Hearty food, music and cultural dance performances highlighted the Mexican Fiesta on Saturday at Sacred Heart Parish in Palos Hills.
The event was a fundraiser for Catholic Charities Southwest Regional programs such as the parish’s food pantry, rent and utilities assistance, and programs for senior citizens and veterans.
Southwest Regional director Teresa Rodriguez said the Mexican Fiesta theme and the fact the event was being catered made it unique. She organized the event along with office manager and volunteer coordinator Anel Navarro and four members of the Catholic Charities Southwest Regional Advisory Board Events Committee: Tim Richards, Donald M. Larson, Mary Jane Nogal and Daniel Farrell Sr.
“This event really brings together people from all different parishes in the area,” said board member Rick Nogal, of Palos Park.
The cost was $50 per person. There were 150 guests, according to Rodriguez, up from 115 for last year’s Fall Fest. Rodriguez expected proceeds to match or surpass last year’s total of $6,000.
The event included Mexican cuisine, barbecue by Chuck Pine of Chuck’s Southern Comfort Cafe in Burbank, and unlimited margaritas, beer, wine and soft drinks. There was live music by Mariachi Ameca, dances by Ballet Folklorico Xochitl and a disc jockey from AG Studios, Inc., along with raffles and a split-the-pot.
Dancers Sol Resendiz, 4, and her sister Luz, 6, came all the way from Mexico to dance with the ballet group.
“I’m really excited but I’m also nervous because this is my first performance,” Sol said.
Their mother, Angela Resendiz, assured them they had nothing to be nervous about.
“They absolutely love dancing, and we are very happy to be here to share folkloric dancing with the community,” she said.
“This is a very fun-filled evening,” Rodriguez said.
Kelly White is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
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