AAMA–the Association for the Advancement of Mexican Americans–will celebrate its over five decades of existence as the leading nonprofit organization in Texas working with Latino families to achieve financial security, well-being, and self-actualization through its largest fundraising event of the year. The Illumine Gala will raise proceeds for AAMA’s year-round programs and services, which annually serve over 10,000 individuals across the state of Texas.

These programs include AAMA’s prevention and counseling services, George I. Sanchez Charter Schools, its Early Childhood Center, the Adelante Adult Education program, and its Work and Learn Center. AAMA was founded in 1970 by a group of students, business people, and teachers who came together to address key issues in the community, including drug abuse and school completion. Its first board of directors included Luis Cano, Froilan Hernández, Ninfa Laurenzo, Roland Laurenzo, David Martinez, William Navarro, and Yolanda Navarro.