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.

La Luz Center's 5 de Mayo Fiesta for Education

The Cinco de Mayo Fiesta for Education on Sunday, May 2nd, on the Historic Sonoma Plaza is less than two weeks away.  La Luz Center will be celebrating not only Mexican History at the Cinco de Mayo fiesta, but also embracing the many different backgrounds that make up our community, creating a world fiesta of culture and heritage.  The proceeds from this event help provide scholarships to graduating high school students who have overcome a challenge in life that has motivated them to pursue higher education.  In addition, we support the arts by providing prizes and inspiration to the Art Contest Winners and give recognition and honors to the top graduating student of each school who has mastered in English Language Acquisition.

Local Youth Pour their Hearts and Art into Donation Boxes

 La Luz began when community member Ligia Booker started dedicating herself to collect warm coats for agricultural workers living and working in the fields early in the frosty mornings.  She dedicated herself and a large part of her life to helping those in need in our community.  Now, 20 years later Ligia’s vision lives on as La Luz continues to provide assistance to those in need.  Where others say “Sorry, we don’t do that,” La Luz says “Let us see how we can help you.”  La Luz’s vast lists of resources and dedicated staff have always taken the time to help everyone who has come through the front door.

Now, La Luz takes pride as Sonoma’s youth pour their heart into their art by decorating donation boxes for the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta for Education.  

 Like many other non-profits in the community, La Luz Center is suffering from economic hardship and is calling on the community for support in raising funds for this event, and most importantly, in raising funds for the High School Academic Scholarship Program.  

Each box has been thoughtfully decorated by children, young adults and community members who know how important it is to help others.  These wonderfully colorful, fun boxes will be placed in participating stores around Sonoma including El Brinquito, La Morenita 3, and Pharmica.  The donations received in each box will go toward the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta for Education which will take place on May 2nd at the Sonoma Plaza.  

 The Cinco de Mayo Fiesta for Education will provide scholarships to High School Seniors wanting to pursue their higher educational goals.  We also award the top students from each school excelling in acquiring English as a second language.  Finally, La Luz awards young artists whose vision and inspiration interprets the spirit of the fiesta through our art contest.  This worth wild event gives opportunity to the youth of the valley to express themselves creatively and be awarded for their academic excellence.  Be part of this event and give generously where ever you see our donation boxes.

(Artists:  Cameron Taggesell 10, Carter Charsley 7, Alex Sandoral 16, Yesenia Martinez 17, Alondra Dominguez 14, Reese Dobson 7, Breanna Kneirim 9, Anna Taggesell 8)

"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.

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!

Upcoming Events: Día de Los Muertos + "The Party"

November 1 & 2: Sunday from 12:00 noon until 4:00 p.m. La Luz will be hosting Dia De Los Muertos, a showing of altars and sugar skulls made by local residents and other organizations including Nuestra Voz, Boys & Girls Club,  Teen Center, Banco de Sonoma. This is a very touching and important day in the lives of our Mexican Community.

Continue on to the Sonoma Valley Museum for an altar showing and music from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. Finish at the Sonoma Valley Community Center for viewing  an outdoor community Altar, with music and food and wine from 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. I hope you can join us for this special occasion. There is no cost for this event.

March 13th, 2010: We will just call this "THE PARTY". It will be held at Little Switzerland.  Catered by our very own Karen Taylor of Primavera who is donating all of the food and services—her way of saying what a great organization to support. This is a “must” event! Many of you have already purchased your tickets (thanks), but if you haven’t, please email us today. We have plenty of room and at a $100.00 person, what a great way to start the new year -- supporting La Luz!

Dia de Los Muertos - Day of the Dead

"Teruscan y Campaneri" - Reunión y Ofrenda - Reunion and Offering

When: Saturday, November 8, 2008. Workshop: 1pm to 4pm, Public Presentation: 4pm to 5pm. Where: La Luz Center, Booker Hall, 17790 Greger Stree.

An historical and cross cultural workshop to understand and participate in an ancient celebration.

Get Ready for Noche de Luna!