HCC’s annual awards banquet
Tonight (Nov. 8), the Greater Kansas City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will honor business and community leaders for their service to the area at the 41st annual Noche de Gala. This year’s honorees are Allan Arias; Orlando Gutierrez and Gustavo Restrepo; Alma Azuara; Kisha Bausby; Joaquin Toro; and Rudy Garcia.
The awards banquet at Harrah’s North Kansas City Casino sold out historically soon — early last month, but there’s a wait list for those who missed getting a ticket. And there’s an after-party at Harrah’s VooDoo Lounge for people over age 21, regardless of whether they attended Noche de Gala.
Sarah Plake, a reporter with KSHB-TV will emcee the awards banquet. Various individuals will present the engraved crystal awards.
“We select people based on who’s winning the award,” says Gala chair, Angie Gunion. “At the awards ceremony, we like to execute the story of the award winner.”
Allan Arias, co-owner of Compass Waste Services is the Hector Barreto Sr. New Small Business of the Year. Arias started the residential and commercial waste service with his wife, Krista in 2017.
The Colombian Cultural Association was named the Jesse Flores Hispanic Business of the Year. Orlando Gutierrez and Gustavo Restrepo will accept the award for the nonprofit organization committed to honoring and raising awareness of Colombian culture in the area.
The El Dorado Corporation of the Year award goes to the Sprint Corporation. Alma Azuara, a multicultural marketing manager at Sprint will accept the award.
Kisha Bausby, a senior diversity specialist at JE Dunn Construction will take home the Richard Barrera Award in recognition of her contributions to the Hispanic Chamber’s mission.
Joaquin Toro is the Carlos F. Cortes Humanitarian of the Year. He’s a partner in the J. Goodman Insurance Agency.
Rudy Garcia, owner of Rudy’s Tenampa Taqueria is the recipient of the Manny Lopez Legacy award.
General tickets to the sold-out event were $150 per person and $250 for VIP tickets.
Tickets for the after-party and dancing at the VooDoo Lounge will be sold at the door for $15 using cash or a credit or debit card. The shindig promises plenty of fun. The Rhythm of Oakland D.J.s will play many types of music. There will be a balloon drop and an LED dance floor. And Gunion promises a special surprise for guests.
She encourages members of the Hispanic Chamber to “be on the lookout for nominations for next year’s awards.” Chamber members may nominate any Chamber member.
Gunion says, “This Gala has been a year in the making, and I’m excited and honored to present the deserving winners with the awards.”
