“Friends of Linda Chapa LaVia”, City of Aurora 2nd Ward Alderman Juany Garza and featured speaker Aurora Mayor Thomas Weisner just a few of the many working together through education to put at-risk youth on the path to success
AURORA, Ill. (Aug. 12, 2008) – For many Hispanics in Aurora and Chicago’s surrounding communities, the wait is over. Author Robert Renteria will unveil the Spanish edition of his memoir, “Desde el Barrio Al Exito,” translated by Ayten Santillan and edited by Leticia Gomez, at the “From the Barrio” Spanish Book Release Fiesta at La Quinta de Los Reyes on Wednesday, Aug. 26 from 5:30 – 10:30 p.m.
For more than a year, educators, social workers, law enforcement officers, and others who work together to change the lives of at-risk youth, have requested that Renteria’s sought-after memoir, “From the Barrio to the Board Room,” be translated into Spanish.
The celebration includes a special appearance by CHILL, with a Live Poetic Rap performance at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. plus a DJ entertaining from 5:30 – 10:30 p.m. The Fiesta includes appetizers, dessert pastries, and soft drinks. Proceeds from the evening’s silent auction will go toward purchasing books for programs, school and organizations that may be underfunded and unable to afford them.
Sponsored in part by “Friends of Linda Chapa LaVia”, City of Aurora’s 2nd Ward Alderman Juany Garza, Midwest Laundries and Chris Childress, founder of Progressive Energy, the Fiesta will not only celebrate the release of the Spanish edition, but also raise money for education. Aurora Mayor Thomas Weisner recognized the power of the Barrio book, speaking at the book’s initial launch in April 2008. He has chosen to speak again on behalf of teens and at-risk youth at the Fiesta as well.
Emcees, Dick and Arlene Hawks are well known community leaders, dedicated to programs that encourage positive life choices by our youth so they can realize their full potential.
“Desde el Barrio Al Exito” is the next step in a passionate mission for Renteria and Corey Blake, co-author of the English edition and chief executive officer of the From the Barrio Foundation. “The book is a tool and Robert Renteria is a resource who promotes education, a sense of pride and accomplishment, and self-esteem within the youth of our communities.”
The Foundation currently offers a free curriculum, developed by teachers, community leaders and advisors. This fall, upwards of 3,000 Chicago city students will discover through the new curriculum that hard work, dedication and education are the secrets to success.
Tickets to the Fiesta are $20/person and are available online or at the door. La Quinta de Los Reyes is located at 36 East New York Street, Aurora.
Says Renteria, “We have a chance to be champions and leaders of this place 1st, this place we call home. To take care of our families, our neighbors, our communities, our great city and then beyond. We have to step up and be the leaders we say we are. The kids have spoken, and now is our chance to pony up at the table and be part of the solution. Many say it’s all about the kids. Let’s take action and do what’s right. Our youth need to know they have choices!”
Step up to the table by clicking here.
If you cannot attend, you can still purchase tickets online to help put books in the hands of our youth.
Hear Robert speak at last year’s Book launch of the English version of “From the Barrio to the Board Room.”
To learn more about From The Barrio Foundation, the book and its curriculum or to read more about Renteria’s story, please contact Renteria at 312.933.5619 or visit www.fromthebarrio.com.
Anima Pop will take the stage with a variety of Hispanic hits to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month 