BETHLEHEM, Pa. — As guests arrived, a trio of dancers wearing traditional Ecuadorian attire danced in short steps and happily waved.
The women were part of the entertainment at the Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley's Fiesta Ecuador held Friday at the Wind Creek Event Center.
- The Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley (HCLV) held its Fiesta Ecuador gala at Wind Creek Event Center
- Community leaders Michael and Christine Hurst Perrucci and Bethlehem police Officer William Rodriguez were among those who received awards
- The Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley was founded in 1968
Several businesses and community leaders were recognized at the gala for their outstanding contributions, including Michael and Christine Hurst Perrucci and Bethlehem police Officer William Rodriguez.
Dr. Leonardo Claros, chief of bariatric surgery at St. Luke's University Health Network, served as the emcee at the celebration that also featured a cocktail reception, live music and a silent auction.
The gala served as a fundraiser and as a thank-you to volunteers of the center, which was founded in 1968 in Bethlehem.
"I think the best part about [tonight] is to be able to share with the community — our partners, our volunteers, our supporters — the work that has been done in the fiscal year," said Victoria Montero, executive director of HCLV. "It's an opportunity to thank them because without their support we wouldn't be able to do what we do on a day to day basis."
'Raising up the community'
Prior to accepting the Presidents' Award, Michael Perrucci emphasized the significance of the organization's programs in the community, particularly in South Bethlehem where a notable proportion of Latinos reside.
"Cultural heritage should be preserved and I'm a big believer in supporting the Hispanic Center," said Perrucci, an attorney and owner of Peron Construction Inc. real estate development company.
"My father was an immigrant from Italy and my mother was Sicilian. I remember visiting Little Italy in New York growing up," he said.
"I love to see a supportive Latin community where there are restaurants, markets and the Hispanic Center. They do incredible work raising up the community and helping the residents in all sorts of aspects."
Rodriguez, who received the Friend of HCLV award for his volunteerism, is one of six people working in the Bethlehem Police Department's community service unit, which focuses on building rapport between officers and residents.
"It's not just me, but my co-workers too. They are just as deserving of the award as I am," he said.
He says the center has made a significant difference in the lives of residents, especially the elderly.
"For seniors who may feel alone, it is a place where they can socialize and enjoy benefits they may not have otherwise," Rodriguez said. "The staff and volunteers do a great job."
The Basilio Huertas Senior Program offers adults over 60 years old free meals, educational and fitness classes and other recreational activities.
Also honored at the gala: Wind Creek Bethlehem received HCLV's Community Leadership Award.
"I love to see a supportive Latin community where there are restaurants, markets and the Hispanic Center. They do incredible work raising up the community and helping the residents in all sorts of aspects."Developer Michael Perrucci
Celebrating Ecuador
Throughout the night, guests dined on savory eats from Ecuador such as ceviche, llapingachos (potato pancakes), yuca fries, tortonis, bistec de pollo (chicken steak), estofado (seared chicken with a pan sauce), hornado (beef stew), chofan mixo, (yellow rice) and minestra de porotos (fried rice, shrimp and vegetables).
The culturally rich South American country served as 2023's theme for the fiesta, which rotates each year.
"Each year the community center's staff picks a country from the Caribbean, Latin America or South America as the theme," Montero said. "The gala is not only a fundraiser but also an opportunity to educate our community on the diversity that there is within the Hispanic community in the Lehigh Valley."
Proceeds from the gala and fundraiser will go toward HCLV's initiatives such as the food pantry, senior center, the St. Luke's Hope Clinic and the Cultural and Linguistic Workforce Development Center.
Ways to help
The center, which relies heavily on donations and grants, is always looking for volunteers — of all ages.
"There are opportunities for volunteer work whether it's by organizing a food drive or playing an instrument for our seniors for a celebration or holiday." Montero said. "We've even had parents bring their kids to teach them about the importance of volunteering."
The Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley is at 520 E. Fourth St. For info, click here.
