HispanicBusiness

WASHINGTON, June 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Esperanza, the largest Hispanic Evangelical network in the United States, is commemorating corporate sponsors and celebrating outstanding community and governmental leadership at the 2009 Esperanza Partners and Awards Dinner, taking place on Thursday, June 18 at the J.W. Marriot Hotel in Washington, D.C. at 7:00 p.m.

Julissa, will be the Mistress of Ceremonies during this "Noche de Celebracion" where the Reverend Luis Cortes, Jr., President and Founder of Esperanza, will announce Esperanza's partnership with AETNA as a significant affiliation that will abet the implementation of Esperanza's work as a mission-driven organization. As an extension to the call to action addressing global warming that was launched during the 2008 National Hispanic Prayer Breakfast, Esperanza will also announce a partnership with Wal-Mart and screen Futuro de Esperanza: Hope Through Sustainability, a video highlighting how important it is that the Hispanic community be at the forefront of the great effort for environmental sustainability.

Esperanza will have the honor of presenting awards to three deserving individuals during the Partners and Awards Dinner. Congressman Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) will receive the Esperanza Advocate Award, an award based on the Scripture passage I Timothy 6:12, for his tireless efforts towards comprehensive immigration reform. Adolfo Carrion, Sr., will accept the Esperanza Spirit Award for his consummate work in ministry; this award is based on the verses in Matthew 25:42-43. Adolfo Carrion, Jr., Director, White House Office of Urban Affairs, will be present at the ceremony and will share about the tremendously positive influence his father has had on his life. Fernando Arau, will accept the Esperanza Image Award, founded on the Bible passage Titus 2:7, for being an exemplary role model for Latinos.

The program will also include musical performances by some of Christian music's most talented artists, including four-time Latin Grammy Award winner, Marcos Witt; ARPA Award winner, Julissa; Alex Campos, Ordained Praise, Danny Grijalva, and Ingrid Rosario.

The Esperanza Partners and Awards Dinner celebrates a commitment to serving the Hispanic community and recognizes those whose work and efforts echo Esperanza's mission.

Media outlets interested in covering the National Hispanic Prayer Breakfast on Friday, June 19th, MUST confirm by contacting Rosario Diaz-Cintron by Thursday, June 18th, at 3 p.m. via email at rdiaz-cintron@esperanza.us or by calling (267) 275-6430. If not, access to the event might be denied.

The Reverend Luis Cortes, Jr. is president of Esperanza, the largest Hispanic faith-based Evangelical network in the United Sates. With a national network of more than 12,000 churches, ministries, and community organizations, Esperanza is one of the leading voices for Hispanics in America. For more information, go to http://www.esperanza.us/. Esperanza

Web Site: http://www.esperanza.us/