Su Casa Diversity Gala raises approximately $100,000

The Su Casa Diversity Gala celebrated its in-person return to The Commons on Friday after being forced to air events in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic.

The rally drew a sold-out crowd of 352, organizers said.

And organizers far exceeded the $80,000 goal by raising about $100,000, said Whitney Amuchastegui, executive director of Su Casa.

“We are so thrilled,” Amuchastegui said. “We have had incredible support. It’s so special to be able to celebrate the diversity of this community, and we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to do so.

Manhattan Band, an Ohio-based band playing everything from mainstream pop to Latin tunes, provided music. Local disc jockey Carlos Ramirez also provided tunes. Cummins’ executive hospitality team provided a mix of Latino and East Asian dishes.

Su Casa is a non-profit organization in Columbus, serving as a cross-cultural bridge between the Hispanic and non-Hispanic populations of Bartholomew County. Celebrating and educating the community about culture is part of the organization’s mission.

This year’s event was different in that it represented a team effort among a mix of organizing organizations: Cummins Latino, Pride and the Cummins East Asian Employee Resource Groups.

Organizers have long pointed out that Su Casa plays a key role in helping Latino families in multiple ways when they arrive in Bartholomew County. They emphasized that helping Latino families acclimate to Bartholomew County as easily as possible makes the whole community stronger.

Information: www.sucasindiana.org