Washington, DC – The National Council of La Raza (NCLR), the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the U.S., will hold its 2005 Capital Awards Dinner at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC on Tuesday, March 8. At this year’s annual gala, NCLR will honor Senator Christopher Dodd (D-CT) and Congressman Chris Cannon (R-UT) for their leadership on legislation that has had a significant impact on the Hispanic community, and the Llano Grande Center for Research and Development – a community-based organization located in Elsa, Texas – for providing education and youth leadership programs along the Texas-Mexico border.

“Senator Dodd is one of the most loyal and committed supporters of the Latino community,” said Janet Murguia, NCLR President and CEO. “He has worked tirelessly to protect the civil rights of all Americans and has been a champion for early child education, leading the debate to expand the Head Start program and provide universal access to preschool.”

Murguia continued, “NCLR is also pleased to honor Representative Cannon, who, despite pressure from extremist anti-immigrant forces, has fought resolutely for comprehensive immigration reform. We commend Congressman Cannon especially for his work as chief House sponsor of the ‘Dream Act.’ If passed, the ‘Dream Act’ would open the doors to college for the children of undocumented immigrants – many of whom have lived in the U.S. their entire lives, excelled, and even become honor roll students in their U.S. high schools.”

NCLR will also present the Public Service Award to the Llano Grande Center for Research and Development for its success in building strong leaders in south Texas. “NCLR is proud to highlight the amazing work of the Llano Grande Center, which has placed more than 50 students in Ivy League universities since 1993,” said Murguia. “Its outstanding programs are models for other immigrant communities throughout the country.”

Sonia Manzano, acclaimed for her work as “Maria” on Sesame Street, will serve as Master of Ceremonies at the gala event, and entertainment will include a performance by Latin Jazz All-Stars. Citigroup is the Chair sponsor for the event, and the Fannie Mae Foundation and Frito- Lay, Inc./PepsiCo Inc. are the Vice Chairs.

For tickets and table information, please contact Fernanda Tilleria at (800) 311-NCLR. Members of the media interested in attending should contact Alexandra Jost at (202) 785-1670.

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