The idea that anyone would see them as takers instead of givers was unacceptable – and thus became motivation to start an organization devoted to increasing Latino involvement in philanthropy.
The Latino Community Foundation of Colorado, a fund of Rose Community Foundation, was introduced at a celebration hosted by Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper and his wife, Helen
Thorpe. It included a VIP reception in the Buell Theatre lobby chaired by Elsa Holguin, Rick Tallman and Dr. Dean Prina, a performance of “Zoot Suit Romeo & Juliet” and dessert with the show’s director, Tony Plana of “Ugly Betty” fame, and members of the cast. Proceeds went to Jose Mercado’s Labyrinth Arts Academy.
“We know how to take care of our families, and now we will be able to take our generosity and compassion one step further,” noted Holguin, a senior program officer for Rose Community Foundation. Speaking first in very passable Spanish, then translating what he had said to English, Hickenlooper praised the birth of the Latino Community Foundation by observing: “Love can do much, but money can do even more.”
The LCFC, which is expected to influence national philanthropic trends, has support from Hispanics in Philanthropy, the Jay and Rose Phillips Family Foundation, and the Western Union Foundation.
PlastiComm Industries chief Ron Montoya is chairman of the LCFC board and with his wife, Naomi, was one of those putting up $25,000 to become a founding member. Others were Raydean Acevedo; the Robert and Linda Alvarado family; Bob Arciniaga; Toti Cadavid and Luis Colon; Francisco Garcia; Andrew and Mitchell Gonzales; Grace and Jerry Natividad; Annette Quintana and Len Silverston; Deborah Quintana and family; Lola Salazar; Therese and Joseph Tafoya; and Troy Tafoya.
VIP guests included Rose Community Foundation president Sheila Bugdanowitz; LCFC manager Marcelina Rivera; former Denver Mayor Federico Peña; Denver City Councilwoman Judy Montero; Denver School Board member Lucia Guzman; Cec Ortiz, acting director of the Denver Office of Economic Development; Colorado Trust president Irene Ibarra with her friend, Martha Lee; Colorado Business Committee for the Arts chief Deborah Jordy and fiancé Jonathan Adelman; and Western Union Foundation chief Luella Chavez D’Angelo.
Others helping: Patricia Baca; Jesse Ogas; Anne Garcia; Paulina Herrera; Christine Soto; Anthony Aragon; Patsy and Patrick Roybal; Adrienne Benavidez; Maria Yoos; Marcie Moore-Gantz and Chris Gantz; Jill Crow; Tom and Noel Congdon; Cathy Hare; Jim Garcia; and the high bidders on a trip to L.A. to visit the “Ugly Betty” set: Bob and Betty Gallegos, Darlene Sisneros and Emilio Lobato, and Marcela Paiz.
Society editor Joanne Davidson can be reached at 303-809-1314 or jdavidson@denverpost.com.
