The Association of Latino Men for Action ( ALMA ) hosted its annual scholarship awards reception and fundraiser Aug. 19 at Lakeview's Rehab Night Lounge.
For the past seven years ALMA has hosted a scholarship reception, with the goal of raising enough funds to award two $1,000 scholarships to young members of the gay Latino community.
"These scholarships are a way to recognize gay Latino youth that not only demonstrate good academics, but also leadership skills within the community," said ALMA board member Kenny Martin-Ocasio. "It's also a way to strengthen our community by providing more opportunities to our youth."
This year's recipients were Ignacio Maldonando, a rising senior at Columbia College, and Jose "Che Che" Turrubiartez, a recent high school graduate with plans to study architecture in Washington D.C.
"I don't know how I would have been able to finish if it wasn't for this scholarship," said Maldonando, who was a finalist for last year's ALMA scholarship. "I think it's really great what [ ALMA ] is doing for our community in helping the youth out like this."
Included in the night's festivities was a performance by the 2010 Windy City Idol winner, Matt Rivera. Said Rivera about the night, "I think this is really great, it's good to know that there is a group like this out there looking out for the community."
All of the proceeds from this event went toward next year's scholarship fund.
ALMA is a 21-year-old community action group based in Chicago that focuses on strengthening the gay Latino community. For more information, visit www.almachicago.org .