Centro to celebrate 10th anniversary

Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos will host a two-day live and virtual event beginning on Friday, Oct. 16 through Saturday, Oct. 17 in celebration of its 10 years in operation.

The dream of Centro’s founder, Ofelia Vasquez-Philo, was to have a place where the richness of Hispanic culture could be archived and shared with not only the families of Hispanic heritage, but to the whole community. The distinctive musical genres, dancing, history, poetry, art, and more were being absorbed and mixed in a Tex-Mex blender. Nostalgic elders and younger generations needed a place where they could find pride in their roots and authentic values of their culture even as they melded into the broader “American” identity.

With a handful of like-minded friends Vasquez-Philo started meeting, formed a board of directors, and established a nonprofit for what they envisioned. Through persistence, clarity of purpose and good fortune, San Marcos Consolidated ISD was willing to let the group occupy the recently empty Bonham School Building to start its venture. On Sept. 18, 2010, Centro Cultural opened its doors to the community.

Over those 10 years, Centro saw rapid growth in programming, gatherings, and services provided — out growing its space and expanding. Service, culture, history and awards are all top billed as program details for Centro Cultural Hispano’s 10th Anniversary ”Celebración” are rolling in.

Partnering with the Hays County Food Bank: Since the start of the pandemic the number of people suffering food insecurity in San Marcos and the county has doubled and the food bank is struggling to meet these needs — both donations and volunteers to organize and distribute the food. Volunteers from Centro will have a drive-by food drop off at Centro, 211 Lee Street on Monday, Oct. 12 - Thursday, Oct. 15, from 4-8 p.m. Volunteers will wear masks and gloves and request that donors also wear masks.

On Friday, Oct. 16 from 4-8 p.m. food bank personnel and volunteers will be on hand at Centro and San Marcos’s radio station KZSM will broadcast on site — serenading donors from its great collection of Hispanic/Tejano/Latinx music to put everyone in true “Celebración” — joy of giving — mood.

For more information about the food bank and to donate online: HaysoodBank.org For more information call Celeste Ceniseros, community relations coordinator, 512- 392-8300 ext. 230

A time for giving and a time for receiving — always time for music and dance. Like other nonprofits, COVID-19 has shut down most of its in-house programs and services; it has also forced Centro to cancel its annual fundraising gala. Centro staff and teachers have valiantly carried forward — learning how to zip and Zoom to stay in touch with as many of Centro’s families as possible. Piano lessons, ArtSpace classes, virtual Cinco de Mayo, NASA FAMA, and other initiatives have kept Centro’s cultural and connections alive.

While we cannot clink our glasses together and dance the night away, Centro will hold a virtual gala — and a special one at that — the 10th Anniversary of Centro first opening its doors to the community.

On Oct. 17, we will strut our stuff for your entertainment. Folklorico, Mariachi, Poetry, personal stories, awards and more — brought right to your home.

Awards to community partners will be presented at the Celebration — three distinguished civic leaders and businesses are being honored.

As per Eduardo Rios, Centro President – “Kate Johnson and The Burdine Johnson Foundation are set to receive the “Centro Diamante Award” in recognition of sincere gratitude for being an early believer in Centro’s mission and for the many years of support to Centro in the pursuit yearly advancement of our programming and helping the Ofelia Vasquez Mexican American Museum become a reality.

Grande Communications will receive the “Centro Estrella Award” in recognition for its 10- year commitment to Centro and the expansion for a great partnership in bringing connectivity to all stakeholders. With sincere appreciation for a wonderful partnership since 2010.

The Rotary Club of San Marcos will be recognized with the “Centro Estrellita Award” — for a new partnership Centro. Centro appreciates this great club group of dedicated community leaders as they each stepped forward to help our organization continue with its mission, vision, and core values — as both organizations share in the appreciation of all cultures.

The mission of Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos is to serve as a community beacon for the preservation, development, promotion, and celebration of the Hispanic arts, culture, heritage, and values.