The Legacy Banks Foundation Contributes to Festival Latino
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| caption: Louise Lucchese (r) branch manager of Legacy’s Lee office presents check to Liliana Bermudez, chair of the Festival Latino Committee and Gladys Rave, a member of the Board. |
According to Richard Sullivan, president of The Legacy Banks Foundation, it is a great event of cultural enrichment for the entire community. “We are pleased to once again support this terrific program, which has a long history of bringing together members of our Latino community and providing an exciting experience for all those who attend,” he commented. “At Legacy Banks, we are committed to serving our growing multicultural population with products and service that meet their unique needs,” he continued.
The Festival has become a venue for countless folkloric dancers from different Latin American countries. Each year, dancers share stunning performances with beautifully crafted costumes, stories, and choreography of their unique and rich cultures. Additionally, bilingual representatives from social service organizations display and inform the public about their services at the Festival.
According to Festival Founder and Chair Liliana Ortiz-Bermudez, the Festival was created in 1995 to promote the understanding and appreciation of Latin American culture within the Berkshires. “We are so appreciative of Legacy’s continued support with the Festival,” noted Ortiz-Bermudez. “Without the sponsorship of Legacy and our other contributors, we would not be able to present this exciting program, which means so much to so many,” she added.
The longest running Latino Festival in New England, the event is appropriately held during September, which is Hispanic Heritage Month. In addition to presenting the Festival, the Festival Latino Committee provides cultural enrichment to students at Berkshire County schools. Ortiz-Bermudez explained, “For the past three years we have proudly invited faculty, staff and students in Berkshire County to attend our Hispanic Heritage Celebration. As educators, they know the value of cultural events and how they contribute to the development of our children,” she continued.
Anyone who would like to contribute to the Festival Latino of the Berkshires, may contact Ortiz-Bermudez at 413-243-3961.
