🎉 Viva Cinci Lights Up the Night for LOEF

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Ricardo Ugas LOEF-YLP President, Salsamberas dancing group ( Marjorie, Marisol and Alba), Tony Arreaga Viva Cinci owner and Laura Moese LOEF President

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Karen Becerra, La Dama del Pueblo singer from Maxico

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Wilmer, singer from Puerto Rico and DJ Tonny Mixx,

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Friends of LOEF

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Rhinegeist Team

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WEST CHESTER, OH — August 16, 2025 — In a lively fusion of music, dance, and community spirit, Viva Cinci and Rhinegeist Brewery joined forces to support the LULAC Ohio Educational Foundation (LOEF) scholarship program. The fundraising event, held at Viva Cinci’s vibrant Mexican restaurant, turned an ordinary Saturday night into a celebration of culture and purpose.

For every purchase of a Cincy Light Lime pint paired with a tequila shot, LOEF’s scholarship fund received a $1, helping to empower Latino students across Ohio through educational opportunities. 🎶 The evening was curated by Tony Arriaga, owner of Viva Cinci and a proud member of LOEF’s Young Latino Professionals, Laura Moese, President of LOEF and Ricardo Ugas president of LOEF-YLP. As a former LOEF scholarship recipient himself, Arriaga brought personal passion and flair to the event, transforming the restaurant into a hub of entertainment and generosity.

💃 Guests were treated to a dynamic lineup of performers, beginning with the high-energy moves of the Salsamberas dancing group. The stage then lit up with the powerful vocals of Karen “La Dama del Pueblo,” a beloved singer from Mexico, followed by Wilmer, a soulful artist from Puerto Rico. DJ Tonny Mixx kept the rhythm flowing throughout the night, blending Latin beats with crowd favorites to keep the dance floor alive.

The fundraiser not only showcased the richness of Latino culture but also highlighted the power of community collaboration. With every toast and dance step, attendees contributed to a cause that uplifts future generations.

LOEF expressed deep gratitude to Viva Cinci, Rhinegeist, and all who participated, reaffirming its mission to support Latino youth through education, mentorship, and cultural celebration.

🎭 Theater Workshop Celebrates Diversity and Creativity in Cincinnati

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Laura Moese, President of LULAC Ohio Educational Foundation, Gabriel Martinez and Karen Becerra

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CINCINNATI, August 16, 2025 — In a vibrant celebration of art, emotion, and unity, Gabriel Martinez, from Dos Corazones Productions and a member of the LULAC Ohio Educational Foundation Young Latino Professionals (LOEF-YLP), led a dynamic theater workshop at the Community Happens Here Center. Designed for participants of all ages, the event blended movement, storytelling, and visual arts to explore themes of diversity, empathy, and connection.

The workshop opened with a dance session, inviting attendees to explore how body language can express a wide range of emotions. This physical introduction set the tone for a day of creative exploration and meaningful dialogue.

📚 Participants then gathered to read Gato y Pez (Cat and Fish), a whimsical yet profound story that highlights how differences can enrich relationships rather than divide them. The narrative sparked conversations about unity and the power of diversity to foster collaboration and understanding. Inspired by the book, attendees created drawings of their favorite scenes and characters, bringing their interpretations to life through color and imagination. The artistic journey continued with a captivating shadow projection performance, adding a theatrical dimension to the workshop’s message.

📝 The event concluded with a reading of a poem by Federico García Lorca, emphasizing the importance of friendship and echoing the themes found in Gato y Pescado. The poem served as a poetic bridge between literature and lived experience, leaving participants with a sense of connection and inspiration. The workshop was met with enthusiasm and joy, as families and individuals engaged in multiple art forms and thoughtful discussions. With support from ArtsWave, this initiative will soon expand to primary schools in Hartwell and Carthage, bringing its message of unity and creativity to younger audiences.

This community-centered initiative was made possible through the leadership of Laura Moese, President of the LULAC Ohio Educational Foundation (LOEF), who facilitated the partnership between Dos Corazones Productions and Community Happens Here (CHH). Her efforts were instrumental in bringing the workshop to life and ensuring its accessibility to families across Cincinnati. With support from ArtsWave, the program will soon expand to primary schools in Hartwell and Carthage. Laura Moese and LOEF are actively championing this rollout, reinforcing their commitment to empowering Latino youth and fostering inclusive community engagement through the arts.

LOEF@Immigrant and Refugee Law center Benefit

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IRLC Hosts Benefit Gala Featuring “Exodus Alternate Documents” by Willy Castellanos

On September 25, 2024, the Immigrant and Refugee Law Center (IRLC) and its Executive Director, Mayra Jackson, hosted a benefit gala showcasing “Exodus Alternate Documents” by Willy Castellanos. Castellanos, a celebrated art historian and co-founder of the Aluna Art Foundation, presented this thought-provoking exhibition that blends documentary photography with artistic interventions inspired by the Cuban exodus.

“Exodus Alternate Documents” has previously won the Miami Foundation Arts Award for Best Cultural Event in 2014, and it continues to captivate audiences with its powerful narrative and visual impact.

The LULAC Ohio Education Foundation (LOEF) celebrates immigrants and their journeys, and proudly supports member Mayra Jackson and their work with the IRLC. This event underscores the importance of cultural expression and the contributions of immigrants to the community.

LOEF@Norwood International Art Show at Victory Park

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Raquel Sotelo, who earned the Honorable Mention ribbon, and Victoria Garland, accompanied by her son Wyatt, proudly participated in the Norwood International Art Show. The event showcased a diverse array of artistic talent, with Sotelo’s recognized work standing out among the many impressive entries. Garland and her son enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere, contributing to the community’s celebration of creativity and arts.

The LULAC Ohio Education Foundation (LOEF) is very proud of their members’ accomplishments and continues to support cultural expressions within the community.