Telemundo LA celebrates PADRES HÉROES.

KVEA, Channel 52, the Telemundo flagship station in Los Angeles, announced the second year of its highly successful PADRES HÉROES (Parent Heroes) campaign, a unique and innovative program that is designed to acknowledge, celebrate and recognize the many sacrifices parents have made to assure a college education for their children. “Some say that our Latino community has few heroes” says Ron Gordon, President, Telemundo Television Group, “we in fact, see them all around us, they are the unsung parents who sacrificed everything, perhaps working two-three jobs to assure a college education for their children”, Gordon continued. This special initiative is a partnership with Farmers Insurance and Telemundo 52 in the Los Angeles market.
 
PADRES HÉROES are hard-working; low-income parents who managed to put their children through college with their perseverance and tremendous personal sacrifices.  Although they may work multiple jobs each day to make ends meet, they found opportunities to be strong role models for their children. “Padres Héroes reflects our commitment to our communities,” said Gordon.  “We are proud to partner with Farmers Insurance on this campaign that recognizes some true heroes in our community.”
 
“Farmers Insurance has long been committed to the Latino community it serves through our strong support of numerous educational programs and organizations, including our recruitment initiative, which provides the opportunity and tools for Latinos to own their businesses as Farmers agents,” said Luisa Acosta-Franco, VP, Multicultural Marketing for Farmers. “We are honored to support Padres Héroes and acknowledge parents’ hard work to provide for a bright future for their children.” Today’s families face many challenging decisions; we at Farmers applaud those parents who see a college education as the best way to improve their families’ future.
 
Between December 15 and January 9, 2011, Telemundo 52 viewers in Los Angeles, will be able to nominate their parents, aunts, uncles or anyone who played a significant role in securing a college education for their loved ones.  Those nominating will, in their own words describe what sacrifices their “heroes” made throughout their lives which in turn allowed them to have better opportunities by completing a college education.
 
A total of eight Padres Héroes will be selected as finalists and will be featured and highlighted on-air.  Viewers will be asked to visit www.telemundo52.com to view their profiles and vote for the Padres Héroes del Año.  All eight finalists will receive two round trip tickets to any destination served by Southwest Airlines.
 
The PADRES HÉROES del AÑO winner will be announced at an awards luncheon to be held on March 11, 2011. The prize for the Padres Heroes del Año includes:  a round trip for two on Alaska Airlines to Los Cabos, Mexico including hotel accommodations, courtesy of the Mexico Tourism Board.
 
Nominations can be made by family members, students, educators, friends; anyone familiar with the nominee’s tireless efforts on behalf of his/her children’s education. Nominees must be parents, grandparents or any legal guardian that has played a principal role in the development and support of the children and family. The children who are related to the nominee must be enrolled in or have completed an accredited college or university. Those who are nominating someone must be at least 18 years old.  All nominations will be reviewed and scored by Local Selection Committees. The Los Angeles committee is made up of education specialists, university administrators and college counselors. Nominations can be written in either English or Spanish via the web at: www.telemundo52.com.