The Spanish American Club, Inc.

Spanish American Club members celebrate their 21st Anniversary

By Herman Santa

On Saturday, Sept. 28, members and supporters of the Spanish American Club, Inc. gathered to celebrate the 21st anniversary of the club at the Disabled American Veteran Club in Port St. Lucie.  This beautiful affair was chaired by Alex James, vice president of the club, in coordination with other board members, Nancy Rozon, Ron Bryson, and Al Feliciano. Before the raffle drawings, James called up to the podium former board of directors that were present, for recognition of their contributions and dedicated work on behalf of the club. Among them were Herman Santa, Kathy Rivera, Jimmy Rivera, Mary Figliola, Isa Bryson, Kino Vélez, Gladys Vélez, Karen Diamond, Lucy Santa and Nora Candelario.

Spanish American Club Inc., co-founder Herman Santa presented a very informative update about the club’s current status and its growth in membership. As of Sept. 28, there were 24,465 views of the website and 465 articles have been posted since 1992, the club’s inception. The club has donated $16,000 in scholarships, to 32 local TreasureCoast high school graduates of Hispanic heritage since 1992. Membership in the Spanish American Club has risen from 18 members in 1992 to 136 and the club continues to receive requests for applications for membership.

D. J. José Ramírez entertained the guests and everyone enjoyed dancing to the end. Later in the evening, the D.J. played a birthday song to celebrate the birthdays of Karen Diamond, Carly Werhly, José Ramírez and Joe Abbate. There were two door prizes and a 50/50 drawing to top off the event. Door prize winners were Galud Segura and Eva Barrera. The 50/50 winner was Marilena Romero.

The nonprofit organization’s mission is to unite Hispanics throughout the TreasureCoast, in order to preserve our Hispanic Heritage. Throughout the year, the members meet once a month to socialize, dine and dance. The group also gives three scholarships to local high school students. In November the members give food baskets in Thanksgiving for low income families and in December the members collect Christmas toys for needy children.  Mark your calendars for the next activities of the club — Saturday, Oct. 26 (Halloween Party). Saturday, Nov. 23 (Thanksgiving Party) and Saturday, Dec. 28 (Christmas and End of the Year Party).

Photo # 1 L to R: Karen Diamond, Carly Werhly, José Ramírez and Joe Abbate.

Photo # 2 L to R: Alex James, Al Feliciano, Nancy Rozon, Galud Segura, Eva Barrera, Marilena Romero and Dr. Joseah Wasdovich.

Photo # 3 L to R: Herman Santa, Kathy Rivera, Jimmy Rivera, Mary Figliola, Alex James, Isa Bryson, Ron Bryson, Nancy Rozon, Kino Vélez, Gladys Vélez, Karen Diamond, Lucy Santa and Nora Candelario.