Fil-Ams of Hercules Celebrate 16 Years of Community Service
This community outreach announcement was facilitated by Myrna de Vera, Chair of the Planning Commission, City of Hercules, California.
September 22, 2007, Hercules, CA - The Fil-Ams of Hercules will commemorate their 16 years of community service with an induction of officers, dinner-dance, and a fundraising event on Saturday, October 27, 2007 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Berkeley. As a community service non-profit organization, the Fil-Ams of Hercules’s mission is to enhance the quality of life of Filipino-Americans and to promote and preserve the cultural heritage of Filipino-Americans.
Proceeds from the event will be directed toward supporting community programs to benefit the youth, foster responsible citizenship, and promote a better understanding of Filipino traditions. These include: (1) Filipino Veterans Commemoration; (2) U.S. Citizenship Oath-taking in Hercules; (3) Christmas Parol-making for youth; (4) Celebration of Philippine Independence Day; and (5) Celebration of Philippine Heritage and Culture at the Hercules Library.
The Fil-Ams of Hercules has consistently been made up of prominent community leaders in their membership. This year’s new officers include:
• President-elect, Frank Batara, former Hercules Mayor and Council Member
• Treasurer, Myrna de Vera, Chair of the Hercules Planning Commission
• PRO, Jojo Soriano, Vice-Chair of the Hercules Community Services Commission
• Board members include current Hercules Mayor Ed Balico and former Community Services Commissioner Janet Taraya.
Other members who have been stewards of the community are former mayors Andy Paras, Ed Manuel, Gony Solidum, and the late Ramon Taraya. The late Nenita Taraya was a member of the Contra Costa Advisory Council on Aging.
To help the fundraising effort, a silent auction of attractive and affordable items, including gift products and services, will be available. Businesses, groups, and families can lend their support by donating items for the silent auction and/or by purchasing an ad in the event’s Souvenir Program. Dancing courtesy of the popular band, Elements of Time, will be provided to enhance everyone’s evening enjoyment.
Friends and interested members of the community are encouraged to call (510) 799-1336 or (510) 245-8500 for information on how to direct their support as well as how to obtain tickets to attend the event.
