The celebration honored the late labor leader Cesar Chavez, but City of Hope received the gift.

Volunteers from Duarte’s Promise: The Alliance for Youth and the city of Duarte honored Chavez by beautifying City of Hope’s Hope and Parson villages on March 29. The teenage volunteers painted a central room in the complex, planted flowers and arranged furniture.

Hope and Parsons villages comprise 40 units of studio-style housing combining the conveniences and comforts of home with accessible care for patients. Four apartments within the villages are designated for hospice care.

The event featured food and speakers, including Duarte Mayor Phil Reyes, Pitzer
College Professor Jose Zapata Calderon, Ph.D., and Dolores Huerta, who worked
with Chavez for social justice for more than 30 years until his death in 1993. Huerta cofounded the National Farm Workers Association, which later became United Farm
Workers; she delivered an inspirational speech to the young volunteers.

The third annual Cesar Chavez volunteer event was one of a number of volunteer projects, programs and events sponsored by Duarte’s Promise and the city of Duarte. The group aims to build the character and competence of the nation’s youth in a variety of ways, including community service.

Participating businesses and groups included McDonalds, La Miche Paletería, La Paloma, Target, Washington Mutual and Mariachi El Camino Real.

For more information on Duarte’s Promise, please call Raquel Anguiano at Duarte City Hall, 626-357-7931, ext. 266.