The Association of Latino Men for Action (ALMA) hosted its annual scholarship awards reception and fundraiser Aug. 19 at Lakeview’s Rehab Night Lounge.
For the past seven years ALMA has hosted a scholarship reception, with the goal of raising enough funds to award two $1,000 scholarships to young members of the gay Latino community.
“These scholarships are a way to recognize gay Latino youth that not only demonstrate good academics, but also leadership skills within the community,” said ALMA board member Kenny Martin-Ocasio. “It’s also a way to strengthen our community by providing more opportunities to our youth.”
This year’s recipients were Ignacio Maldonando, a rising senior at Columbia College, and Jose “Che Che” Turrubiartez, a recent high school graduate with plans to study architecture in Washington D.C.
“I don’t know how I would have been able to finish if it wasn’t for this scholarship,” said Maldonando, who was a finalist for last year’s ALMA scholarship. “I think it’s really great what [ALMA] is doing for our community in helping the youth out like this.”
Included in the night’s festivities was a performance by the 2010 Windy City Idol winner, Matt Rivera. Said Rivera about the night, “I think this is really great, it’s good to know that there is a group like this out there looking out for the community.”
All of the proceeds from this event went toward next year’s scholarship fund.
ALMA is a 21-year-old community action group based in Chicago that focuses on strengthening the gay Latino community. For more information, visit www.almachicago.org.