OJC Press Release ID: 2501

Monday, April 11, 2016

3rd annual “Celebrating Excellence in Health Gala” on May 11

Tickets available through May 4

The Otero Junior College Foundation “Celebrating Excellence in Health Gala,” now in its third year, benefits OJC students pursuing careers in healthcare fields through the Kay Mahoney Memorial/Kaiser Permanente Healthcare Scholarships.

The annual health professional appreciation banquet will be held on May 11 at 6 p.m. in the OJC Student Center Banquet Room.

Dr. Ramon Del Castillo, professor and chair of the Chicana/o Studies program at Metropolitan State University of Denver, will provide the keynote speech on the subject of Curanderismo, an indigenous holistic approach to healing. With 13 years of mental health administration experience with the Mental Health Corporation of Denver including Centro de las Familias, Dr. Del Castillo integrated Curandismo into the repertoire of services. He has written three papers on the subject.

Included with the evening will be a full dinner, an auction, basket raffles and more. Auction items so far include original art, a cement planter, a hog, a painting and wine experience for six, and more!

“Tickets are available for anyone who would like to attend; from community members to direct caregivers,” said Sue Samaniego, OJC Foundation director. “We all have a stake in developing our future healthcare providers and celebrating the work of those currently in the many fields under the healthcare umbrella. Our event gives an opportunity to do both.”

Tickets for the event are $25, pre-purchase only and must be purchased by May 4. No tickets will be sold at the door. To reserve a ticket, contact Sue Samaniego at 719-384-6821 or Becci Lease at 719-384-6898. Sponsorships for the event are also available. For more information on sponsorships contact Sue Samaniego, OJC Foundation director at 719-384-6821.

Current recipients of the Kay Mahoney Memorial/Kaiser Permanente Healthcare Scholarship thank current and future donors.