Noche Flamenco Brings the Community Together

The Banning Community Fund had its first fundraiser for 2014 at the Banning Woman’s Club recently. The performance was by Raices Flamenco, a professional flamenco group that has performed widely in Southern California including the Sevilla Restaurants. Near the end of the evening, several audience members were invited to join the dancers on stage and merriment ensued. One of the "guest" dancers at Noche Flamenco was Veronica Zamora, owner of "Flamingo's Event Planner" in Banning. Another performer of the evening was the event organizer and member of the Banning Community Fund advisory committee, Rosa Gascoigne. The net proceeds of the evening went to the Banning Community Fund, an endowment that was created from funds raised by the Banning Centennial Committee. Last year, $50,000 was invested with The Community Foundation serving Riverside and San Bernardino. Annual fund distribution will begin once the fund reaches $100,000. The 2014 fundraising goal for the committee is $30,000. The Morongo Tribal Council has already donated $3,000 for the endowment this year. Future fundraising events include a Ballet Folkloric on July 26th and the Day of the Dead celebration on October 25th.