Something this important deserves a big fuss, and so the debut of the Latino Community Foundation of Colorado is being planned by three folks who know how to make things happen: Dr. Dean Prina, Elsa Holguin and Rick Talman.
Working with Mayor John Hickenlooper and his wife, Helen Thorpe, and Jose Mercado, the North High School drama teacher who became founding executive director of the innovative Labyrinth Arts Academy, they’ve put together a celebration on May 4 that begins with a VIP reception at Buell Theatre, followed by a performance of “Zoot Suit Romeo and Juliet” and a post-performance party and auction.
“Zoot Suit Romeo and Juliet” is a musical adaptation of the classic “Romeo and Juliet” and is directed by Tony Plana of television’s “Ugly Betty.” Plana will accompany his cast to Denver for the one-night-only show.
The Latino Community Foundation, headed by Marcelina Rivera and housed at the Rose Community Foundation, is “A really big deal for Colorado,” according to Prina, “and will serve many needs in the Latino community. It is one of only a few similar entities in the United States.” Founding members include Ron Montoya and Raydean Acevedo.
What’s going on here
She who brings the most guests to the Fine Arts Foundation’s luncheon at Cherry Hills Country Club on Thursday will win a prize sure to tickle any baseball lover’s heart: dinner in the private Coors Clubhouse at Coors Field and four tickets (the seats are right behind home plate) to a Colorado Rockies game. The prize is donated by K-M Concessions.
Speaking of sports, Save Our Youth is having a football-themed Tailgate Gala Thursday at the Donald R. Seawell Grand Ballroom. “Gates” open at 5:30 p.m. for appetizers, cocktails and a silent auction; dinner, emceed by former University of Colorado quarterback Charles Johnson, follows. Coaches Sonny Lubick, Dan Hawkins and Troy Calhoun are the special guests at the $150-a-ticket event; call 303-455-1126, ext. 20.
Thursday also is the date for a reception celebrating the publication of “Salsa, Soul and Spirit: Leadership for a Multicultural Age.” Juana Bordas, a member of the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame and co-founder of Mi Casa Resource Center for Women, wrote the book and will be there to autograph copies. The party is from 6-8 p.m. at Museo de las Americas.
Christian comedian Sally Edwards is the keynote speaker for Hope Springs Eternal, a luncheon taking place Friday at the Hyatt Regency Tech Center. It’s a benefit for Seeds of Hope Charitable Trust, a nonprofit organization supporting inner-city parochial schools. Archbishop Charles Chaput is the honorary chairman; 7News anchor Anne Trujillo is mistress of ceremonies; and Nancy Collins and Cynthia Wax are the co-chairs.
Society editor Joanne Davidson can be reached at 303-809-1314 or jdavidson@denverpost.com. She also contributes at denverpostbloghouse.com/Davidson.
