Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Hispanic Heritage

The Moreno Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce hosted the Hispanic Heritage Celebration on Thursday, Sept. 19, sponsored by Universal Strike Bowling & Family Entertainment Center. The night began with the introduction of the 2013 Board of Directors Thomas Carlos Ketcham, President and host; Dr. Martinrex Kedziora, Vice-President; Janet McMillian, Secretary; and LaDonna Jempson, Treasurer. Free food along with activities such as face painting, jump houses, and bowling were provided. A raffle was run all night, where various gifts ranging from gift cards to cooking utensils were raffled. Treasurer Jempson said, “With Moreno Valley having over 50 percent of its population Hispanic, this is an opportunity for the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to promote the culture. It’s an educational opportunity, and what’s most important, I feel is that we are exposing what Hispanic heritage is all about.” The celebration also welcomed and presented new members of the chamber and the services that these organizations and businesses have to offer. The services ranged from medical to financial and from insurances to programs that aid students attempting higher education. Jempson said the event participation was “probably one of the largest turnouts” the event had seen, “which was a good thing. That gave a little more exposure” to the businesses, she shared. She also shared that each year the Chamber brings something different to the event; this year, the Chamber offered Moreno Valley students the opportunity to share what they felt was the importance and meaning of their Hispanic heritage with an essay contest. Student winners were Pilar Perez from Hendrick Elementary School, Viviana Cortez from Sunnymead Middle School, and Arlene Herrera from Valley View High School. The winners were awarded $100 gift cards to Walmart/Sam’s Club, shared Jempson. For entertainment, Ballet Folklórico “Orgullo Mexicano” and the Ballet Folklórico Association of Moreno Valley performed traditional Mexican dances. This year, the Chamber also partnered with Victory Outreach Church, shared Jempson. The event was also sponsored in part by Riverside County Supervisor Marion Ashley.