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Las Madrinas Tribute: Honoring love, devotion in the Hispanic community

By Nissa LaPoint, nissa.lapoint@archden.org

The Denver Archdiocese’s Hispanic ministry is honoring several of its greatest contributors this year—from generous financial donors to dedicated volunteers—at its eighth annual Las Madrinas Tribute in May.

Centro San Juan Diego, the archdiocesan center that addresses the spiritual, economic and social concerns of the Hispanic community, will hold its award ceremony May 20 for four honorees: Grace Velasquez, Keith Montoya, Gina Del Castillo and Spirit of Christ Parish in Arvada.

Witnessing Hispanic families and others in need overcome challenges through the help given at Centro has been a blessing for Del Castillo, she said. A parishioner of Holy Rosary Church, Del Castillo will receive the Corazón (heart) Award for her volunteer work.

“These are just little miracles that help increase my faith,” Del Castillo said about families who receive help with personal or economic needs. “That is just so important and the biggest reason why I help support the Church and Centro.”

The Las Madrinas Tribute will take place at Centro and will include auctions to benefit its Bienestar Family Services, the arm of the center that provides adult education, legal support, work skills and other assistance to low-income Hispanics.

“We combine the fundraiser with honoring individuals in the community who have served Centro and the Bienestar program directly,” said Jennie Marquez, Centro assistant director.

“The event honors love and devotion in our community.”

Historically, the role of madrina (godmother) has been to nurture and ensure the personal and spiritual development of another individual, Marquez explained.

“The event recognizes individuals and organizations in the community that personify the spirit of ‘la madrina,’” she said.

The fundraiser begins at 11:30 a.m. with a silent auction and traditional Mexican brunch followed by entertainment from a children’s mariachi band. Then honorees will be awarded.

A live auction will conclude the event.

“Donated auction items such as art, jewelry and gift certificates are welcomed,” Marquez said. “And they’re tax deductible.”

This year’s Madrina Award will be given to Velasquez for her dedication to the community and spiritual support; the Rebozo (shawl) Award will be given to Montoya for his financial donations through his printing business D1 Solutions; and the Estrella (star) Award will go to Spirit of Christ Parish for its consistent financial support through its social concerns ministry.

Every year, Centro and its family services program reaches thousands of Hispanics in the Denver area. In 2011, Centro assisted 30,000 people, 6,000 of which received services from the Bienestar program, Marquez said.

“We believe that in providing the services we do, we help our population integrate into society,” she said. “And it’s also important to pay tribute to the culture and backgrounds that we come from.”

Tickets cost $75 per person. To purchase tickets, call Marquez at 303-295-9470 Ext. 104. Centro is located at 2830 Lawrence St. in Denver. For more information about the fundraiser and honorees, visit www.centrosanjuandiego.org.