Latinos Unidos, a student group that celebrates the various heritages found within the region's Latino community, will kick-off Hispanic Heritage Month with an event-filled festival this Saturday, Sept. 11, from 1 to 5 p.m., at the Dods Hall Grove on the SUNY Fredonia campus.
This year a special fundraising component has been added to benefit the Make-a-Wish Foundation, at the urging of Latinos Unidos member Mercedes Sornoza, whose sister, Antonella, passed away following a battle with brain cancer in February. Her sister's wish was to travel to Rome, a dream that was fulfilled, according to Mercedes, thanks to the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
Activities for the event include tomato and pie "fights" with students, faculty and staff, live entertainment with campus a capella groups as well as a DJ, and even an opportunity to take on the Modern Languages and Literatures Department Chair Carmen Rivera in the dunk tank.
Other activities include silent and Chinese auctions with donated themed baskets to bid on, t-shirt sales, and the chance to win a date with various Latinos Unidos members. All proceeds from the event will be donated to Make-a-Wish, and direct donations will also be accepted.
The Buster Brown Bean Company is also lending a hand by donating a portion of its proceeds from a new cookies and cream frappe, dubbed, "The Cookster" in Antonella's honor (her nickname was "Cookie"), to Make-A-Wish as well. The drink will be available at the Williams Center café location only.
To learn more, contact Chelsea Marzullo of Latinos Unidos at marz0602@fredonia.edu.
