Latin Fever Ball: ‘Café y Chocolate: The Flavor of the Americas’ Raised record Donations.

The Latin American Association (LAA) is pleased to report that its 16th Annual Latin Fever Ball “Café y Chocolate: The Flavor of the Americas” which took place earlier this month at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Buckhead was a colossal success. The LAA received a record amount of donations and contributions in all areas: ticket sales, sponsorship sales, and the silent auction.

Ms. Maritza Pichon, Executive Director of the LAA said “The Latin American Association would like to thank all of our sponsors, contributors, and volunteers for their encouragement and support of the Latin Fever Ball, the enthusiasm surrounding this year’s event has been infectious! We have already received numerous sponsorship requests for next years event scheduled to take place on October 8th, 2005” Ms. Pichon, added, “I would like to acknowledge and thank all of our sponsors, especially our presenting sponsor The Coca-Cola Company for their continued support. Thanks to fundraising events like this, the LAA can continue to provide the very best in transitional and development programs for Latinos.” Ms. Gilda Pedraza, Director, Resource Development & Marketing for the LAA added, “This year, we were able to raise a record $200,000. All the proceeds support our work in the community by providing assistance to more than 60,000 families annually through our programs.”

The black tie LAA Latin Fever Ball is Atlanta’s highlight of the observance of Hispanic Heritage Month, which is celebrated nationally from September 15 through October 15. The gala is also the premier fundraiser for the LAA, and has become well known for its distinctive ambiance, Latin rhythms, and exquisite food. Funds from the ball underwrite the costs of LAA programs including language and education, youth, family, employment, housing and immigration services.

This year’s sponsors included: The Coca-Cola Company, Cox Enterprises, Georgia Power, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia, Delta Air Lines, Diaz Foods, Diaz-Verson Capital Investments, GE Energy, The Kroger Company, Lanza Group, StudioCom, Turner Broadcasting System, United Parcel Service, AstraZeneca, Chase Home Finance, McDonald’s, and Sprint.