- City of Homestead Vice-Mayor and the six Quinceñeras at the annual “Fiesta de Quincenera”
On Saturday, August 7, several, major organizations , including the Girl Scout Council of Tropical Florida, Ford Motor Company Fund, Miami-Dade County Public Schools Migrant Education Program, and the Mexican American Council came together to sponsor the 2nd annual “Fiesta de Quinceañera” a coming of age celebration for migrant teenage girls.
The Girl Scout Council of Tropical Florida, provided Karina Rodriguez, Ana Zenteno, Estefania Loredo, Maria Marceleno, Roxana Cervantes and Gabriela Ponce, Uniquely ME!, a multifaceted self-esteem building program. For four weeks, the six young ladies learned about character building, community service, goal setting, etiquette, hygiene, health and nutrition, and the Quinceañera traditions. The reception also represented the girls’ graduation from this program.
This entire event could not have taken place if it wasn’t for the time and effort of the many volunteers and organizations who donated time and money to make this a special and memorable day for the girls and their families. The Quinceñeras wore traditional Quince dresses donated from Pink Champagne and Roses and their fathers wore Guayabera shirts donated by The Guayabera Lady in Coral Gables.
Their mothers were also given free dresses from Vice-Mayor Judy Waldman’s charity organization, Judy’s Closet. These are dresses that are new and gently used and donated from the community. The young ladies also received a VIP treatment at Beauty Schools of America, which included hair, make-up, manicure and pedicure services. Other sponsors included BJ’s Wholesale Club and Demi by Desi. Decorations, music, photography, choreography, and cake were also donated by volunteers.
Vice Mayor Waldman stated, “It was amazing to see so many organizations and volunteers come together to participate in such a wonderful event. These young ladies and their families were able to experience such a beautiful tradition and everyone could feel their excitement and happiness. It was an honor to be part of such an important day and I was extremely touched by the entire ceremony and reception. “
