Arte Inc. merged Cinco De Mayo festivities and fundraising efforts Tuesday night to raise awareness and money for Latino culture in New Haven.
The organization drew more than $1,500 and 100 visitors over the course of a couple of hours to drink tequila, eat guacamole and look at students’ artwork up for display at the 19 Grand Ave. gallery. Arte is participating in this year’s Community Foundation “Great Give” online fundraiser, trying to raise as much money as possible to be matched over a 36-hour period.
Arte co-founder Daniel Diaz said it was important to show “unity as Latinos” by celebrating part of Mexican culture. Cinco De Mayo celebrates Mexico’s victory against French forces in the 1862 Battle of Puebla, and is celebrated in the United States and Mexico.
“We celebrate Cinco De Mayo as a community so people know part of our heritage,” Diaz said.
Mayor Toni Harp bought three pieces of student artwork, and Arte sold four others Tuesday night. “We need to work together to promote education, reading and art,” one of the main functions of the organization, Diaz said.
State Rep. Juan Candelaria (pictured above left) said Arte’s role in promoting art and education helps prepare children to engage in their communities.
People flooded in and helped themselves to quesadillas, tacos and fruit-filled helpings of sangria. David Greco, co-founder of the organization, said he wanted the event to raise awareness of the fundraiser, especially since “a lot of people come to events regularly and a lot are free.”
We have much to be grateful for in Fair Haven including Arte Inc. Thank you Danny and David for all you do with and for our community.