1st SUMMER RIZAL FEST Filipino American Council of Chicago August 19, 2017

WORD OF THANKS FROM ELAINE LEHMAN, FACC Executive Director Special Thanks! to all the Members of the Board of Directors and Advisory Board, volunteers, staff, and supporters who participated in Rizal Fest! It was a success!

The event marked a transformative change in our FACC, and it was a chance for us all to show a unifi ed force and our love of community – to celebrate our intersection with diverse cultures. Alex Gonzales, Dr. Rufi no Crisostomo, Bob Mittenthal, Alfredo Barranco, Estrella Alamar, and Jay Cabrera, who was also part of the Rizal Fest’s Team for his drive and positive energy – he fl ew in from LA!

Also, Dr. Carmen Baldoza Banez, Joe Banez, Sunshine Baldoza, Mrs. Ramona Castillo, Nestor Evaristo, Dr. Guzman, Dr. Virgilio Jonson. Roberto Gonzales, Araceli Obien, Veronica Leighton, Joe Mauricio – HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JOE!, Leila and Ray Villar!

To Jason Dela Cruz, for his belief in our work!, Lyle del Mundo – Rizal Fest Team – for his insight and connecting us with Awesome Fil-Ams!, Ray Distor for his super Rizal Fest logo designs!, Angela Arevalo for encouragement, to Ari Lehman for his vision and strategic outreach to our community, and Jay Ejercito “DJ JayFunk” for his special visit to Rizal Center, his insight and energy! 🙂

Stars of the Day – our collaborative partners: Rampelle Aguilar – Owner/Chef of Oxtail Filipino Inspired, Arnel Ladringan – Executive Director of JHP Community Center, RJ, and JHP’s student modifi ed martial arts performers, RJ Lagrosa, master Argentine Tango instructor, Rock Dog (Fabian, John, and Alex), and international award-winning Master Carver JR Cadawas! Please let us all support and promote their work for community!

We also acknowledged Mrs. Nellie Lequin Dy, who graciously contributed $2,000 in 2015. I was able to speak with Mrs. Dy about her donation, and we will formally recognize her later this year.

A very special day for us all, we bestowed our respect and gratitude to Dr. Rufi no Crisostomo, Board Offi cer and Immediate Past Chair. Under his leadership as chair, he bravely stood up to adversity and saved the Filipino American Council of Greater Chicago and the Rizal Community Center from dissolution. We are honored to have dedicated the auditorium as the Dr. Rufi no F. Crisostomo Hall.

Many Thanks to Art Dilay abroad, but with us in spirit. And to John Haines – Navy Veteran, in Wisconsin and with us in voice and spirit, for helping us develop our civic engagement program – to bring awareness of and justice for overseas children (including Filipino and Japanese/Okinawan children) of US military and services for veterans. We are humbled by your support.