La Luz Center

September 19th: Noche de Luna 2010!

La Luz Center’s ever popular fundraising fiesta, will take place on Sunday, September 19th this year.  The event is held in the Historic Sonoma Barracks, and starts at 5PM.

“Viva la Noche” dance party at Little Switzerland—a fun “salsa” evening!

Little Switzerland came alive on March 13th when our beloved Karen Taylor (of Primavera Restaurant in the  San Francisco Ferry Building) donated and served wonderful and innovative Mexican foods to an appreciative crowd of over 100 La Luz supporters.  There was no fundraising, just fun “charlando” and dancing to 2 different bands—Carlos Herrera and then Sapo Guapo….with a salsa lesson at intermission!

"Viva La Noche" event for La Luz Center Continued Education Programs

Don't miss the very special evening of great food with a unique taste of Latin flavors prepared by Primaveranueva.

Enjoy music by Carlos Herrera from 6 to 7, then Carlos Herrera and his band will continue playing until 8:30, with dance lessons by dance lessons by Carlos and Sheila from 8:30 till 9:00 and then Sapo Guapo will play until 11:00 p.m.

Place: The Famous Little Switzerland located at 19080 Riverside Dr. Sonoma
Date: Saturday March 13th @ 6:00 p.m.
Cost: $100 per person (No Host Bar).
For: La Luz Center Continued Education Programs

For reservations please call Brenda Serrano at 707-938-5131 ext. 105 or e-mail us.

Best “Noche de Luna” Event Ever!

     By Martha Rosenblatt — As well as serving as president of the Board of Directors of La Luz, I had the pleasure of being one of three chairs of our most successful fund raising event, "Noche de Luna". Even in this difficult year for non-profits, we were able to raise $183,000, more than ever before. It may be because this event is one of the most enjoyable fundraisers in the valley, noted not only for excellent food and great fun, but for making a difference in the lives of so many people. With our increasing awareness of the role education plays in contributing to the success of the community we serve, we intend to focus more than ever before in this area. There is a growing need for more comprehensive computer training, ESL classes, and GED programs , as well as support through scholarships. With your contributions to this effort, I know we will succeed in increasing these programs in the very near future.
I hope all of you who have not attended "Noche" in the past will put the date of September 19th on your calendar for next year. I especially want to thank my co-chairs, Pam Story and Patsy Wynne who enthusiastically gave of their time, labors, creativity and donations. There were also many other volunteers who worked tirelessly, and they were wonderful.

Though we cannot thank all of our volunteers and supporters in this short space, we would like to thank those sponsors who gave $1000 or more. The many others who gave of their time and money will be thanked on our web-site. We couldn't have achieved our success without you!

Imagery Winery Hosts VWS Benefit Party

On October 29th La Luz and Vineyard Workers Services held their annual Migrant Farmworker Camp silent auction at the Benziger Family’s Imagery Estate Winery.

Even with a challenge from the World Series and a late harvest, the event was a great success. Mike was still tending to harvest but sister Kathey Benziger welcomed us all. The Red Grape provided pizzas. Peter Haywood, one of the founders of the Migrant Farm Worker Camps, gave the audience some history followed by a touching video never before shown about the camps.

Heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Mike and Mary Benziger for their continued support of the Farm Worker Camps. The Benziger Winery, one of the few wineries in Sonoma Country that is 100% biodynamic, has a love and passion for the land that supports their family, and a compassion for the Farm Workers without whom they know they would not be able to produce their fine wines.

Special thanks to the Sangiacomo and Robledo Families, Gloria Ferrer and to our VWS Angels—The Vadasz Family Foundation!