IBA caps 50th anniversary year with gala benefit

Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción (IBA), the non-profit organization that founded and operates the Villa Victoria affordable housing complex, arts center and a host of services for all ages, brought an elegant and jubilant close to its 50th anniversary year with a formal, gala fundraiser held at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the Senate at UMass Boston on Saturday night, November 3.

Approximately 350 guests, many in black tie and evening gowns, enjoyed passed appetizers and buffet-style treats from an array of popular Boston chefs and eateries; an open bar with beer, wine, cocktails and soft drinks; anniversary cake and desserts; remarks by elected officials and other prominent Bostonians and music by Eric Germán and his Orchestra. WCVB veteran reporter Jorge Quiroga emceed the event.

While eating, socializing and dancing took place in the spacious lobby and corridors of the Institute, a slideshow and remarks commemorating IBA's history and achievements and a salute to IBA's 50 for 50, a roster of Boston Latinos who have contributed significantly to the local community and the city. Tickets cost $250, and according to event spokesperson Kate Daigle, the preliminary fundraising total is $450,000, "as a culmination of year-long efforts." Daigle said, "IBA will dedicate all funds raised to providing more affordable housing, as well as promoting economic mobility, artistic enrichment and educational opportunities for the city's most vulnerable citizens."

Guests included South End residents as well as neighborhood and citywide public servants including Mayor Martin J. Walsh; city councilor at-large and U.S. House representative-elect Ayanna Pressley; 9th Suffolk District state representative-elect Jon Santiago, M.D.; District 2 city councilor Ed Flynn; Boston Center for Youth and Families (BCYF) commissioner William Morales; and MassHousing director of community services Thaddeus Miles; and Boston Police Department (BPD) D-4 community service officers Javier Pagán and his former D-4 partner, Jorge Dias. Governor Charlie Baker delivered his congratulations on IBA's anniversary and accomplishments via video.

The evening began at 7:00 PM with mellow cocktail music by Eric Germán's ensemble while guests arrived and socialized. Around 7:45 PM, guests were called to the lobby for introductory remarks by Quiroga, Walsh, Pressley, Edward M. Kennedy Institute president Mary Grand and Goya Foods director of public relations, Rafael Toro.

Kicking off the night's remarks, emcee Quiroga said, "It is fitting to celebrate IBA's 50th anniversary here, because like Senator Edward M. Kennedy, IBA and Vanessa Calderón-Rosado have been an unstoppable force in support of families." Recalling the members of the Emergency Tenants Coalition that fought in 1968 for affordable housing in an area that was slated for destruction under urban renewal, Quiroga said, "The tenants that stood up and stopped the highway are an inspiration to all of us." Mayor Walsh announced that the city will release a housing report this week stating that 48 per cent of South End housing is income-restricted, and crediting IBA with the development and management of a significant portion of that affordable housing. Referring to Calderón-Rosado's long hours in her office and at Villa Victoria events, Walsh also thanked "Vanessa's husband and sons for lending her to the community."

In her remarks, Pressley said, "IBA defines the word, 'resistance.' We struggle to honor diversity. Diversity means shared power. Thank you for modeling resistance and resilience." She also noted that between 2014 and 2017, the Latino vote grew 71 percent, and 54 per cent of Latinos who voted in the 2018 primary were first-time voters. Toro quipped, "I am not going to speak for very long because never let it be said that someone from Goya kept people from eating!" He added, "The thing that IBA and Goya have in common is that we both bring people together." After the well-wishes, guests sampled the wares of chef José Duarte of Taranta; Brian Poe of the Tip Tap Room, Rodney Murillo of Davio's, Micole Rivera Suarez of the Ritz Carlton, Daniel Bojorquez of La Fábrica Central and others. Food offerings included traditional favorites such as tostones (fried plantain slices), guacamole and guava and cream cheese bites, as well as novel treats including vegan Greek-style pastries by Danny Garcia of Eva's Pastry.

After the dining hour, guests entered the Institute's Senate Chamber to listen to remarks from Calderón-Rosado and other speakers and view a slide presentation of IBA's 50 for 50 honorees. The slide show included images of the original Emergency Tenants Council; excavation and construction of Villa Victoria, and more recent milestones such as the groundbreaking for the renovation of Plaza Betances, with the late Mayor Thomas M. Menino and 9th Suffolk District state representative Byron M. Rushing joining Calderón-Rosado in lifting a ceremonial shovel.

Calderón-Rosado proudly reviewed her organization's contributions in providing affordable housing and community services from day care to job training and arts programming at Villa Victoria Center for the Arts, and recalled the leadership of Jorge Hernandez and also proudly citing the achievement of current Villa Victoria resident Randy Echavarria, a high-achieving Boston Latin Academy alumnus who is now studying engineering at UMass. Boston. Calderón-Rosado announced each of the 50 for 50 honorees, including Jon Santiago; former USES chief and community activist Frieda Garcia; former city councilor and register of deeds Felix D. Arroyo; 2nd Suffolk district state senator Sonia Chang-Diaz; Jovita Fontanez, first female Latina election commissioner in Boston; Red Sox manager Alex Cora; and renowned radio broadcaster José Massó, longtime host of WBUR-FM's "Con Salsa!" program.

Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator and original star of Broadway's wildly successful, historical musical "Hamilton," donated tickets to "Hamilton" as a fundraiser for IBA. During Saturday night's gala, a "Hamilton" in Boston evening package including tickets to the musical at the Boston Opera House courtesy of Miranda, dinner for two at Taranta Ristorante and a night at the Four Seasons were auctioned off for $5,000.

In a written statement, Miranda said, "My family and I are proud to support IBA and the incredible work they have done for half a century for Boston's largely underserved Latino community. This year, we have been particularly inspired by and thankful for IBA's tireless efforts for those displaced from Puerto Rico by Hurricane Maria who have found themselves so far from home. Here's to another 50 years of progress, leadership, and meaningful change." After the presentation, guests repaired to the lobby for cake and desserts, coffee and drinks while Eric Germán and His Orchestra amped up the beat with driving salsa music, filling the dance floor until the end of the festivities.