Event Raises More Than $150,000 Toward Latino Student Scholarships

Leaders from Indiana community, governmental, educational and social organizations came together in Indianapolis on June 18 for an event aimed at raising funds for scholarships to support Indiana Latino students.

USA Funds^® sponsored the second annual Latino Scholarship Fund Dinner, which raised more than $150,000  toward the Latino Scholarship Fund. Established in 2008, the fund supports multiple organizations that offer scholarships to Latino students in Indiana.

The Central Indiana Community Foundation serves as the fiscal agent for the Latino Scholarship Fund and co-sponsored the event.

Additionally, USA Funds awarded a challenge grant. The grant matches dollar for dollar — up to a total of $50,000 — contributions to the Latino Scholarship Fund.

“During these difficult economic times, the need for scholarship dollars is more important than ever,” says Carl Dalstrom, USA Funds president and CEO. “USA Funds is dedicated to supporting access to higher education for all deserving students, and the Latino Scholarship Fund is assisting in making postsecondary education affordable for Latino students in Indiana.”

The event featured performances by traditional Latino bands and dancers, as well as a silent auction. Several Latino scholarship recipients were on hand to share their stories and speak with guests. Rafael Sanchez of Indianapolis television station WRTV emceed the event.

"As important as the funds raised may be to sustain our cause, we cannot measure the success of what we are doing only in monetary terms,” says Sergio Aguilera, former consul of Mexico for Indianapolis. “The fact that 500 people came and listened to the messages tonight is very important and serves to advance the cause of providing access to higher education to Latino students.”