Categories: EventsFeatures

Latino Network’s Annual Noche Bella Draws 350 Supporters

Local singer Edna Vasquez performed with the mariachi band as well as performing solos during dinner at Noche Bella. Photo Credit: Izzy Vasquez

Portland, September 12th, 2014. Latino Network hosted the second annual Noche Bella gala and fundraiser at Castaway in northwest Portland. More than 350 people attended to support Latino Network. (photo credit, Andie Petkus) Latino Network’s mission is to provide transformative opportunities, services and advocacy for the education, leadership and civic engagement of our youth, families and communities. The event included a silent and live auction as well as entertainment from Edna Vasquez, a mariachi band, and Dina y los Rumberos.

Tracy Curtis, Wells Fargo President for the Oregon and Southwest Washington region, joins Carmen Rubio, Latino Network Executive Director, at Noche Bella. Wells Fargo was a generous supporter of the event.
Photo Credit: Izzy Ventura

Antonio Lopez, held his plaque surrounded by friends. The Assistant Superintendent of Portland Public Schools, was honored for his dedication to creating a strong and inclusive public education system. Photo Credit: Andie Petkus

Dan Ryan, All Hands Raised; Carole Smith, Superintendent of PPS; Nancy Hales, Portland’s First Lady; Bob Speltz, The Standard; Jason Lim, Asian Reporter Foundation. Photo Credit: Izzy Ventura

Matt Morton, Executive Director of Native American Youth and Family Center and Carmen Rubio, Executive Director of Latino Network with honoree Antonio Lopez, Assistant Superintendent of Portland Public Schools and Carole Smith, Superintendent of Portland Public Schools. Antonio Lopez was honored for his dedication and commitment to creating a strong and inclusive public education system.

Marissa Madrigal, new Multnomah County Chief Operating Officer; Jessica Vega Pederson, Oregon House Representative for East Portland; Deborah Kafoury, Multnomah County Chair; Commissioner Loretta Smith
Photo Credit: Andie Petkus

Diana Nuñez of the Portland Mayor’s Office with Tom and Barbara Kelly and Portland First Lady Nancy Hales
Photo Credit: Izzy Ventura

A Portland State University student joined Multnomah County Chair Deborah Kafoury; Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Foundation Executive Director Serena Cruz Walsh; and Multnomah County Chief Operating Officer Marissa Madrigal.
Photo Credit: Izzy Ventura

Commissioner Nick Fish; Carmen Rubio, Executive Director at Latino Network; and Jessica Vega Pederson, Oregon House Representative for East Portland.
Photo Credit: Andie Petkus

Irma Valdez and Steve Yarosh, immigration attorneys; Bertha Ferran, Windermere Mortgage Services; Carmen Rubio, Executive Director of Latino Network; Behzad Hosseini, Portland General Electric
Photo Credit: Izzy Ventura

Jilma Meneses, Latino Network Board Chair and Chief Diversity Officer at Portland State University, poses with Jason Franco, a Latino Network program participant. Jason spoke at the event, sharing how Latino Network changed his life for the better.
Photo Credit: Izzy Ventura

Portland Development Commission Director John Jackley introducing honoree Antonio Lopez. PDC was the presenting sponsor of Noche Bella.
Photo Credit: Andie Petkus

Portland Development Commission was the presenting sponsor the event; Portland State University, Silver Sponsor; and Portland Public Schools, Bronze Sponsor; were generous supporters of the event, along with Honor Sponsors Portland Community College, Northwest Health Foundation, The Standard, University of Oregon, The City of Portland, and Legacy Health.

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.