By Javier Molinares
Al Dia Today

El presidente del Club Latino-americano de Titusville Felix Gonzáles balla con su esposa Vilma durante el vigésimo aniversario de la organización en el Royal Oak Country Club

With good music and dance, the Latin American Club of Titusville celebrated its 20th anniversary this October 14th at the Royal Oak Country Club.

The gala dance was enlivened by the group Iris, which set the guests to dancing to Cumbia, Meringue, Salsa and ballads. There were also demonstrations of typical Latin-American folk dances.

Felix González, the current president and one of the founders of the organization, was well satisfied with the community participation.

“Fabulous! Very beautiful and well organized. We had a good turnout with more than 200 people,” stated González.

The Latin American Club of Titusville was founded on Sunday, June 18th, 1986. The late Connie Johnson and Nellie Bays found the names of all the Hispanics in the telephone book and invited them to a gathering at Fox Lake Park in Titusville, More than 100 people attended. That day they elected their first executives: Felix González was chosen as president, Frankie Pérez as vice president, Nellie Bays as secretary, Isabel Maggio as treasurer and Tony Vásquez as sergeant at arms.

Since the Latin American Club was found its mission has not changed. The goals of the club are to share Hispanic cultural roots, share in cultural events and to do charitable works. Some of their events include international festivals, social dances and a Christmas parade. They also help families in need. In addition, for several years the club has contributed scholarship assistance to graduates of Astronaut High School and Titusville High School.

En la foto de izquierda a derecha Jesús Rodriquez, Gladys Cianciotto, Fernando Compagine, Margie Vazquez, Felix Gonzáles y Bill Gómez durante la fiesta del vigésimo aniversario.

González assures us that the organization is going to continue to grow due to its own popularity and the recognition it has received in the Brevard County community. “We are going to continue growing because we help our community,” states González. When there is a disaster, we send money through the Red Cross and donate whatever is necessary.”

Without a doubt the Latin American Club of Titusville has upheld the good name of the Hispanics in Brevard County.

“We have given a boost to the Latin people,” says Fernando Compagine, former president of the organization. “We feel proud of what we have achieved.”

For more information about the Latin American Club of Titusville, please call (321) 269-9669.