Lancaster, Pa. (October 22, 2009) – The Spanish American Civic Association (SACA) along with its WLCH Radio of Lancaster this weekend will honor Luis Torres and Juan Ramos, both of Lancaster, with Essence of Humanity Awards. The awards will be presented at Accepting the Challenge, the SACA Broadcasting Corporation’s 22nd Anniversary and Volunteer Gala on Saturday, October 24, at the Lancaster Host Resort, 2300 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster. (Social hour 6 to 7 p.m., award presentation 7 p.m., dinner and program 7 to 9 p.m. and entertainment 9 p.m. to midnight. Members of the media are cordially invited to attend.)
The Essence of Humanity Award is intended to recognize individuals who, beyond the requirements of their work, demonstrate remarkable human qualities including courage, love, strength, determination, and persistence when dealing with adversity. The award also honors those who demonstrate a spirit of caring and provide inspiration to such individuals on a daily basis.
About Luis Torres
Louis Torres for 20 years has demonstrated unsurpassed generosity of spirit in extending love, care, compassion and support to the troubled youth of Lancaster including gang members who are sometimes dismissed as ‘unreachable.’ Torres is a co-founder of Revolution Airways, an urban gang outreach ministry that partners with Teen Haven and the First Hispanic Baptist Church of Lancaster. His broad civic involvement includes the Pennsylvania Department of Educations Learn and Service Board, the Lancaster Mayor’s Anti-Gang Committee, the Lancaster Weed & Seed Steering Committee, and the Alumni Board of JP McCaskey. Torres also hosts a weekly WLCH radio show, Da Horizon, an inspirational blend of music and faith that reaches audiences in York and Lancaster Counties. His consistent message, openness and willingness to “be there” without judgment or reservation for all of Lancaster’s youth, is among the finest examples to the community and represents an inspiring commitment to religious and humanitarian values.
About Juan Ramos
Juan Ramos is recognized as an exemplary role model for the path he leads as a humble man who loves life and inspires others to pursue the American Dream. Even while battling illness he has given of his time and energy to both his church and the Lancaster Hispanic community. He is well appreciated at the El Redentor United Methodist Church where he cooks after-school meals, provides senior citizens and others with transportation, and is there when needed “in a pinch.” Born in poverty in Puerto Rico and having immigrated to the US in 1964, Ramos worked at Armstrong Floor Plant through retirement. His philosophy of life is that God is at the center and that the highest humanity a person can achieve is to love their neighbor in spite of their weakness and fault. This philosophy leads Ramos to focus on the strengths in every person and share what he has with others, including his values of hard work, honesty, perseverance, positive attitude, and tolerance.
About Essence of Humanity
There seems to be consensus that as a culture, we often don’t identify enough role models. The intent of the Essence of Humanity Award is to elevate the stories of the inspirational role models that indeed do exist in our communities. The program began in 2001 when business and community leaders in South-Central Pennsylvania established the Essence of Humanity Award. The award is presented by participating organizations in collaboration with the Essence of Humanity program’s steering committee, which evaluates the nominations. For more information, contact Robin Stauffer, Executive Director, at 717-293-4498, or visit the website at www.essenceofhumanity.org
# # #
