Café, Cultura, y Mucho Azúcar 2011
(Coffee, Sweets, and Lots of Sugar)

The night of 10/14/2011, Conexiones celebrated an activity full of energy and lots of desire to help the Hispanic youth community. That activity was Café, Cultura y Mucho Azúcar. Every year this activity takes place at Long Reach High School in Howard County with the purpose of celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month and collecting funds to support awards to promote Hispanic student achievement. While an activity with a serious purpose, the participants enjoyed a fun evening, sharing with family and friends, helping a good cause while promoting Hispanic traditions.

Slide show from Café, Cultura, y Mucho Azúcar 2011

The guests were delighted with a series of performances framed by the fantastic and contagious music of Los Hijos é Plena. This Puerto Rican percussion group captured the audience with a great mix of Afro-Caribbean rhythms, singing, and dancing. Hispanic students of all ages performed during the evening. Among them, they covered a repertoire from ballet to folkloric dance to songs and guitars. These performers proved the extraordinary talent in our youth and family. The acts represented various Hispanic countries such as Puerto Rico, Mexico, Peru, and Colombia. Among the presentations was the special performance of Los Hijos de Plena, whom technically speaking captivated the audience's attention with the great combination of the Afro-Caribbean rhythms, singing, and dancing. It was a festive evening for all!

A highlight of the evening was the Silent Auction, including original jewelry, paintings, gift baskets, gift certificates, hotel certificates, crafts, antiques, and even a carnival costume. Thanks to the generous contributions of the community supporters, friends and volunteers of Conexiones, the Silent Auction was a success. All the funds collected support the Conexiones awards fund.

We must also mention the participation of community businesses and organizations in support of Conexiones. Their contributions and dedication resulted in lovely decorations, and delicious food. Executive Chef Ricardo Bonilla of Catering by Uptown delighted the audience with Hispanic dishes like "maduros", tres leches cake, and of course we could not leave out a good cup of fresh and warm coffee! Among the businesses, State Farm Insurance Agent Kim Musser, Venturing USA, the Columbia Association Sister City Program, and the Boy Scouts of America participated and shared information on the services they offer to the Hispanic community.

We witnessed an excellent event that promoted both education and the preservation of Hispanic traditions. It just takes a minute to see the great talent and intellect among the kids, to know that the effort, time, and dedication placed by every member of the Conexiones organization are well worth it. Therefore, it is imperative that more activities like this one take place in order to help our youth be the future successful members of a healthy and well-educated community. ¡SÌ, se puede!