Apple of Gold
Awards Celebration
On October 12, the Orange
County Hispanic Youth Chamber of Commerce attended the 19th annual
Apple of Gold of Awards Celebration. Hosted by the Hispanic Education Endowment
Fund (HEEF), the OCHCC was cordially invited as part of the sponsors guest
list—the Education Foundation provides funds for HEEF scholarships. In fact, former OCHYCC
board member, Javier Leon, is a scholarship award recipient. Youth Chamber board members, Estefania Moreno and
Alejandra Rodriguez arrived early to help put together the event’s programs and
accommodate some signs. Later, Erika Lopez helped auction off a panting whose
proceeds would go towards scholarships. During the gala, Margaret provided
advice to a high school student who shared her major (psychology). This event
gave an opportunity to students from University of California Irvine and
California State University Fullerton to network. Some of our sponsors and past
speakers were present as well; for example, Eddie Quillares from State Farm and
Elva Ruvalcaba from Disneyland whom recently led our Networking- “Win them at
‘Hello’” Roundtable in October.
Keynote speakers were
motivational and entertaining. Lizbeth Martinez and Juan Pulido, present and
former OCHYCC’s presidents, introduced the Lifetime Achievement Award to
Silas H. Abrego, former vice
president for student affairs at Cal State Fullerton. Other important
attendees were congress women Loretta Sanchez and California State Fullerton’s
president, Mildred Garcia-- among many other officials. President Garcia was
very supportive of the Latina board members and advised for them to graduate
and encourage fellow Hispanic students to graduate as well. For further information and resources regarding HEEF,
please visit their website heef.org.