EL CENTRO— MANA de Imperial Valley will host its annual Las Primeras Gala on Sept. 12, 2025, at the historic Old Eucalyptus Schoolhouse in El Centro.
The evening will honor three local women — Angie Garcia, Jessi Preciado and Angie Ruiz — and raise funds for scholarships benefiting Imperial Valley students pursuing higher education.
This year’s theme, “Words of Wisdom: A Celebration of Vibrant Sayings,” will highlight the beauty and brilliance of Hispanic culture through traditional sayings that have been passed down through generations. Organizers say the gala will celebrate the warmth, humor, love and resilience embodied in these phrases, as well as the women who live by them.
The gala is MANA’s only annual fundraiser, and its proceeds support the group’s scholarship program. In 2024, the event raised $35,000, which was awarded directly to local students. Organizers hope to surpass that amount this year.
MANA is seeking event sponsors and raffle prize donations. Sponsorships are available at various levels, and all contributions directly fund educational opportunities for youth in the Imperial Valley.
Tickets are now available on the MANA website. For more information on sponsorships or raffle donations, contact Las Primeras co-chairs Viridiana Rosales-Trujillo and Nancy Salcedo at manalasprimeras@gmail.com. Or visit their website at ivmana.org/post/las-primeras-gala-words-of-wisdom-a-celebration-of-vibrant-sayings.
