(October 10, 2008) Downtown Los Angeles – Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34) paid tribute to the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation and its late founder Dionicio Morales at the organization’s 41st annual Aztec Awards Gala held at the historic Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles. During the event, the congresswoman was also presented with the foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Aztec Award for her “exemplary achievement and leadership in advancing the cause of the Hispanic Community.”
Upon accepting the organization’s Lifetime Achievement Aztec Award, Congresswoman Roybal-Allard made the following remarks:
“It is truly an honor to receive this award from MAOF, which is an organization whose history is one of outstanding service to the disadvantaged. I accept this award with great humility and with the recognition that the advantages that have brought me here this evening were made possible by the hard fought battles and triumphs of pioneers like MAOF’s founder, Dionicio Morales. What makes this award especially meaningful to me is the fact that this legendary civil rights leader personally came to my office to inform me of this wonderful recognition. I want the Morales family to know that his visit is a moment I will cherish always. It provided me with a rare opportunity to listen to this icon of a man who broke new ground to serve those most in need. During our conversation, Dionicio shared with me his concern that so many young Latinos lacked pride in their culture. He also expressed his heart felt feeling that since they were unaware of the struggles of past generations, they were taking for granted opportunities previously denied Latinos and other minorities. I truly believe the greatest tribute we can pay to Dionicio’s life is to continue to support his legacy of service through MAOF. I have no doubt that his unfailing commitment to instill pride in our Mexican culture and heritage will be advanced by Dionicio’s own highly inspirational life story. He is truly a noteworthy role model for present and future generations to come. Once again, I thank MAOF and its Board of Directors for honoring me with its Lifetime Achievement Aztec Award.”
Founded in 1963 and headquartered in Montebello in Los Angeles County, the non-profit, community-based organization is the largest Latino-oriented, family services organization in the United States serving 100,000 Californians in seven counties. The foundation offers 20 different free or low-cost programs and services to individuals and families who are socially and economically disadvantaged. The foundation’s programs include, but are not limited to: health promotion and education; infant and toddler programs; child care centers; state preschools; Head Start centers; a network of child care providers; senior and disabled services; employment services such as job training; a food bank; financial literacy; and computer literacy education. More information about the foundation’s services and locations is available by calling (323) 890-9600 or by visiting www.maof.org.
Pictured in the photo from left to right: the foundation’s President and CEO, Martin Castro; Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard; and the Honorable Teresa Sanchez-Gordon, Chairperson of the MAOF Board of Directors and a LA County Superior Court Judge.
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