The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) celebrates 31 years of serving Latino youth with its 31st Annual Awards Gala on Wednesday, September 10, 2008 . This year's theme, The Power to Make the Difference, commemorates the vast contributions Hispanic Americans have made to this country and celebrates the historic opportunity it has to impact the future of the United States.

 

Presidential candidate Sen. John McCain of Arizona will address the crowd of more than 2,300, including as many as 40 Members of Congress in attendance.

 

This year's Chairman's Award, selected by CHCI Chairman Joe Baca (CA-43), will be presented to three pioneering Members of Congress, Reps. Solomon P. Ortiz (TX-27), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-18), and Jose E. Serrano (NY-16).

 

Lieutenant General Ricardo Sanchez (Ret.) and actress Rosie Perez will be presented with the CHCI Medallion of Excellence for Leadership and Community Service Awards. Sanchez is only the second Hispanic four-star general in Army history with more than 33 years of military service. Perez is an Oscar nominated actress, who has dedicated her life to giving back to the community through her work to combat AIDS and promote arts education for underprivileged children.

 

The event will be emceed by Tony Plana, star of ABC's hit comedy "Ugly Betty," with gala entertainment provided by Grammy award-winning artists Los Lonely Boys. Gala Reception entertainment will be provided by Mariachi Sol de Mexico(R) de Jose Hernandez.

 

Gala Host Toyota joins in supporting CHCI's leadership development programs for Hispanic youth, along with Premiere Sponsor Comcast.

 

For press credentials, please contact: Scott Gunderson Rosa at 202-548-5876 or via email at sgunderson_rosa@chci.org.