Canyon Lakers attend the Aztec Awards Gala

As guests of El Monte Councilman Jerry Velasco, Canyon Lake residents Louis and Maria Hernandez attended the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation’s 49th annual Aztec Awards Gala at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles on October 7.

Maria poses with actor Jorge Rivero, an honoree at the Aztec Awards Gala.

The annual event raises funds to supplement MAOF’s numerous community programs including early education programs for children of low income working families, senior citizen services focusing on the Spanish speaking elderly and a food bank for the needy in and around Los Angeles.

Daniella Guzman, anchor of NBC4 Southern California, served as master of ceremonies. Dr. David E. Hanyes-Bautista was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award, Anothony Rendon, Speaker of the California Assembly, was honored with the Community Award, International Artist Jorge Rivero was honored with the Media Aztec Award and Starbucks was honored with the Corporate Award.

MAOF is one of the largest Latino non-profit organizations in the nation, and has been providing services in California since 1963. Its mission is to provide for the socio-economic betterment of the greater Latino community of California, while preserving the pride, values and heritage of the Mexican-American culture.