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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Corporations display support of Hispanic community.

AUSTIN, TX (March 16, 2004) — The Aguila Awards Foundation (AAF), a non-profit organization established to create awareness and provide visibility of positive role models in the Central Texas Hispanic community, today released an “A-List” roster of Hispanic actors, athletes, and artists scheduled to attend and participate in this year’s program.

“The AAF is pleased to have prominent Hispanic individuals participate in this showcase of Central Texas Hispanic success stories.  The support of these Hispanic celebrities captures the commitment they have made to empower the Hispanic community.  It is a great accomplishment to see the entertainment and business industries partner with the community for such a great cause,” said Roxana Estrada, Executive Director, AAF.

The star-studded event, which will take place at the Four Seasons in Austin, Friday, April 30,has generated interest from many corporations, including Anheuser-Busch’s Bud Light beerbrand, which has signed on as the title sponsor for this year’s inaugural gala. 

“Bud Light is proud to be a part of such an important event highlighting the best of the Central Texas Latino community,” said Paco Bendaña, Latino Marketing Manager for Anheuser-Busch, Inc. 

“There is a large Hispanic population in the Central Texas area, and we commend the AAF for providing a venue for illuminating the presence ofthe Latino community in sucha positive light.  This will be historical benchmarkfor participants, as well as members ofthe community,” said Bendaña.

Other corporations sponsoring this year’s community awardsinclude State Farm Bank, Southwest Airlines, Blue Bell Creameries, AustinTopHomes.com, and Schlotzsky’s Deli, Inc.

Celebrity guests scheduled to attend include:

Adam Gonzales (Presenter): Adam currently appears on CBS’s drama CSI: Miami.  His credits include recurring roles on Roswell, Felicity, and Resurrection Boulevard.

Martha Chaves (Performing/Host): Martha has blazed a path through the comedy club circuit to reachthe spotlight, garnering several television appearances, as well as sharing the silver screen with Denzel Washington in the drama, John Q.

Jesus Chavez (Presenter): Austin’s own boxing sensationhas overcome many obstacles and through hard work and perseverance has claimedseveral World Boxing title belts, among themthe WBC Jr. Lightweight Championship. 

Christina Olivarez (Presenter): Former Miss Austin Latina, Christina is the reigning Miss Texas Latina 2004.  She will be competing in Cancun, Mexico, for the National title this August.

John Arthur Martinez: Austin-born recording singer/songwriter has deep musical roots which have led his career to perform with nationally renowned bands such as Diamond Rio, Reuben Ramos, and The Texas Tornados — and finally winning second place out of over 8,000 contestants in Nashville Star.

The Aguila Awards Foundation addresses two primary needs in the community.  First, providing an event thatincludes representation and participationfrom Central Texas residents in thecounties ofBastrop; Burnet; Caldwell; Hays; Travis; and Williamson.  Secondly, providing the Hispanic community the opportunity to voice their support of local talent and accomplishments. 

As an added benefit, AAF will make a financialcontribution to local Hispanic non-profit organizations in the names of each of the AAF category winners.

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