AnewAmerica’s Ninth
Annual Gala & Microbusiness Expo was a Great Success!
Emcee Damian
Trujillo of NBC 11 News talks with Otis Watson of Comerica Bank
State
Senator-Elect Loni Hancock commends AnewAmerica’s work in the
community
On
Thursday, November 13th, AnewAmerica celebrated our Ninth
Anniversary Gala & Microbusiness Expo in the Grand Ballroom of the
Scottish Rite Center in Oakland. This year’s gala attracted over
400 guests, including AnewAmerica entrepreneurs, policymakers,
community leaders, philanthropists, organizational partners, and
media.
The VIP reception kicked off the Gala at 5pm, with an
exclusive Tequila Nacimiento tasting accompanied by flamenco
guitarist Carlos Gardinez and folk musician Francisco Hererra.
Attendees enjoyed early bidding on over 40 silent auction items,
including vacation rentals in Mendocino and Tahoe. A representative
from Senator Ellen Corbett’s office presented AnewAmerica with a
State Senate Certificate of Recognition for its important work in
the community. AnewAmerica was also honored with certificates of
recognition from the California State Board of Equalization and the
U.S. House Representative Michael M. Honda. Senator-elect Loni
Hancock congratulated AnewAmerica on its visionary approach to
microenterprise development and the expansion of our focus on
creating green businesses. AnewAmerica President & CEO, Sylvia
Rosales-Fike made a short speech expressing gratitude to all of the
evening’s attendees.
AnewAmerica entrepreneurs transformed the ballroom
into a vibrant international marketplace. Handmade Tibetan carpets,
African handicrafts, contemporary fine jewelry, savory Spanish
cuisine, eco-friendly household goods, Peruvian alpaca garments and
Laotian silk scarves were just a few of the entrepreneurs’
offerings. AnewAmerica’s food vendors contributed to the culturally
diverse dining experience with enchiladas, cakes, sweet quesadillas
and specialty Mexican ice cream. Alex Sotelo of Alex Sotelo Cellars
and Everardo Robledo of Robledo Family Winery generously poured a
variety of their premium wines throughout the evening.
The program opened with a traditional Aztec dance
performance and poetry by Nicole Klaymoon. Chair of AnewAmerica
Board of Directors, Sister Linda Orrick, welcomed guests and
introduced the emcee, Damian Trujillo, from NBC11. Community
Angel Awards, presented to visionaries in community, policy, and
philanthropic development, were awarded to Loretta Abrams (Senior
Vice President of Consumer Affairs, HSBC-North America) and
Suzanne LaFetra. AnewAmerica’s first Green Business Award was
granted to AnewAmerica entrepreneur An Pham (Global Investment
Financial and Trade Group) for her pioneering work in global
solar and wind energy projects. Sylvia Rosales-Fike provided
closing remarks, and the evening convened with a traditional
performance by the Tibetan Dance Troup.
AnewAmerica would like to thank all of our guests,
entrepreneurs, silent auction donors, media, volunteers and staff
who worked hard to make our Ninth Anniversary Gala & Microbusiness
Expo a great success!
Thank You to our Sponsors:
O.O. &
L.E. Orrick Trust
MK
Gratitude Fund
Judith
Anne Kaplan Fund
Media Sponsors
AnewAmerica Community Corporation
1918 University Avenue Ste.3A, Berkeley, CA 94704
Phone: (510) 540-7785 Fax:
(510) 540-7786