MVHCC Hosts Holiday Dinner and Awards Ceremony

The diversity of individuals is what aids America in maintaining the reputation for greatness it has attained, according to many Moreno Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (MVHCC) members. It is important to keep the heritage roots America's diversity derives from, thriving, and continuously strive to integrate diversity into the business forum of America. For that very reason, the MVHCC held its holiday dinner and award banquet on Dec. 13, to honor and recognize those in the community who have helped MHCC in attaining that goal. Amongst those recognized there were teachers, church leaders, loan officers and others who exemplify leadership in various capacities. Chamber Treasurer LaDonna Jempsen said, "The [MVHCC] is all about supporting and promoting Hispanic minority companies and organizations, to educate community and to help bring educational systems together with businesses — and we are grateful for all those people who have helped us attain that goal." The Hispanic Chamber's annual holiday dinner and awards banquet is one of the organization's biggest events of the year. Annually, the MVHCC takes this time to celebrate the holiday season, share with the community the goals the chamber has reached, and recognize those individuals who impacted the community throughout the year. Chamber President Tom Ketcham greeted a full room as he described his excitement to be there and the pleasure he's had to serve at the helm this year. Ketcham's greeting was followed by entertainment provided by the Moreno Valley Ballet Folklorico Association Entertainment, which, as Ketcham said, "Showed the fun found in Hispanic heritage." The Presentation of Colors was then performed by the Moreno Valley High School Air Force JROTC Cadets Color Guard, with Sgt. Allen leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Afterward, attendees enjoyed a holiday dinner as Raul Valdez provided Spanish music for the evening; a homage to Hispanic heritage. Dr. David Hayes-Bautista, professor in the department of Chicano Studies at UCLA, was the keynote speaker of the evening. As a strong advocator of Hispanic heritage, Hayes-Bautista stressed the importance of remembering that Hispanic heritage and culture is American or has been "Americanized" since. In essence, he maintained, America is made up of a diverse group of citizens and makes the United States stand out amongst other countries. Hayes-Bautista expressed these thoughts and ideas through a brief Cinco de Mayo presentation that provided an historical synopsis of where the celebration originated. "El Cinco De Mayo is not a Mexican holiday," Hayes-Bautista explained. "It is an American tradition and people are often [baffled] by this." He addressed the historical integration of Latinos into America, the Civil War, problems arising with slave states and the abolishment of slavery. "On the contrary," he explained of the holiday. "It's American. It was a celebration established in 1862 and was the effect of a freedom and democracy victory of America in which Hispanics played a big role." Hayes-Bautista stressed that it is a time to remember the contributions Hispanics have made within America. Following the keynote speech, award recipients were recognized, including: Peter and Aneta Murphy of California League of Schools ("Estrella" Education); Marion Ashley, County Supervisor (Sponsor of the Year); Wholesale Capitol (Business of the Year); Ruben Brough, Principal at Moreno Valley High School (Compadre of the Year); Mark Orellana, Pastor at Victory Outreach (Romelio Ruiz Humanitarian); Lillia Villa (Corazon de Raza); Julie Ann Stewart-Cleveland (President's Award); and Chief Joel Ontiveros, Moreno Valley Sheriff's Department (President's Award). Ketcham ended the night expressing his gratitude for all those who attended and their support. "It's great being able to help the community and help make a difference," he said.