CONTACT:  SUSAN TOLCHIN (914) 995-2932

                     LYNNE BEDELL SMITH                                                                            (914) 995-3106

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                            NOV. 7, 2008 

CELEBRATING THE HEART AND SOUL OF THE HISPANIC COMMUNITY

County sponsors event to thank its volunteers; more than 800 attendees expected

Westchester is celebrating the heart and soul of its Hispanic community by giving a big “thank you” to those who have stepped forward to try and make a difference.

            More than 160 volunteers and eight bilingual/bicultural agencies will be feted starting at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9 with a free concert and special recognition ceremonies at the Tarrytown Music Hall.

            Expected to attract more than 800 people, the event is a chance for Hispanic residents to take pride in their heritage, mingle with other community advocates and take in a free concert. The program is sponsored by the Hispanic Advisory Board in conjunction with the County Executive’s Office for Hispanic Affairs and the Tarrytown Music Hall. The event will also honor distinguished Hispanic government representatives.

County Executive Andy Spano will recognize the award recipients, along with Robin Bikkal, head of the Advisory Board, and Martha Lopez, director of the Office for Hispanic Affairs.

“Our volunteers have been invaluable in our efforts to reach out to the Hispanic community,” Spano said. “In addition to the Hispanic Heritage Festival we hold every summer, they have helped with our recent Dare to be a Doctor event, our health summits and educational conferences. Whenever we need a helping hand, they are there.”

Sprinkled throughout the kudos will be the “soul” portion of the evening. Los Iracundos, a well-known band from Uruguay that has been entertaining crowds for 40 years, will be one of the highlights. Jazz flautist Carlos Jimenez and the Mariachi Academy of New York, a group of youngsters which will show off the musical traditions of Mexico, will also entertain.

The following agencies will be recognized: The Westchester Hispanic Coalition; Neighbors Link; Yonkers Alliance for Latino and Immigrant Services; Comite Latino; El Centro Hispano; The Hispanic Resource Center of Larchmont and Mamaroneck; Services, Education, Resources (SER) of Westchester; and the United Community Center of Westchester.

The following Hispanic government representatives will be honored: Marguerite Beirne, the county’s

CIO; Carlos Moran, deputy commissioner of the county’s Department of Social Services; County Legislator Jose Alvarado; Lorraine Lopez, special assistant to the Yonkers mayor; Martha Guarin, commissioner of mayor’s Office of Community Services in White Plains; and Cecilia Bikkal, chair of the White Plains Zoning Board of Appeals.

The public is invited to attend but seating is limited. People who haven’t reserved seats will be admitted on a first come, first serve basis.