LOS ANGELES - Pepperdine University will host its first annual American Spirit Awards Dinner and Scholarship Benefit on Friday, September 24 at the St. Regis Hotel in Los Angeles. The black-tie event is being co-sponsored by Volvo Cars of North America, and the LBA is proud to support this momentous occasion.

Carlos and Deborah Santana will be among the inaugural recipients of Pepperdine's American Spirit Award for their outstanding work with their Milagro Foundation. Also being honored at the gala ceremony is Roman Catholic priest Father Gregory Boyle who has dedicated his life to helping reform the lives of LA-area gang members. Fr. Boyle is the founder of Homeboys Industries and Job for a Future.

Rounding out the evening's honorees, Tichi Wilkerson Kassel will be honored posthumously for her contributions in assisting men and women pursuing careers in music, art, and education. And Mario Rodriguez will be recognized for his leadership in business, education and politics.

The American Spirit Award, created and sponsored by Pepperdine University's Hispanic Council, recognizes leadership and service, which exemplifies compassion, tolerance and understanding. All proceeds from the silent auction and the dinner will help fund grants for Pepperdine's Hispanic students. Over the years, Pepperdine has awarded thousands of dollars in grants and scholarships to Hispanic students and Hispanic students at the University have a high success rate in obtaining their undergraduate and graduate degrees.

The importance of education among the Hispanic population cannot be overstated, it is key to our success, said Rick Sarmiento, Vice-Chairman of the Latin Business Association, who serves with former LBA Chair Ruth Lopez-Novador on the Executive Committee of Pepperdine s Hispanic Council. We re honored to support and be part of such an important cause, said Sarmiento. LBA and Pepperdine joined forces three years ago offering a unique Business Certificate Program for LBA members, which since then have had over 100 graduates of the program from Fresno to Los Angeles. We look forward to continuing to grow and work with LBA as our partnership is important to us and we greatly appreciate their support, said Israel Rodriguez, Director of Hispanic Affairs at Pepperdine.

The gala evening will begin with a VIP reception followed by a silent auction, dinner, and a keynote address by Vic Doolan, CEO of Volvo Cars of North America, LLC. During the reception, Pepperdine will present U.S. Savings Bonds to several Hispanic school children underscoring the importance of education in their lives.

Table sponsorships and individual seats starting at $200.00 are available.

For more information, please contact Israel Rodriguez, Director of Hispanic Affairs at Pepperdine, at (310) 506-4043.

Latin Business Association

Latin Business Association

More from Latin Business Association