San Diego Padres’ Adrian Gonzalez Among Honorees at 2010 Fiesta de las Estrellas

Annual scholarship benefit hits $1 million mark as UC San Diego Hispanic Scholarship Council recognizes community leaders May 17 at PETCO Park

May 05, 2010

By Jade Griffin and Kristin Luciani

“San Diego is the perfect place to be involved in the community,” said Adrian Gonzalez, San Diego Padres All-Star first baseman and a San Diego native.  “My wife and I grew up in the San Diego area. We are active helping out and doing what we can.”

Gonzalez will be honored May 17 at the University of California, San Diego’s 13th annual Fiesta de las Estrellas, along with other outstanding community leaders, for his service to the community and remarkable impact.  Presented by the UC San Diego Hispanic Scholarship Council, Fiesta de las Estrellas has raised $1 million for undergraduate scholarships since its founding in 1998; to date, the event has provided 65 students with scholarship awards up to $20,000.  The undergraduate scholarships created through the annual event help ensure that promising students of all social and economic backgrounds have access to a world-class UC San Diego education.

This year, the milestone celebration will take place at PETCO Park. Fiesta attendees will enjoy a special reception and awards ceremony before watching the San Diego Padres take on the San Francisco Giants. 
Setting the example for the next generation, this year’s Fiesta honorees include:

Adrian Gonzalez

Adrian Gonzalez,First Baseman, San Diego Padres

Excellence in Community Service
Hometown hero Gonzalez co-hosts an annual golf tournament to benefit the South Bay Family YMCA.  He is an ambassador for the San Diego chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation and a spokesman for Big Brothers Big Sisters. The Adrian and Betsy Gonzalez Foundation, a fund of the San Diego Foundation, was established to help underprivileged kids in the areas of sports, education and health. 

 

Carlos Alcazar

Carlos Alcazar, ’88, President and CEO, Hispanic Communications Network

Alumni Excellence
In 2005, Alcazar launched the Washington DC-based Hispanic Communications Network, which is now the largest social and cause marketing firm targeting U.S. Hispanics.  He is known for his expertise on issues related to Hispanic markets, media and education.  He currently sits on the board of several national organizations, including the Smithsonian Museum’s Latino Advisory Council and Boy Scouts of America Scoutreach.

Fanny E. Miller

Fanny E. Miller, President/CEO, El Latino Newspaper

Excellence in Media
Miller is the founder of the award-winning El Latino, San Diego County’s largest Spanish weekly publication. Miller has received numerous honors, including “Businesswoman of the Year” by the State of California. Today, El Latino is recognized as one of the top ten most important Hispanic publications in the country.

Alex Montoya

Alex Montoya, Manager of Latino Relations, San Diego Padres

Excellence in Leadership
Montoya is responsible for the San Diego Padres’ outreach and event coordination of the Latino fan base in San Diego County and Mexico. He is involved in motivational speaking about issues pertaining to success, education and overcoming obstacles relating to physical disabilities. His recent debut book, Swinging for the Fences: Choosing to Live an Extraordinary Life is now available.

Richard Nares

Richard Nares, Cofounder, Emilio Nares Foundation

Excellence in Business Leadership
Richard and Diane Nares founded the Emilio Nares Foundation (ENF) in San Diego after losing their 5-year-old son to leukemia. During their struggle, they learned what little resources exist to support the immediate needs of children and families coping with cancer.   ENF has provided logistical, financial and emotional support to more than 14,000 families.     

“We congratulate the Fiesta de las Estrellas honorees for their outstanding accomplishments which have had a significant impact on our community and the nation,” said Chancellor Marye Anne Fox. “Thanks to the UC San Diego Hispanic Scholarship Council, generous sponsors and event participants, we have raised $1 million in much-needed support for talented undergraduates, many of whom are first-generation college students.”

In addition to honoring the estrellas, the evening will recognize the leaders and innovators of tomorrow—UC San Diego scholarship recipients who have benefited from the Hispanic Scholarship Council’s annual fundraising event. 

Lorraine Bueno, a UC San Diego senior studying environmental systems, along with urban planning and studies, credits her scholarship with something very important: her future.  Thanks to the support, Bueno was able to become the first in her family to move away from home and pursue a college education. 

“Because of the scholarship, I have been able to focus on my studies and draw out the benefits of attending one of the top research universities—without worrying about the financial stress on my family,” said Bueno.
The May 17 celebration will begin 5 p.m. at Padres PETCO Park Auditorium with a pre-game reception and awards ceremony. Tickets cost $150, with proceeds benefiting undergraduate scholarships. Donations will count toward UC San Diego’s $50 million scholarship and fellowship campaign, “Invent the Future.” 

Those interested in attending Fiesta de las Estrellas or becoming a sponsor may call (858) 822-1537.  For more on the event and sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.ucsdfiesta.ucsd.edu

Sponsors for the 2010 Fiesta de las Estrellas include the Jack in the Box Foundation; Union Bank; Barona Band of Mission Indians; Gen-Probe; Southwest Airlines; San Diego Padres; Alan Swinney, ’89; BAE Systems; Community Health Group; QUALCOMM; Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation; Perez & Wilson LLP; San Ysidro Health Center; UC San Diego Chancellor’s Office and UC San Diego Student Affairs.

 

Media Contact:

Jade Griffin, 858-822-5309, jadegriffin@ucsd.edu

Kristin Luciani, 858-822-3353, kluciani@ucsd.edu