Celebration of Community Progress 2018

We are excited to celebrate everything that we've accomplished in the last 35 years. We will also honor the following remarkable individuals.

Neighborhood Activist Award

Darma Diaz

Darma continues to assist the people who have been displaced in Puerto Rico. She has traveled to the island and has seen first-hand the devastation that has displaced and killed thousands of people. She has helped displaced Americans by guiding them towards resources, setting up donations for basic needs, and physically assisting on the island and NYC. She fights for this community by serving on numerous boards and coalitions. She is a member of the Steering Committee of the Coalition for Community Advancement that is fighting displacement and for fair land use policies. Darma also provides vital information on voting and health and wellness programs with the YMCA. Darma has been an advocate for this community for many years and have fought for the community as a district leader. Darma is our Neighborhood Activist.

Community Partner

Jesus Quiles

Jesus opened a Little Caesars franchise in 2011. He hired virtually his entire team from the Cypress Hills/East New York community, utilizing Cypress Hills' Employment Solutions office to interview applicants while the restaurant was being set up. Since then he has hosted young adult interns from the neighborhood and hired many of them over the years. Jesus is an inaugural member of the leadership of the Cypress Hills Business Partners—the local merchants association. In 2017, he organized merchants to help pay for holiday lighting to be extended from Cleveland Avenue to Barbey Street. He is a neighborhood leader and exemplifies true commitment to our youth, and our community. Jesus is our Community Partner.

College Visionary

Faviola Guzman

Faviola and your family have been long-time residents of the Cypress Hills community, even investing in the local community with a grocery store that is run by your family. She began as a participant in our College Success Programs, gradually becoming a College Coach to fellow college students to succeed in higher education. Faviola is now a teacher at Multicultural High School. It is self-evident that she strongly believe in the power of education. Her educational success has awarded her the opportunity to join the Time 2000 Program at Queens College as well as the renowned Latinas Learning to Lead Program, offered by the National Hispania Leadership Institute. Faviola is our College Visionary.

Next Generation Community Leader

Leoner Felix

Leoner is a lifelong Cypress Hills resident and has been a pivotal addition to the Cypress Hills LDC family for more than five years. Leo was a participant of Cypress Hills LDC's afterschool program from 2001-2008. As he attended high school, Leo was hired as a Program Aide for the afterschool program at I.S. 171 campus. He was then promoted to Group Leader in the Summer of 2014. In January 2016, Leo was also hired as a full-time para-professional for Highland Park Community School. He has been promoted to be a Group Leader Supervisor in September 2017. Leo exemplifies compassion for this community and our students. Leoner's passion for the Cypress Hills community and pride in mentoring children and young adults alike is appreciated by all! He is a beacon of hope and empathy to students and youth throughout Cypress Hills.

Sponsorship Levels

___ Preferred Sponsor: $500 will enable you to adopt a Cesiah Toro Mullane Scholar and includes 4 tickets; Premier placement of company name/logo on event e-vite, signage, program and special recognition from event podium, recognized in CHLDC social media; name/logo will be displayed on monitors at the event, recognition on the CHLDC website for one year after the event; giving sponsors and advertisers increased recognition and value, recognized in post-event email blast.

___ Organizer Sponsorship: $150 Includes 2 tickets; Placement of company logo on event e-vite, signage, recognized in CHLDC website including social media, recognized in post-event email blast.

Ticket Levels

___ Advocate Ticket: $75 Includes Food with Open-bar

___ Supporter Ticket: $50 Includes Food with two Alcoholic Beverages

___ Cultivator Ticket: $35 Includes Food with Non-Alcoholic Beverages