Res. No. 086-00-10979RESOLUTION NO.86-00-10979
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI,FLORIDA,RELATING
TO THE CULTURAL AND COMMUNITY GRANTS
PROGRAM;AWARDING A GRANT OF $6,473.49 TO THE
HISPANIC HERITAGE COUNCIL,INC.;CHARGING THE
AWARD TO ACCOUNT #01-2100-519-9910,ENTITLED
"CONTRIBUTION—SPECIAL EVENTS";AND PROVIDING
AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS,the Hispanic Heritage Council submitted a Cultural and Community
Grants Program Application totheCity of SouthMiamiforthe Hispanic Heritage
Festival 1999;and
WHEREAS,on April 12.2000.the Grants Advisory Board reviewed the
application and recommended anaward of $6,473.49;and
WHEREAS,the Mayor andCity Commission of the City of South Miami support
community events and programs,suchastheHispanic Heritage Festival,which
positively impact the quality of lifeenjoyedbythe City's citizens.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI:
Section 1.The City Manager is authorized to provide "in-kind"services
inan amount of $6,473.49 from account #01-2100-519-9910,entitled
"Contribution—Special Events",tothe Hispanic Heritage Council.Inc.,forthe
Hispanic Heritage Festival 1999.
Section 2.This resolution shalltake effect immediately upon approval.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 18thday of April ,2000.
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK
READ AND APPROVED AS TO FORM:
/6,<5*
CITY ATTORNEY
MAYOR
Commission Vote:
Mayor Robaina:
Vice Mayor Feliu:
Commissioner Bethel:
Commissioner Russell:
Commissioner Wiscombe:
5-0
Yea
Yea
Yea
Yea
Yea
To:
From:
CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI
INTER-OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Honorable Mayor
and City Commission
Charles D.Scurr
City Manager
Date:April 13,2000
Subject:Agenda Item #_t
Commission Meeting 04/18/00
Funding Request
Hispanic Heritage Council,Inc.
REQUEST
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF SOUTH MIAMI,FLORIDA,RELATING TO THE CULTURAL AND
COMMUNITY GRANTS PROGRAM;AWARDING A GRANT OF $6,473.49 TO
THE HISPANIC HERITAGE COUNCIL,INC.;CHARGING THE AWARD TO
ACCOUNT #01-2100-519-9910,ENTITLED "CONTRIBUTION—SPECIAL
EVENTS";AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
On October 24,1999,the Hispanic HeritageFestivalwasheldin South Miami forthefirsttime,
andit was a tremendous success.An estimated 50,000 people attended the event to celebrate
HispaniccultureandenjoydowntownSouthMiami.
TheHispanicHeritageCouncilsubmittedaCulturaland Community GrantsProgram
Application totheCity of SouthMiamiinordertoreceivein-kindservices,suchaspoliceand
wastedisposal,fortheevent.Theapplicationrequestedin-kindservicesintheamount of
$6,473.49.
OnApril12,2000,theGrantsAdvisoryBoardreviewedtheapplicationandvoted4-0to
recommend an award of $6,473.49.
Thefunding of thein-kindservices would be charged toAccount #01-2100-519-9910,entitled
"Contribution—Special Events".The available accountbalanceis $44,815.67;theresulting
balance would be $38,342.18.
RECOMMENDATION
Yourapprovalisrecommended.
City of South Miami
Grants to Non-Profit Organizations
Grant Application
1997
(Please submit original and ten (10)copies of this form and attachments)
Organization name:HispanicHeritageCouncil inc
>&;£&£ZL?St Fla9ler "*2°<S««i *«*33134
Phone:(305)541-5023 Fax:541-5176 Voice Mail:''Email:'
Applicant name:Eloy Vazquez t,,.„„..
Co-applicant or other contact:Gerardo Simms ™*chairman6 DireCt°r
Project name (please give short descrip«on):Festival ofthe Americas at Sunset Drive
%w/LllS.Qf
Grant amount requested:$3^&e#V(in kind services)
following?"aSSParate Sh6et kindly Pr°Vlde 3hiSt0ry 0f y0ur orSanization.Include in your history the
1.Date organization was formed
2.Organization mission and goal(s)
3.Names and addresses of officers and directors
4.Date of incorporation,if applicable
5.Past activities;include media coverage,acknowledgements and awards
6.Previous grants from City ofSouth Miami
7.Previous grants from other public and private organizations
SSfiSS?1 3C°Py °f th6 ,nternal ReV6nUe SerViCe "Letter °f Determination»of the organization's non-
£^!!Ct,lnfnrmrli(ln (Pr°Vide 3descriPtion of the P"*«*what it is.who it's for,when it will take place;where itwilltakeplace;and.how it will be produced and conducted)
(see description attached)
Financial Information
Amount ofcash grant requested:
Amount of in-kind grant requested:
Amount of Annual Budget (before this grant):
Estimated Project Expenses
CATEGORY
Personnel-artistic
Personnel-production
Space Rental
Transportation
Marketing/Publicity
Officesupplies/utilities
Equipment rental/purchase
Other cost (please itemize)
Total Expense
CATEGORY
Admission
Grants
Corporate
County
State
Federal
Others
Cash on hand
Citygrant request
Total Exnnnse
CASH EXPENSE
$
IN-KIND EXPENSE
$
Estimated Project Revenues
CASH
$
$
$
$
$
IN-KIND
CONTRIBUTION
$.
$.
$.
$.
$.
S_
$_
s_
$_
$-
$.
$_
$_
SUBTOTAL
$.
$.
$.
$.
$.
$.
$.
h
HISPANIC HERITAGE COUNCIL,INC.
General Information
Date organization formed:
Date and place of Incorporation:
Previous Grants from City of South Miami:
April 1973
April 1,1981,Florida
NONE
Previous Grants from Public Organizations:
(Forall Hispanic HeritageFestivalevents)
Miami-Dade CulturalAffairsCouncil (1998)$23,928
Miami-Dade TourismDevelopmentCouncil(1998)25,000
Internal Revenue Service
District Director'
Date:AUG 2 7 1902
Hispanic Heritage Council,Inc
4011 West Flagler St.No.204
Miami,Fl.33134
Dear Applicant:
Department of the Treasury
Employer Identification Number:
59-2163593
Accounting Period Ending:
March 31
Foundation Status Classification:
170(b)(l)(A)(vi)and 509(a)(1)
Advance Ruling Period Ends:'
March 31,.19^3
Person to Contact:
Zachery/ch
Contact Telephone Number:
404-221-4516
File Folder Number:5BOOO3625
Based on information supplied,and assuming your operations will bo as stated
rly°pr,aPP1 a n f°r recoenUion of exemption,we have determined you are exemptf.om Federal income tax under section 501(c)(3)of the Internal Revenue Code.
h.,o B°Cai;SO y0"are a newlv created organization,v/e are not now making a finaldeterminationofyourfoundationstatusundersection509(a)of the Code.However
»o have determined that you can reasonably be expected to be a publicly supported'
organization described in section l70(b)(l)(A)(vi)and 509(a)(1).
Accordingly,you will be treated as a publicly supported organization,and not
iL?.PrLVa*!3 f°u'ldatlon-duri"E an advance ruling period.This advance ruling periodbeginsonthedateofyourinceptionandendsonthedateshownabove.
Within 90 days after the end of your advance ruling period,you must submit to
us information needed to determine whether you have met the requirements of the
applicable support test during the advance ruling period.If you establish that you
have been a publicly supported organization,you will be classified as a section
509(a)(1)or 509(a)(2)organization as long as you continue to meet the requirements
Snrw c?PpU(;able SUpporL tesU If *<>«d°not meet the public support requirementsduringtheadvancorulingperiod,you will be classified as a private foundation for
future periods.Also,if you are classified as a private foundation,you will be
treated as a private foundation from the date of your inception for purposes of
sections 507(d)and4940.
Grantors and donors may rely on the determination that you are not a private
foundation until 90 days after the end of your advance ruling period.If you submit
the required information within the 90 days,grantors and donors may continue to
rely on the advance determination until the Service makes a final determination of
your foundation status.However,if notice that you will no longer be treated as a
SeCtl°n ,,organization is published in the Internal Revenue Bulletin,
grantors and donors may not rely on this determination after the date of such
publication.Also,a grantor or donor may not rely on this determination if he or
she was in part responsible for.or was aware of.the act or failure to act that
resulted in your loss of section *status,or acquired knowledge that
the Internal Revenue Service had given notice that you would bo removed from
classification as a section *organization.
Letter 1045(DO)(6-77)275 Peachtreo Street,N.E.,Atlanta,GA 30043 («*»«o
*170(b)(l)(A)(vi)nnd 509(a)(1)
If your sources of support,or your purposes,character,or method of operation
change,please let us know so we can consider the effect of the change on your,
exempt'status and foundation status.Also,you should inform us of all changes in
yournameoraddress.
Generally,you are not liable for social security (FICA)'taxes unless you file
a waiver of exemption certificate as provided in the Federal Insurance Contributions
Act.If you have paid FICA taxes without filing the waiver,you should call us.You
are not liable for the tax imposed under the Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA).
Organizations that are not private foundations are not subject to the excise
taxes under Chapter 42 of tho Code.However,you are not automatically exempt from
other Federal excise taxes.If you have any questions about excise,employment,or
otherFederal taxes,pleaseletusknow.
Donors may deduct contributions to you as provided in section 170 of the Code.
Bequests,legacies,devises,transfers,or gifts to you or for your use are
deductible for Federal estate and gift tax purposes if they meet the applicable
provisions of sections 2055.2106.and 2522 of the Code.
You are required to file Form 990.Return of Organization Exempt from Income
Tax only if your gross roceipts each year are normally more than $10,000.If a
return is required,it must be filed by the 15th day of the fifth monthafter the
end of your annual accounting period.The law imposes a penalty of $10 a day.up to
a maximum of $5,000.when a return is filed late,unless there is reasonable cause
forthedelay.
You aro not roriuirod to file Federal income tax returns unless you are subject
to tho tax on unrelated business income under section 511 of the Code.If you are
subject to this tax.you must file an income tax return on Form 990-T In this
letter we are not determining whether any of your present or proposed activities
are unrelated trade or business as defined in section 513 of the Code.
You need an employer identification number even if you have no employees.If
an employer identification number was not entered on your application a number will
be assigned to you and you will be advised of it.Please use that number on all
returns you file and in all correspondence with the Internal Revenue Service.
Because this letter could help resolve any questions about your exempt status
and foundation status,you should keep it in your permanent records.
If you have any questions,please contact the person whose name and telephone
number are shown in the heading of this letter.
Sincerely yours.
Enclosures:990,Schedule A,&Instructions
Letter 1045(D0)(6-77)
History &Description of the Festival
The Hispanic Heritage Council,Inc.is duly registered asa non-profit organization in accordance
with the laws of the State of Florida and the Federal Government (501)(c)(3).Itis governed by a
Board of Directors,duly elected,representing distinguished community members of diverse ethnic
backgrounds and cultures,sharing responsibilities without remuneration.In addition,we rely ona
capableand professional staff andan executive director.
The celebrations ofthe Hispanic Heritage Festival have been held annually since 1973.The
purpose of thiseventistocelebratethe contributions made by Hispanics tothe cultural and economic
development of this nation and share those traditions and folklore with residents and visitors of South
Florida.Undoubtedly,oneofthe largest and most successful Hispanic festivals inthe U.S.,the Hispanic
Heritage Festival has become known worldwide for its presentation ofa first rate special events.
Because of its international flavor,the Festival has attracted the attention and received extensive
press coverage from thelocal,national and international media.Asaresultofthefestival's growth in
recent years,Advertising Age ranked the festival among thetopten Hispanic festivals inthe United
States and Travel &Events USA ranked the festival among thetop40eventsinthe nation.Itisalsoone
of theoldest Hispanic festivalsinthenation.
The Hispanic Heritage Council will produce its 27lh annual Hispanic Heritage Festival,composed
ofa series of events held during the month of October to celebrate the contributions made bythe
Hispanic culturetotheeconomicandcultural development ofthis nation andsharethose traditions and
folklore with residents and visitors of our community."Advertising Age"has ranked the Festival
among thetopten Hispanic festivals inthe U.S.and "Travel &Events USA,"a monthly magazine for
travelers,placed the Festival among thetop40 events inthe nation.This years events attracted
approximately 350,000 locals and visitors.
The1999 Hispanic Heritage Festival will consist ofthe following events:The National Poster
Contest held during the months of April,May,and June to select the official commemorative poster of
this years Festival withover 100 entries from allover the United States.Artwork is displayed during the
Hispanic Heritage Month.TheMiss Hispanidad USA Pageant on August 15th televised by Channel 51.
The official opening ofthe Festival,"Tapas '99"on September 30atthe Douglas Entrance Plaza,
featured famous Latin American and Spanish appetizers by some of Miami's most popular restaurants,
aswellasLatinentertainmentandfolkloricgroups.Thekick-offeventwillentertainedover2,000
community and business leaders from here and abroad.The Hispanic Heritage Gala Ball at the Hotel
Intercontinental on October 8,h,is the event where the Don Quixote Award will be presented to a world
renown personality.Closeto700local,national and international VIPs attendthis glamorous event.
The traditional "Discovery of America Day."an outdoor music andfood festival whichisfreeand open
to the public,willbe celebrated on October 10lh at Bayfront Park with more than 50,000 people that
attended between 12 noonand9p.m.On October 14th theHispanic Heritage Golf Classic willbeheldat
Country Club of Miami attracting 150 players to benefit the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund.The
Legacy of Excellence Awards takes place on October 28,h tohonor5 Hispanic families fortheir
entrepreneurial achievements and community service.
On October 24,h HHF will bring to the South Miami community one of its most popular events,
"Festival of the Americas."This free festival will be held at Sunset Drive between US1 and 57,h Ave.'
Festival of the Americas will feature a giant party complete with Latin musical headliners in concert,
spectacular performances by folkloric groups of various countries,food and music from every corner of
Latin America,a children's activity center,and array of samplers.In addition,the Hispanic Heritage
Essay Contest held with the Dade County Public Schools and Private Schools during the month of
October,involves thousands of students each year.The contest create awareness of the Hispanic culture
among Dade's multiethnic students.The Hispanic Heritage Essay Contest Awards Reception will take
place on November 18,h at Nations Bank.
The Hispanic Heritage Festival isa major tourist attraction.Asa result,its economic impact in
ourarea amounts to millions of dollars.Through the sharing of ourrich heritage we present to residents
and visitors of all ethnic backgrounds a positive and safe celebration of ethnic pride thus emphasizing
our area's international flavor.
HISPANIC HERITAGE COUNCIL,INC.
1999 OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
CHAIRMAN
Gerardo Simms
Assistant US Attorney
US Attorneys Office
99NE 4th Street
Miami,Fl.33132
CHAIRPERSON ELECT
Beba Luzarraga
Director Hispanic Relations
The Miami Herald
One Herald Plaza
Miami,Fl.33132
SECRETARY
Susan B.Angulo Ed.D.
Director St.Thomas University
16400 NW 32nd Ave
IMiami,Fl.33054
VICE-SECRETARY
John F.Pierce
Director of Marketing
Florida Marlins
2267 NW 199,h Street
Miami,Fl.33056
TREASURER
John Phelan
John Phelan P.A.
100 SE 2th St
Miami,Fl.33131
VICE-TREASURER
Ramon Ferrer
Major Accounts Manager
Florida Power &Light
9250 West Flagler Street
Miami,Fl.33174
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Eloy Vazquez
4011 West Flagler St.No.204
Miami,Fl.33134
BRIEF BIOGRAPHY OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
ELOY VAZQUEZ
The Hispanic Heritage Council,Inc.isa Non for Profit corporation
duly registered under the laws of the State of Florida and the Internal
Revenue Service (501 -c-3).Its Executive Director is Eloy Vazquez.
Eloy Vazquez was born in Spain andhas been living in Miami for the
last 30 years.He isa university graduate in Business Administration.
Because of hislarge experience in special events and the Hispanic
market,Vazquez has been invited asa speaker by prestigious
associations such as the International Festival Association,The
Special Events Association,the Public Relations Society of America,
The Miami Hispanic Media Conference,Kiwanis Club,Lions
International and many others.
In1973 Vazquez founded the Hispanic Heritage Festival,a yearly
month long celebration of Hispanic culture held in various sites
throughout the Greater Miami area.Today the Hispanic Heritage
Festival is considered one of the top ten Hispanic events in the USA.
Attendance to the HHF is close to half a million.
Due to the many years of experience in handling large events,
Vazquez was contracted by Disney World as Festival Manager in
charge of folkloric groups for the inaugural ceremonies of Epcot
Center in Orlando in1982.In addition,Vazquez was the
entertainment producer for the American Society of Travel Agents
International Convention and for the Southern Governors
Conference.
In 1984 and 1985 Vazquez was Local Talent Chairman for the Miss
Universe and Miss Teen USA Pageants providing entertainment and
folkloric groups for the shows.He also has been contracted to
coordinate VIP receptions on the Caribbean and Latin America
Conference attended by heads of governments,prime ministers,
members of the consular corps and local elected officials.
In 1986 Vazquez was appointed Executive Director of the Discovery of
America Quincentennial Committee whose most important
celebration has been the visit of the Columbus'carabel replicas to
Miami,their first port of call in the United States.In addition,more
than 59 Quincentennial projects were coordinated by
Vazquez.Other projects include the Official Opening of the AT&T
Amphitheater.
DATE:
PLACE:
ADMISSION:
EVENT
PRODUCER:
ENTERTAINMENT:
OTHER
ATRACTIONS:
PURPOSE:
FESTIVAL OF THE AMERICAS
Miami,Florida
FACT SHEET
October 24,1999
Downtown-South Miami
Free and open to the public
Hispanic Heritage Council
Latin headliners and Folkloric Ensembles
Arts &Crafts,International Foods,Children's
Corner,Sports Center
The grand-finale "fiesta"of the Hispanic Heritage Month
celebrations is Festival of the Americas.Held at one the
most beautiful streets (Sunset Drive between US 1 and SW
57 Ave),the fun begins at12 noon and will continue non
stop till9 pm.For everyone's enjoyment there will be
decorated booths representing various countries of Latin
America and Spain offering a variety of Hispanic cuisine
as well as arts &crafts.Three musical stages will provide
continuous entertainment.The most colorful folkloric
groups representing Spain,Mexico,Panama,Colombia,
Venezuela and Cuba will also present their native music
and dances.In addition,the children's corner will will
delight youngsters with face-painting,clowns
mini-rides,games and petting zoo.The Festival of the
Americas will wave "good-bye"tothe 27th annual Hispanic
Heritage Festival and to this millenium.
REVENUE
Corporate Contributions
Cash
In-Kind
Contract Services
Government Grants
CityGrantRequest
TOTAL REVENUES
EXPENSES
Artistic Expenses
Performers Fees
Police,Cleaning
Security
Administrative Expenses
Personnel-In house
Personnel-contracted
Technical ProductionExpenses
Rental of Stages,Tents,Sound
Signage
Travel
Transportation of Performers
Marketing &Promotion
Advertising
Design&Printing
Postage&Mailing
Fundraising
Insurance
VIP Tent
TOTAL EXPENSES
HISPANIC HERITAGE FESTIVAL
FESTIVAL OF THE AMERICAS
1999 BUDGET
$143,000
95,000
25,000
12,000
$290,000
$75,000
2,000
5,000
10,000
20,000
30,000
2,500
15,000
95,000
8,000
500
2,000
6,000
4,000
$290,000
The amount requested fromtheCity of SouthMiami
istoprovidekindservices(police,cleaningandwaiver
of fees).
HISPANIC HERITAGE FESTIVAL
Promotion&Publicity Campaign
1999
The Hispanic Heritage Council publicizes the Festival through a multimedia,comprehensive
promotional campaign which includes the following:5,000 official posters (with calendar listings),
15,000 brochures and 30,000 souvenir programs are published and distributed at Festival events,
media,national PRand advertising agencies,tourism offices,schools,consular offices,hotels,airlines,
GMCVB,alllocaland national sponsors,etc.These promotional materials include calendar and/or
editorial information on all our events.
Inaddition,75,000copies of a special advertising section by DiarioLasAmericas dedicated
exclusively tothe Festival is published and distributed each year one week prior to the beginning of the
Festival.Also,100,000 copies ofa 10-page Festival supplement is published by Editorial Televisa,the
national Hispanic magazine network circulated inthe United States andLatin America,and inserted in
the October issues of Cosmpolitan (in Spanish),Vanidades,TV y Novelas,etc.
DifferentEnglishandSpanish press releases as well as calendar listings are disseminated to
local,national and international news media prior to the event and a general mailing with photographs is
done inJuneandJulytoall local and national monthly travel publications.
The Hispanic Heritage Council also works closely with the local English and Spanish radio and
TV affiliates.In 1998,the Festival received 670 TV spots,1050 radio spots,and over 200 local,
national andinternationalnewspaperand magazine articles.TV stations which ran promotional
spotsandtalkshowsontheFestival included Channels 7,17,34,41,and 51 aswellas
MediaOne/Miavision and TeleMiami Cable Network.Radio stations which ran spots included AMOR
107.5 FM,WQBA-AM&FM,Radio Mambi,Radio Caracol and Radio Paz.Channel 51 also
produced a special 1/2 hour program ofall the Festivals events forthe South Florida (Broward,Dade
andMonroe counties)market.Thisprogramwasairedontwooccasions.
A pressconference isalsoheldin September in which English and Spanish media professionals
areinvitedto attend and timely information onthe Festival is distributed.
Anexample of theeffects of our national and international promotionandoutreachistheentries
received forourNationalPosterContest from various cities statewide aswellasfrom California,Texas,
New York,Massachusetts,Louisiana,Kansas &South America.More importantly,the Festival
attracted more than 50%tourists tolast year's major outdoor event asaresult of alltheabove-
mentioned promotion.
SPONSORSHIP BENEFITS FOR THE CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI
»
Asa sponsor,the City of South Miami will benefit as follows:
•OpportunitytoattractMiamiDaderesidentsandtouristtovisittheCityofSouthMiamiand,consequently,benefiting
thebusinessesinthearearesultinginaconsiderableeconomicimpact.
•City of SouthMiamilogo displayed onallmusicalandfolkloricstagebanners.
•City of South Miami live mentions fromall stages during the event.
•South Miami name on 15,000 Festival brochures tobe distributed
throughout airlines,hotels,festival events,media,schools,
US Consulates,etc.
•South Miami name on 5,000 Festival posters tobe distributed inthe
same manner as above.
•South Miami name and Greater Miami/Beaches logoin 30,000 Festival
Souvenir Programs distributed inthe same manner as above.
•Diario Las Americas (circulation 75,000)aswellas Editorial Televisa,the
international Hispanic magazine network,willeach publish
15-page special section dedicated tothe Festival.City of SouthMiaminame
will appear asa sponsor ineach special section.
•City of South Miami logointwoadsinTheMiamiHerald promoting
Festival of the Americas event.
•City of SouthMiamilogoinfouradsin El NuevoHeraldforsame
purpose.
•City of South Miami logo infiveadsinDiarioLas Americas forsame
purpose.
•City of South Miami logoinadin Acontecer Colombiano.
•City of SouthMiamilogoononeadin EI Venezolano
•City of SouthMiamilogoononeadin Imagen Latinoamericana.
•City of South Miami logoon one adin El SoldelaFlorida.
•City of South Miami logoin60 spots on Channel 51.
•City of South Miami logo in60 spots on Channel 41.
•50 Complimentary tickets to Hospitality Tent.
ONEOF MIAMI'S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
25C COMMUNITY NEWS™
imwiB TELEPHONE
1-888-50MIAMI
WEEK OF OCT.28 -NOV.3,1999
Student performers take SWAT attobacco
BY MARICHELU HEREDIA
Hwcnty-five senior highschool
studentsincludingsomefrom
South Miami Senior High
havebeen participating ina
Tobacco-Free Performing
Arts Tour,a production ofStudents
Working Against Tobacco (SWAT).
The students arevisitingvarious
Miami-Dade highschools duringRed
Ribbon Week,Oct.25-29,toperform
fortheirpeersandshowthatit'scool
to lead a tobacco-free lifestyle.
"Thiswasjustanopportunityfor
thestudentstoexpressthemselves
and advocate SWAT throughvarious
forms of expressions suchasdance,
song,andmusic,"saidJudyPeacock,
general of the Miami-Dade SWAT.
Peacock has been involved with
SWATsinceitfirst started about a
yearandhalfago.
Participating students chosenat
Oct.2 auditions are Kristy Baker,
Dam Bramson andJessica Sawhncy
fromPalmetto;Mariscla Bravo,Coral
Park;FIcathcr Kashiek,Krop;Danny
Krugliak,CoralReef;MonicaA.
Montaya and Vanesa Torres,South
Miami;BrandonPatterson,New
World SchoolofTheArts;Andrew
Perez,Miami Christian;CorinSaka,
North Miami Beach;JaniceSmith,
Design and Architecture;andLucy
Watkins,LaurenZuckcrman,Melissa
Zunigas,Cindy Haim,ShorcyMartin,
CamilaMora,ErikaMoton,Melissa
Pastrana,Bianca Penabza,Maggie
Rcid,andKim Richardson from
Coral Gables.
The students collaborated with
professionals to write skits andcom
pose original music forthe Tobacco-
Free Performing Arts Tour.Before
eachbegan,SWATmembersasked
students inthe audience tosign
pledge cards "toresistthe pressure to
use tobacco andto defend theirgen
eration against itsdeadlyeffects."
Trust Counselors-teachers,adminis
tratorsor other adults worked with
SWAT at Miami-Dade highschoolsto
help them coordinate logistics ofeach
30-minutcperformance of thetour.
Allhigh schools in Miami-Dade
County were invited tohosta perform
ance or theTobacco-Free Performing
ArtsTour.Thestrongresponse demon
stratedtherespectwhicheducators
have for SWAT.Due to scheduling,
only 15 schoolswereabletobeenter
tained bythetouringcompany.
The Tobacco-Free Performing
ArtsTourispartof the SWAT
OutreachCampaign.TheOutreach
Hispanic Heritage Festival
a hit in South Miami
Thousands (locked lo downtown South Miami in front of the Shops at Sunset Place for the Hispanic Heritage Festival,Sunday,Oct.24.
BY LEE STEPHENS
SouthFlorida'sHispanicHeritage
Festival brought morethan50,000 peopleto
downtown SouthMiami's popular Sunset
Drive Sunday,Oct.24.Theevent began at
noonandlasteduntil8p.m.Festivalofthe
Americasfeaturedlivemusicbylocaland
internationalartistsattwogiantstages,
more than 100 decorated booths,artsand
craftsandDisneycharacters.
"Morethan 50,000 people from differ
entculturescametowitnessanotherfirstin
South Miami.Itwas definitely a success,"
saidSouthMiamiMayorJulio Robaina.
Organized bythe nonprofit Hispanic
Heritage Council,Festival of the Americas
isthemostrespectedandwell-knownevent
in thenationlocelebrateHispanic culture,
lis principal sponsor wasGeneral Molors.
"Festival of the Americas wasahitin
SouthMiamiandwearelookingforwardto
having ithereagaininthenewmillenni
um,"saidEloyVazquez,executivedirector
of theHispanicHeritageCounciland
founder of the event.
Spectators enjoyed livemusicby
NestorTorres,RobertoPerera,Alquimia,
Hector Dona,ADos Vclas,Carlos Oliva,
Enrique Chia,Ed Callc and Ihc Folkloric
Ballet from Madrid and from Ciudad Real.
Campaignwillhavecompleteda
totaloffiveeventsbytheendof
October.The events,created and
managedbyC&HEventsof
BocaRaton,all were designed
with Ihc goal of SWATmembers
spreading themessage of "Trulh-
AGenerationUnitedAgainst
Tobacco."C&HEventsesti
matesover150,000peoplewill
be exposed toSWATbefore Ihc
Outreach Campaignisfinished.
SWATisa grassroots advo
cacy organization created by
Florida youth.Itis funded inpart
bymoneyfroman$11.3billion
settlementwonby Ihc Staleof
Floridainthelandmarkvictory
over the tobacco industry in
1997.
C&HEvenisis working on
behalfoftheMiami-DadeCounty
Health Dcparlmcnt and the
Tobacco-Free Miami-Dade
CommunityPartnership.
Fordetailsabout any evenis
intheSWATOutreach Campaign,
call 561-394-9190.