at the gala was the presentation of five  awards to community leaders for their unwavering commitment to ending domestic violence. They are Sandra Vargas,  John Pacheco, Jr.,  Dr. Oliver Williams, Anita Miller, and Irene Ochoa.
Raices,  an Afro-Puerto Rican music and dance ensemble based out of El Arco Iris Center for Performing Arts captured the attention of all the audience.  
El Arco Iris was formed about 14 years ago as a seasonal dance class and has emerged into one of few Bomba and Plena groups groups in the Midwest. Raices consists of 10 members ranging from the Ages of 14-21. They dance, sing and perform their own live music.