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Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley Announces Recipients of 2009 La Familia Award


SAN JOSE, Calif. —September 16, 2009—The Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley (HFSV) today announced that the Castellano Family of Saratoga are the recipients of the 2009 La Familia Award. Founders of the Castellano Family Foundation, Carmen and Alcario Castellano, along with their three adult children Maria West, Carmela Castellano-Garcia and Armando Castellano, will be presented with the award at the 20th Annual Hispanic Charity Ball on October 17, 2009, in downtown San Jose.

The 2009 La Familia Award is the highest honor bestowed by the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley and it is presented to an entire family who has demonstrated exemplary commitment and volunteer service to the community. "The Castellanos embody the spirit of the La Familia Award which honors special commitments by families to community service and who serve as role models for us all," said Ron Gonzales, President and CEO of the HFSV. "It is our pleasure to celebrate the achievements of the Castellanos who have made community service the focal point of their lives."

About the Castellano Family

The Castellano Family of Saratoga is being honored for their deep-rooted commitment and involvement in the local community. Long before La Familia was blessed by the good fortune of having won one of the largest single-state lottery jackpots in history; it was highly involved in the local community and made a difference by making their voice heard at the local level, having served in home and school clubs, music booster and parent support groups.

Mr. and Mrs. Castellano’s devotion to service continued later in life into their work with the, The Chicana/Latina Foundation; The Latino Community Foundation; Los Lupenos de San Jose; Hispanic Foundation Silicon Valley; to their work today with the Castellano Family Foundation and other organizations such as Latinas Contra Cancer and the National Association of Latino Arts and Culture amongst others.

"We are humbled and honored to receive this award," said Carmen Castellano, president and CEO of the Castellano Family Foundation. "Especially, because it recognizes our involvement in the community as a family unit," continued Castellano. "What we do, we do for the love of both our local and extended families who reside in the greater Bay Area community. We strive to make a difference in their lives and give them the hope and tools they need to make a difference in their lives and in the future."

"We hope that this award and our contributions inspire others to do the same in their own neighborhoods," said Alcario Castellano, vice president of The Castellano Family Foundation. "To make an impact all you need is desire and drive, not a checkbook. We encourage others to look into their hearts and see what gift they can contribute locally," said Castellano.

Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley

Their Children

Mr. and Mrs. Castellano’s sense of duty is one that was ingrained in their children and is evident today by their involvement in their local communities. Daughter Maria, a stay-at-home mom is very involved with the schools in Los Gatos, CA, The San Jose Jazz Society, The Women of Silicon Valley Donor’s Circle. Son Armando is a gifted musician who uses his gift to inspire and teach Bay Area students and is active as a volunteer in the community and through his arts advocacy work. Daughter Carmela is also very active, serving on many boards and through her work as CEO for a trade organization for community health clinics in California.

Grandchildren

The Castellano children have passed on the family ethics to their children who in turn volunteer at their schools, different organizations, shelters, food banks and even look to the future by educating people on the environment and cleaning up local parks and beaches.

La Familia Award

Each year the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley recognizes one special Hispanic/Latino family with the La Familia Award for their exemplary service to the community. The selected family is honored at the Foundation’s annual gala event, the Hispanic Charity Ball. The Silicon Valley is a better place for Hispanic children and families thanks to the heartfelt dedication of the Castellanos and previous award recipients.

About the Hispanic Ball

The Hispanic Ball will be held at Fairmont Hotel in San Jose, California on Saturday, October 17, 2009. The first event was held in 1990 to raise awareness about the issues affecting the Latino community, to promote volunteerism, celebrate philanthropic leaders, and to provide a vehicle to support nonprofit organizations serving the Hispanic community with cash grants. Over the course of its history, the event has been a powerful tool for community philanthropy generating nearly $1,000,000 in grant making funds.

Donations

Click here to sponsor the Hispanic Charity Ball or Click here to make donations to the HFSV.

About The Hispanic Foundation Silicon Valley

The Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley (HFSV) www.hfsv.org is a public foundation dedicated to inspiring community philanthropy and engaging people to invest in the health, educational achievement and leadership development of the thriving Hispanic community in Silicon Valley. The HFSV has become an important vehicle for those who share a spirit of giving to have an impact on the lives of Hispanic children and families in Silicon Valley.

Contact:
Karla Rodriguez
krodriguez@consultant.com
408-806-6582