This year’s Gracias Giving was nothing short of magical! On December 10th, our LatinoLEAD network gathered at North House, a warm and welcoming space hosted by the incredible Jeremy and Krista Carroll, whose generous $1,000 contribution set the tone for an evening of gratitude and giving. The festive atmosphere, adorned with elegant decor from Uptown Balloons, a small Latine-owned business housed in Uptown, and a touch of holiday cheer, set the perfect stage for a night dedicated to celebrating community and connection.
From the moment guests arrived, the sense of camaraderie was palpable. Attendees were greeted with a warm welcome and a chance to enjoy delicious food from our partners at Fogo De Chao and beverages, thoughtfully curated to represent the diversity of our culture. Every detail reflected the heart of LatinoLEAD: building spaces where community thrives.
As we celebrated our collective accomplishments, we were reminded of the immense power of community, collaboration, and commitment. A heartfelt gracias goes out to our corporate partners, philanthropy champions, and community sponsors, whose unwavering support fuels LatinoLEAD’s mission to empower the Latine community through leadership, advocacy, and connection.
The evening’s highlight was our Volunteer Recognition Ceremony, where we proudly honored some of the most dedicated members of our network:
Dr. Daisy Valentin and Gustavo Rosso were celebrated as Super Volunteers of the Year, and have demonstrated extraordinary dedication and an unwavering passion for uplifting the community.
Juan Velez-Barron and Belginy Lopez, our exceptional college student Super Volunteers of the Year, were applauded for their leadership, energy, and transformative impact on our work.
Their contributions remind us that the heart of our mission lies in the individuals who give their time, talents, and energy to support and uplift others.
From start to finish, the room was alive with energy, from networking conversations to spirited bids in our silent auction, which remains open online until 9 PM CST on January 7th! Don’t miss your chance to bid on incredible prizes while supporting LatinoLEAD’s vital mission. Visit linktr.ee/latinoleadmn to join in the fun! 🎁
This evening was a celebration of the staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, and every single person who plays a role in driving LatinoLEAD’s mission forward. Your passion and dedication inspire us every day, and this evening was a beautiful reflection of what we can achieve together.
As we close out 2024, we’re filled with gratitude for all we’ve achieved and excitement for what lies ahead in 2025. With your continued support, we know we can create even greater opportunities for the Latine community in Minnesota and beyond.
Thank you for being part of this journey, and for believing in the power of leadership, advocacy, and connection. Together, we’ll continue to build a stronger, more equitable future for all.
Here’s to another year of growth and possibility ¡Adelante! 💙