By Daily Press staff
The Virginia Avenue Project will honor project parent and community activist Consuelo Perez, and the cultural affairs division of the city of Santa Monica at “Commotion by the Ocean,” which has been described as a jumpin’ jivin’ jubilee benefit today, Sept. 29 at Hotel Casa Del Mar.
The Virginia Avenue Project is a free, after-school program that uses the performing arts in conjunction with one-on-one mentoring to help underserved children realize their full potential. Through an ongoing sequence of arts and academic programs, project kids work in collaboration with adult mentors to develop life skills and give voice to their creativity.
“Commotion by the Ocean” will celebrate the project’s 13-year presence in the Santa Monica community.
Perez is the co-president of Spirit of Love/English Learners’ Advisory Committee — a Santa Monica High School parent group that engages Latino families and students in college preparation, school activities, and community politics. Consuelo is a Virginia Avenue Project parent — all four of her children have been involved with the project, and she played a vital role in introducing the project to other families and community members.
City Hall’s cultural affairs division plays a vital role in upholding Santa Monica’s commitment to the arts and artists, according to the project officials. Their support of the project and other community arts organizations contribute to the vitality and vibrant cultural life of Santa Monica, according to the project officials.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on September 29, 2005. Read the original PDF.