My apologies to all for finally updating Cafecito with the photos from Latino Day with the Lugnuts at Cooley Law Stadium. Sunday, August 20, 2017 was our 6th year and it was considered a success by many. So many folks to thank. The whole day for me begins and ends with the Latin Old timers who took the field to be recognized before the game. For the many families who braved leaving their families in the 1930’s to 1950’s from Texas and many other states for the Michigan weather in search of jobs and a better life, we thank you. You fought discrimination that many of us in the next generations will never experience. You paved the way for us to have a life in workplaces that didn’t get sprayed with pesticides, homes that weren’t built as two room shacks with outhouses that were barely tended to. You probably couldn’t imagine all the benefits we would gain by the sacrifices you made. Thank you and God Bless you all. The 2018 Latino Day with the Lugnuts will take place Sunday, August 12, 2018. The day started with a group I had not seen perform before. My entertainment guy Victor Vasquez made Cafecito Caliente look brilliant. I received so many compliments from many who had not heard them. Xplozivo was electric to say the least. I honestly can’t wait to bring them back in some capacity for Cafecito as they prove again, that Michigan is home to top talent in the Tejano World. Ballet Maria Luz gave us plenty to smile about as their youthful dancers took the ballfield and danced beautifully. The Oldtimers took their place as well as some folks who represented loved ones who had passed. We hit our goal of 400 in ticket sales and 200 in shirt sales. Speaking of shirts, Flavored Threads gave us an awesome design that will change the way we approach many of the things we do at Cafecito. Thank you Eric Fuentes and Juan Hernandez again. Each year Flavored Threads knocks it out. If we had gotten the shirt out sooner, I truly believe we could have sold 300. Working all over the place were the photographers Albert Lopez and my daughter Antonella Benavides. Your work will outlive us as its now documentation for future generations. Supplying support for the tickets and shirt sales were Project Manager Juanita Garcia and her daughter Ashley Garcia. You helped me avoid the chaos of that chaos. Much thanks to you both. Project Manager Tammy Salazar helps coordinate the promotion of the game and helps keep me sane during the whole process of putting it together. I couldn’t do it without you Tammy. Behind the scenes working the business end were Vice President Diane Hernandez-Wojda and Project Manager Laurie Briseno. They handle all the paperwork, adbook and offer plenty during strategy sessions for everything Cafecito. Finally, I give thanks to my parents who continue to amaze, inspire and encourage me despite all my crazy ideas and running around. I travel about 30,000 miles a year since I was 21. They have been with me each and every mile. Te amo mucho!
Latino Day with the Lugnuts 2017
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