Hispanic Heritage Gala Night & Silent Hero Awards presents: TONY MELENDEZ

Celebrating Diversity and Excellence in Education

Join us for an unforgettable evening of culture, recognition, and celebration! Enjoy dinner, dancing, and live musical performances by the incredible and Folklorico and Mariachi performers, along with vibrant Folklorico and Mariachi artists.

This special Hispanic Heritage Gala Night will honor five Silent Heroes from Grand Prairie, Texas—individuals who have made extraordinary contributions across business, the arts, education, healthcare, and beyond. Their dedication and achievements have made a lasting impact on our community.

We will also pay tribute to the rich legacy of Hispanic and Latino Americans, recognizing their vital contributions to the United States in areas such as economics, politics, sports, arts, and culture. From music and literature to culinary arts and entrepreneurship, their influence has enriched American life and continues to shape our nation’s future.

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Brief Reflection on Hispanic Heritage Month

Each year, from September 15 to October 15, the United States celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, a time that aligns with the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries:

• September 15 – Independence of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua (1821)

• September 16 – Mexico

• September 18 – Chile

• September 21 – Belize (1981)

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This evening, we also proudly honor DCET (Debes Creer En Ti), a nonprofit organization that has spent 30 years empowering individuals and communities through education. DCET continues to fulfill its mission of providing access to opportunities that help build brighter futures for those in need.

Thank you for supporting DCET’s Literacy, Mentoring, and Community Programs, as well as college scholarships for graduating seniors. Your generosity helps leave a lasting legacy and strengthens our collective future.

All donations are tax-deductible under DEBES CREER EN TI, Tax ID: 31-1640064.

¡Sí Se Puede!

View Tony Melendez' viodeo: Tony Meléndez / Concierto - Symposium Agape 2018 - YouTube

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For More Information:

Elvia Wallace-Martinez, Executive Director & Founder of DCET / Believe in Yourself, Inc.

CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Corporate mobile phone:

214-587-1983 (WhatsApp text please)

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.dcenti.org

Info: On 09/15/87, Tony Melendez played his guitar for Pope John Paul II in Los Angeles. Born without arms, he performed a song entitled "Never Be The Same". When the Pope approached him from the stage to kiss him in appreciation, it seemed to reflect the sentiments of the entire nation. This touching song was an appropriate song, Those few moments changed Tonys' life & brought his unrestrained abilities as a guitarist into national attention. It seems to be a fitting place for a man who has spent his life putting personal confidence above his handicap. A "thalidomide baby," Tony was born without arms because his mother was prescribed thalidomide, a drug used to help calm morning sickness during her pregnancy. He was brought to the Los Angeles area from Nicaragua to be fitted with artificial arms. He wore them until he was ten, when he disposed of them. "I didn't feel comfortable, I could use my feet so much more." he said. View one his videos:

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