December 22, 2000

REP. GONZALEZ ACQUIRES ADDITIONAL FUNDING FROM PARKVILLE SENIOR CENTER FOR PUERTO RICAN FAMILY MONUMENT

State Representative Minnie Gonzalez (D-Hartford) acquired additional funding from Parkville Senior Center to assist in the creation of a Puerto Rican Family Monument to be displayed at a central location in Hartford. The monument was designed to represent the drama and history of the Puerto Rican migration to the United States mainland.

"I give sincere thanks to the Parkville Senior Center for their support,” said Gonzalez. "With their help, we can give the Puerto Rican community something to be proud of."

The monument was created to meet the following objectives: to design and execute the first public monument honoring the Puerto Rican community and its contribution to the development of the United States; to specifically honor the civic, moral and cultural values of the Puerto Rican families residing in the United States; to inspire and motivate the Puerto Rican community to further its efforts on behalf of the peoples with whom they share common goals and aspirations; to favor a more positive image of the Puerto Ricans living in Connecticut and the US mainland; and to motivate the Puerto Rican community to accept an increasing civic responsibility, and to participate in the affairs and concerns of the city of Hartford and its surrounding areas.

"I am so pleased to be able to assist with the funds raised for this cause,” said Gonzalez. "I hope that the community will appreciate it as much as I do."

To make contributions, please make checks payable to ‘OPU-Puerto Rican Family Monument’ and mail to Fleet Bank, 80 Seymour Street, Hartford CT.  Acct# 9426414922.