THE ORANGE BOWL FOUNDATION
AND
OCEAN BANK UNITE FOR GALA EVENING
Miami, Fla. (www.orangebowl.org) – Ocean Bank presents The Orange Bowl Foundation “El Espiritu de la Comunidad” Awards & Scholarship Benefit on the night of January 27th from the beautiful Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. Renowned co-anchor from WLTV/Univision 23 newscast, Alina Mayo Azze, joins the event as mistress of ceremony for the evening. Highlighting the Orange Bowl Foundation’s second annual Hispanic benefit is the honoring of El Espiritu de la Comunidad or the Spirit of the Community.
This year’s honorees are:
• Humanitarian – Father Albert R. Cutié, Radio Peace
• Government – Mario Diaz-Balart, Congressman, 25th Congressional District
• Education – Eduardo J. Padrón, President, Miami-Dade College
• Community Organization – Eugenio Hernandez, President, Kiwanis Club of Little Havana
• Corporation – Carlos & Jorge de Cespedes, Pharmed Group
In addition, the Orange Bowl Foundation and Ocean Bank will recognize the winners of the annual Hispanic Scholarship Essay Contest. The essay contest is open to Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach county high school seniors.
This year’s winners are:
• Grand Prize winner: Brian Lee – Coral Reef Senior High (Miami, FL)
• 1st Runner-up: Jessica Carballo – Archbishop McCarthy High School (Ft. Lauderdale, FL)
• 2nd Runner-up: Kristen Selema – Palmer Trinity School (Miami, FL)
• 3rd Runner-up: Shantelle Williams – Pine Crest School (Ft. Lauderdale, FL)
Along with “El Espiritu de la Comunidad”, the event features a cocktail reception beginning at 7 p.m. preceding an energized program that follow the known Orange Bowl Foundation practice of elegant cuisine, prime location, great entertainment and historic experiences. Prices for tables begin at $1,250 and proceeds from the Benefit will go to the Orange Bowl Foundations Hispanic Scholarship Program. Over the last four years, the Orange Bowl Foundation has donated more than $100,000 to the Kiwanis Scholarship Fund to pay tuition, books and fees for deserving students from South Florida.
“We are again delighted to sponsor this scholarship fundraising event and to work with the Orange Bowl Foundation and the Kiwani's Club of Little Havana to help the youth in our community,” said José A. Concepción, Vice Chairman of the Board, President and CEO of Ocean Bank. “We have embraced education as one of the most important causes in our community and throughout the year we work with many local organizations that are making an impact in South Florida. We are looking forward to a successful event and to fueling the academic achievements of our future generations.”
Ocean Bank is one of the largest independent commercial banks headquartered in Florida. Chartered in 1982, the bank operates a network of branches throughout Miami-Dade and Broward counties. It has been recognized by several civic organizations for its charitable outreach into the South Florida community. Three times, 1995, 2000 and 2002, Ocean Bank received the “Top Hispanic Business-Community Involvement Award” from the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce for their work with the Dade County Public Schools and other projects. Each year, Ocean Bank also contributes to various organizations including the United Way, Liga Contra el Cancer, The Education Fund, March of Dimes, Camillus House and The United Negro College Fund among others.
In its inaugural year, the Orange Bowl Foundation and Ocean Bank honored several of South Florida’s Hispanic community leaders including Florida Marlins third baseman Mike Lowell, retired Barry University President Sister Jeanne O’Laughlin, Miami City Manager Joe Arriola, FIU President Dr. Modesto “Mitch” Maidique, the Latin Builders Association and Bacardi Corporation. The evening was also highlighted by a high-energy performance from Oscar de Leon and his eighteen-member salsa band, and a performance by the Florida International University marching band, “The Band of the Sun”.
For more information on Orange Bowl Foundation presents the Ocean Bank “El Espiritu de la Comunidad” Awards & Scholarship Benefit, please contact LaToya Williams, Foundation Coordinator at (305) 341-4728, or at lwilliams@orangebowl.org. Event information can also be found at www.orangebowl.org, the official website of the Orange Bowl Festival.
