Photo reprinted from Channelone.com

In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, which is just around the corner, September 15 ─ October 15, the Ford Motor Company and the Las Vegas Review Journal’s Newspapers in Education program are sponsoring a photography and essay contest for students in grades 9-12 throughout Clark County.

Students are asked to research a person, place or event that is representative of Hispanic culture and heritage and has made a significant impact within the community or their life. Secondly, students are asked to photograph their selection and write a brief composition of their subject (no more than four paragraphs) describing its importance.

The1st prize is a $2,250.00 U.S. Savings Bond and Certificate of Merit. Second prize is a $1,000.00 U.S. Savings Bond and Certificate of Merit, and 3rd Prize is a $500.00 U.S. Savings Bond and Certificate of Merit.  The Honorable Mention will receive a $250.00 U.S. Savings Bond and Certificate of Merit.  Contest winners must have a valid Social Security account number to be eligible to receive U.S. Savings Bonds.  Winners will be presented their prizes at the Las Vegas Review-Journal October 24th, 2008.  In addition to prizes awarded, the first place winner’s name and photograph and other winners’ names will be published in the Review-Journal.

The deadline for entries is Friday, October 10, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. at the Review-Journal property or by mail.  Entries can be mailed to:

Newspapers In Education

Las Vegas Review-Journal

1111 W. Bonanza Rd.

Las Vegas, NV 89106

For more information about the contest, visit http://www.lasvegasnie.com/hheritage08.html.

I hope that you encourage any of your eligible children, students or relatives to participate in this contest, which is a great and creative way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage.  Good luck to the contestants!

A few days ago I mentioned that our firm was going to be donating $5,000 to NALA (Nevada Association of Latin Americans) to sponsor a classroom for their 4-year-old students to provide them with materials they need for their ESL education. 

 
Patricia Gutierrez, community relations director for the Law Offices of Adam S. Kutner presents the check to Teri de la Torre, NALA executive director and Edgar Patino, NALA chairperson.

Wednesday, the donation was presented to NALA, who graciously provided attendees with Latin food and entertainment.  The adorable NALA preschool students were a huge hit when they performed Latin folkloric dances wearing traditional red and green costumes.  After the presentation of the donation and the dance performance, the NALA staff, members from their board of directors and guests enjoyed a lunch of tamales and carne asada tacos followed by cake for dessert.

NALA students along with their teacher perform folkloric dances  

Big thanks to NALA for everything they do for our community. Like I mentioned before,   NALA has been in the community for almost 40 years and is the only Hispanic social service agency in Southern Nevada.  They provide individuals and families of low to moderate income educational and social services, including preschool and childcare for the to 2-5 year old children of working parents. 

Also, thank you, NALA, for the beautiful plaque to place in our office to symbolize our partnership with your wonderful organization and for the homemade salsa and chips.  We hope to see you all again soon.

Regards,

Adam S. Kutner

It’s a difficult time for many local companies that need to cut back on their community giving.  Non-profits are suffering tremendously, but their needs aren’t going away.  
 

As I mentioned before in my blogs, we’ve recently associated our company with a wonderful local organization called NALA (Nevada Association of Latin Americans).  NALA was founded in 1969 and is the only Hispanic social service agency in Southern Nevada.  Their mission is to improve the opportunity and the quality of life for people of all ages, by providing individuals and families of low to moderate income outstanding educational and social services in an environment of caring and mutual respect.

Their preschool and childcare services are available to 2-5 year old children of working parents.  This is where we come in.

We recently were made aware that the kids are in need of additional educational materials, art supplies and other resources that can assist with preschool activities.  So, tomorrow, July 30^th, our company is going to be making a donation of $5,000 to NALA to help their 4-year-old students with materials they need for their ESL education. 

Our company employs and services the ever growing Hispanic community in Southern Nevada, so it is with great pleasure that we make this donation and hope that there will be more to follow.

While many of us can’t give donations, there are organizations out there that need our time and resources, so please remember that anything helps.

Regards,

Adam S. Kutner