Author: Melissa Lazaro

Our Corazón-Centered Celebration, Highlights from Gala 2025

Posted on by in Uncategorized

On November 15, the Corazón Gala 2025 we successfully held, the annual fundraising event of Para Los Niños de Highline, bringing together allies, community members, sponsors, godmothers, godfathers, and collaborators committed to the well-being of Latin American families in South King County.

The gala aimed to strengthen the eight comprehensive programs the organization provides for children, students, and families. Thanks to the generous support of attendees and donors we raised $73,000, directly contributing to the sustainability of our programs.

The event was enthusiastically hosted by master of ceremonies Ray Corona, who brought energy and warmth to the evening. The gala also featured State Senator Rebecca Saldaña as the keynote speaker, whose trajectory and leadership are widely recognized in the community. The senator’s presence was especially meaningful, given her longstanding support of Para Los Niños, serving for several years as a godmother and committed ally of our mission and programs.

One of the most moving moments of the evening was the presentation by Paula López and Griselda Morales, who shared how their participation in the organization’s programs has impacted their personal and family’s growth.

During the gala, Samantha Rosas, Chair of the Board of Directors, and Virginia Herrera-Páramo, Executive Director of Para Los Niños de Highline, reaffirmed their commitment to equity and to strengthening services for Latin American families. A special acknowledgment was also given to the Board of Directors, who played a fundamental role as table captains and hosts, sharing the organization’s mission and values with the guests.

The gala was honored by the distinguished presence of Valeria Ortiz, the talented artist behind our iconic Corazón Gala logo and the image representing this year’s theme. Valeria shared moments with guests in a specially arranged space beside her artwork and signed prints, offering attendees the opportunity to take home a unique artistic memento of the evening.

The gala was filled with vibrant moments, including the exciting live auction, which saw enthusiastic participation from attendees. Music was one of the highlights of the event, with performances that invited everyone to celebrate. Notably, Mariachi Tesoro de Highline, led by Gabriela Olivarez, accompanied the traditional Dessert Dash, adding an unforgettable cultural touch. The event also featured Trío Guadalevín, a group dedicated to exploring the musical legacy of indigenous, European, and African cultures. To close the night, the band Buena Vibra had guests dancing to their energetic salsa, ending the evening with joy and rhythm.

From all of us at Para Los Niños de Highline, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended, donated, collaborated, and enjoyed the evening. Your support is essential to continue building a promising future for our children, youth, and families, especially in today’s political climate, where we must continue to joyfully resist  and reinforce our commitment to our values, every day.

We look forward to seeing you next year at Gala 2026 – November 14. Save the date and join us with enthusiasm!

Below, we share some images capturing memorable moments from this special evening.

Gala Corazón 2025 Gallery

Nuestra Celebración Centrada en el Corazón: Momentos Destacados de la Gala 2025

El 15 de noviembre se llevó a cabo con éxito la Gala Corazón 2025, el evento anual de recaudación de fondos de Para Los Niños de Highline, reuniendo a aliados, miembros de la comunidad, patrocinadores, madrinas, padrinos y colaboradores comprometidos con el bienestar de las familias latinoamericanas del sur del Condado de King.

La gala tuvo como objetivo fortalecer los ocho programas integrales que la organización ofrece a niños, estudiantes y familias. Gracias al generoso apoyo de los asistentes y donantes, recaudamos $73,000, contribuyendo directamente a la sostenibilidad de nuestros programas.

El evento fue conducido con entusiasmo por el maestro de ceremonias Ray Corona, quien aportó energía y calidez a la velada. La gala también contó con la participación de la Senadora Estatal Rebecca Saldaña como oradora principal, cuya trayectoria y liderazgo son ampliamente reconocidos en la comunidad. La presencia de la senadora fue especialmente significativa, dado su apoyo constante a Para Los Niños, habiendo sido madrina y aliada comprometida de nuestra misión y programas durante varios años.

Uno de los momentos más emotivos de la noche fue la presentación de Paula López y Griselda Morales, quienes compartieron cómo su participación en los programas de la organización ha impactado su crecimiento personal y familiar.

Durante la gala, Samantha Rosas, Presidenta de la Junta Directiva, y Virginia Herrera-Páramo, Directora Ejecutiva de Para Los Niños de Highline, reafirmaron su compromiso con la equidad y con el fortalecimiento de los servicios para las familias latinoamericanas. También se hizo un reconocimiento especial a la Junta Directiva, que desempeñó un papel fundamental como capitanes de mesa y anfitriones, compartiendo la misión y los valores de la organización con los invitados.

La gala se vio honrada por la distinguida presencia de Valeria Ortiz, la talentosa artista detrás de nuestro icónico logo de la Gala Corazón y de la imagen que representa el tema de este año. Valeria compartió momentos con los invitados en un espacio especialmente dispuesto junto a sus obras y firmó impresiones, ofreciendo a los asistentes la oportunidad de llevarse un recuerdo artístico único de la velada.

La gala estuvo llena de momentos vibrantes, incluyendo la emocionante subasta en vivo, que contó con la entusiasta participación de los asistentes. La música fue uno de los puntos destacados del evento, con presentaciones que invitaron a todos a celebrar. Cabe destacar a Mariachi Tesoro de Highline, dirigido por Gabriela Olivarez, que acompañó el tradicional “Dessert Dash”, añadiendo un toque cultural inolvidable. El evento también contó con Trío Guadalevín, un grupo dedicado a explorar el legado musical de culturas indígenas, europeas y africanas. Para cerrar la noche, la banda Buena Vibra hizo que los invitados bailaran con su enérgica salsa, finalizando la velada con alegría y ritmo.

De parte de todo el equipo de Para Los Niños de Highline, extendemos nuestro más sincero agradecimiento a todos los que asistieron, donaron, colaboraron y disfrutaron de la noche. 

Su apoyo es esencial para seguir construyendo un futuro prometedor para nuestros niños, jóvenes y familias, especialmente en el clima político actual, donde debemos continuar resistiendo con alegría y reforzando nuestro compromiso con nuestros valores, cada día.

¡Esperamos verlos el próximo año en la Gala 2026 – 14 de noviembre! ¡Guarden la fecha y acompáñennos con entusiasmo!

A continuación, compartimos algunas imágenes que capturan momentos memorables de esta velada tan especial.

Gala Corazón 2025 Galería

Giving Tuesday 2025

Posted on by in Uncategorized

Latin American families are the participants of the eight programs offered by Para Los Niños of Highline.  Every day, we work to provide safe spaces for free where families can learn, enjoy art, culture, technology, sports, a place to strengthen academic learning, and develop leadership skills that help them face life’s challenges with confidence.

Maintaining these programs is an ongoing challenge, but with your support, we can continue offering these life-changing opportunities.

The mission of Para Los Niños is clear and meaningful: to support the success of our Latin American community through leadership development, celebrating diversity, promoting artistic expression, and fostering lifelong curiosity.

We would love to have your support to continue fulfilling this mission!

This year, we are joining Giving Tuesday, a global movement that celebrates generosity. It is a day to give from the heart—whether through time, resources, or donations—with the goal of helping more families thrive.

Thank you for supporting us and being part of a place where learning, art, and leadership flourish.

Early Bird Tickets for the Corazón Gala 2025

Posted on by in Fundraising, Gala

We are pleased to announce that early bird tickets for our Corazón Gala 2025 are now available for purchase.

Once again, we have the opportunity to come together and celebrate with our partners, friends, and community more than 21 years of shared goals.

The Corazón Gala 2025 will continue this tradition, strengthening bonds with those who have accompanied us from the beginning and welcoming new allies who wish to join our mission.

Early bird tickets will be available for a limited time, until October 10 with special prices for those who purchase in advance:

Early Bird Ticket Price: $150

We invite you to secure your place at this event before the early bird period ends and take advantage of discounted pricing.

Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this important evening. Get your tickets today and contribute to a cause that makes a difference in our community.

Click here to buy your tickets and find out all the details: 

https://ourfundraiser.link/Corazon2025

Scan this QR Code for more details about our Gala.

We celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

Posted on by in Community

From September 15 to October 15, the United States celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, also known as El Mes de la Hispanidad. This commemoration recognizes and honors the achievements, contributions, and impact of the Latin American community across all areas of U.S. society.

During this month, we pay tribute to Hispanic leaders who have made history and who, through their work and dedication, have contributed to the growth and development of our communities. Entrepreneurs, athletes, artists, scientists, public servants, human rights advocates, and community workers—Latin Americans have deeply enriched the culture, economy, and identity of this nation.

Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity for children, youth, and families to celebrate their roots, learn more about their history, and take pride in their cultural heritage. Through special events, school activities, cultural exhibitions, and artistic performances, our traditions come to life in every corner of the country.

This celebration traces its origins to 1968, when the United States Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan expanded it to a full month. The beginning of this observance coincides with the independence dates of several Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua (September 15), Mexico (September 16), and Chile (September 18).

However, each Latin American person renews the way of celebrating these dates by making them our own and feeling proud of our contributions. At the same time, we recognize that these celebrations must also include Indigenous peoples who speak different languages and are an essential part of the cultural elements and contributions of Latin American countries, and who live here in the United States.

At Para Los Niños, we celebrate Latin American Heritage by recognizing the rich diversity of cultures from the Caribbean, Central America, and South America — including the Indigenous peoples of these regions — and honoring their positive and lasting contributions to the history and future of the United States.

                     Our roots not only tell a story—they also build a future, especially for the children

                                                                who will proudly inherit our culture.

                                                          Celebramos el Mes de la Herencia Hispana

                                                                              Estamos Presentes

Del 15 de septiembre al 15 de octubre, los Estados Unidos celebran el Mes de la Herencia Hispana, también conocido como el Mes de la Hispanidad. Esta conmemoración reconoce y honra los logros, aportes y contribuciones de la comunidad Latino Americana en todos los ámbitos de la sociedad estadounidense.

Durante este mes, rendimos homenaje a los líderes hispanos que han marcado la historia y que, con su trabajo y dedicación, han contribuido al desarrollo y crecimiento de nuestras comunidades. 

Emprendedores, deportistas, artistas, científicos, servidores públicos, defensores de derechos y trabajadores comunitarios, los Latino Americanos hemos enriquecido profundamente la cultura, economía e identidad de esta nación.

El Mes de la Herencia Hispana es una oportunidad para que niños, jóvenes y familias celebren sus raíces, conozcan más sobre su historia y estemos orgullosos de nuestra herencia cultural. A través de eventos especiales, actividades escolares, exposiciones culturales, presentaciones artísticas, nuestras tradiciones cobran vida en cada rincón del país.

Esta celebración tiene sus raíces en 1968, cuando el Congreso de los Estados Unidos autorizó al presidente Lyndon B. Johnson a proclamar la Semana Nacional de la Herencia Hispana.

Sin embargo cada persona Latino Americana renueva la forma de celebrar estas fechas apropiandonos y sintiéndonos orgullosos de nuestras contribuciones. Y tomando conciencia de que parte de esas celebraciones deben estar incluidos los pueblos originarios que hablan otros diferentes idiomas y que forman parte imprescindible de los elementos culturales y aportaciones de países latinoamericanos y que viven en Estados Unidos.

En 1988, fue ampliada a un mes completo por el presidente Ronald Reagan. El inicio de esta celebración coincide con las fechas de independencia de varios países latinoamericanos: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua (15 de septiembre), México (16 de septiembre) y Chile (18 de septiembre).

En Para Los Niños, reconocemos la Herencia Latino Americana, reconociendo la diversidad de las culturas con raíces en, el Caribe, Centroamérica y Sudamérica, incluyendo a los pueblos originarios de nuestros países, celebrando el  impacto positivo y duradero en la historia y el futuro de los Estados Unidos.

                          Nuestras raíces no solo cuentan una historia,  también construyen un futuro,

                            especialmente para los niños que heredarán con orgullo nuestra cultura.

We officially celebrate the purchase of our new offices – our home – with an Open House

Posted on by in Fundraising

The Board of Directors and Para Los Niños de Highline thank you for attending our Open House event.

With over 83 guests in attendance, we joyfully celebrated the official inauguration of Para Los Niños de Highline’s new building. “Open House” marked a historic moment for our organization: the acquisition of our own space, where we will continue offering educational and cultural programs for the Latin American community through our events and activities for children, youth, and adults.

During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, we had the honor of welcoming Senator Emily Alvarado, Senator Tina Orwall, and real estate agent Rodolfo Hernández McIntyre. Each of them shared heartfelt words recognizing the impact Para Los Niños continues to have on our community.

We also extend our deepest gratitude to our Madrinas and Padrinos, whose valuable support and ongoing commitment helped highlight the importance of this meaningful event.

The event brought together representatives from partner organizations, Highline Public Schools, Highline College, and community members involved in our programs. It was a joyful space for connection, celebration, and networking in a warm and welcoming environment.

One of the most special moments was the art exhibition that now decorates the walls of our new home. We had the honor of showcasing the works of talented artists including: Amarantha Ibarra-Sandys, Maribel Galván, Nancy Salguero, Allina Hakim, Raquel Garcia, Valeria Ortiz, José Orantes, René Julio, Rafa Diaz, Nam Hyoung Kim, Fulgencio Lazo, Jake Prendez, Blanca Santander, Carlos Martinez, and Angelina Villalobos.

The day also featured a silent auction to help raise funds for building repairs. Guests enjoyed a delicious tasting experience prepared by Chef Blanca Rodríguez.

From all of us at Para Los Niños de Highline, we deeply thank everyone who joined us in this important step forward. This new space is by the community and for the community!

If you’d like to visit the Para Los Niños art collection, you can schedule a visit by calling 206-241-7900. We invite you to enjoy the beautiful work created by our talented local artists. Additionally, four outdoor murals on the building are freely open to the public.

To continue supporting our work, you can become a Madrina or Padrino. By taking on this role, you join a traditional network of support in Latin American culture, committing to the well-being and academic development of children and youth ages 0 to 18.
 Your monthly donation — in any amount you choose — helps sustain and grow our programs.

Donate here: https://plnwa.org/donate/