CreArte Latino Cultural Center co-founder and Producing Artistic Director Carolina Franco said now that the new space on Northgate Boulevard is open, the organization hosted its first birthday celebration at the new center for the community.
She hoped the celebration and fundraiser, held Aug. 9, would showcase the organization’s mission of representing Latino and Hispanic culture.
Serving Sarasota and Manatee counties, the nonprofit offers programming that includes theater and community narratives, classes in the arts, and English and Spanish language classes.
“We need to close that gap that’s a bit closed now, more than ever,” Franco said. “It’s about celebrating that we can be stronger if we all learn from each other and we all mingle together.”
Attendees had the chance to dance to music by a DJ, participate in crafts and activities, and enjoy food and a birthday cake.
They were encouraged to bring gifts and to donate, while Franco said an anonymous $5,000 matching gift prior to the event had the potential to double the donations made.
