CHCI to Honor Rita Moreno, Antonio Villaraigosa and Alonzo Cantu During Hispanic Heritage Celebration
Annual Gala Honors the Lifetime Achievement and Medallion Award Recipients 

Washington, D.C. – Today the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) announced its award winners for its 28th Annual Gala with the theme, “CHCI: Leadership for America’s Future,” that will take place on September 14, at the Convention Center, Washington, D.C.  Every September, CHCI’s Hispanic Heritage events celebrate the contributions and achievements of the Hispanic community to this great nation.  CHCI will honor actress, dancer and singer Rita Moreno with the Chairman's Award given to recognize those luminary Latino leaders that have risen to the pinnacle of their career and serve as a role model to us all.  Antonio Villaraigosa, the newly elected Mayor of the city of Los Angeles, will receive the Medallion of Excellence for Leadership presented to an individual who has exemplified the highest standard of leadership – that brand of leader who is on the front lines of change and betterment on behalf of the Latino community.  The recipient of the Medallion of Excellence for Community Service is the prominent South Texas businessman and community leader Alonzo Cantu.  This award is presented to the individual who embodies the highest standard of community leadership and activism.

“This year’s CHCI Hispanic Heritage Month events highlight Latino leadership.  We are pleased to recognize the contributions of such luminary and inspirational individuals who represent the best in America,” stated CHCI Chair and California Congresswoman, Grace Napolitano (CA-38). 

CHCI’s CEO and President, Esther Aguilera added, “These events recognize the accomplishments of Latino leaders and support the programs that are developing the future leaders of America.  We are delighted that all of our honorees will be with us.  These events are not to be missed.”   

Energetic dancer, singer, and actress Rita Moreno is the only performer to win an Oscar, a Tony, an Emmy, and a Grammy throughout her long career.  Born Rosa Dolores Alverio in Puerto Rico, Moreno moved to New York with her mother and at the age of 13 made her professional debut on Broadway.  By 19, she was acting in Hollywood films where she later earned an Oscar for best actress in her role of Anita in Westside Story.  As a mother during the 70s, Moreno turned to television and became involved with the PBS children series, The Electric Company, which led to a Grammy for her recording contribution to the soundtrack album.  She also received Emmy awards for her work on The Rockford Files and The Muppet Show. Her Tony was earned for the role of the entertainer Googie Gomez in The Ritz.

A native of Los Angeles and the oldest of four children raised by a single mother, Antonio Villaraigosa became the first Latino mayor of Los Angeles in 133 years on July 1, 2005. Villaraigosa has dedicated his life and career to public service and his community.  Throughout his career, he’s earned bi-partisan praise for his bold vision and leadership, his ability to bring people together to find common ground, and his proven record of achieving results for the people of California and Los Angeles.  Highlights of his career have included positions as, Democratic Whip, Majority Leader and Speaker for the California State Assembly, and as a city councilman for Los Angeles.

Alonzo Cantu is a leading businessman, ardent and far-reaching philanthropist, and community leader and outstanding role model for the Latino community.  Cantu began his career in the building industry in 1978, and has been President and CEO of Cantu Construction for twenty years, serves as Chairman for Lone Star National Bank, a Hispanic owned and operated financial institution, and is a partner to the group that owns Doctors Hospital at Renaissance, a 142 bed facility employing over 1200 persons.  Cantu has worked consistently to improve the quality of life for Latinos in the South Texas region, whether through providing affordable housing, health care facilities for the under served, or scholarships for the low income. 

The Schedule of the Hispanic Heritage Events is as follows:  

Monday, September 12, 2005
2005 Public Policy Conference
Location: Renaissance Mayflower Hotel
7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.     Continental Breakfast
8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.     Open Plenary Session
9:30 a.m. - 12:30p.m.    Policy Summits
12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.   Keynote Lunch
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.     Policy Summits
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.     Welcome Reception

Tuesday, September 13, 2005
2005 Public Policy Conference
Location: Renaissance Mayflower Hotel
7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.        Continental Breakfast
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.      Closing Plenary
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.    Reception Honoring Latina Leaders
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.      Closing Keynote Lunch

4th Annual Reyes of Comedy Night
Location: Warner Theater
8:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.

Wednesday, September 14, 2005
28th Annual Gala
Location: Washington Convention Center
5:30 p.m. VIP/ General Reception
6:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m. Dinner

CHCI, a non-profit and non-partisan 501(c)(3) organization, provides educational programs for Hispanic college and postgraduate students. The CHCI board of directors is comprised of Hispanic members of Congress, non-profit leaders, and corporate executives.  For information on CHCI, call 1-800-EXCEL DC or visit www.chci.org 

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