As a pioneer in developing and managing affordable housing units in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Southside United HDFC-Los Sures has come a long way in solidifying its mission, with the support of corporate sponsors and community leaders. The entrenched goodwill that the organization has garnered was on full display on Wednesday, April 26, at Freehold Brooklyn, when more than 200 guests attended the nonprofit’s 45th anniversary fundraiser, which was held under the theme “Celebrating 45 years of commitment to affordable housing, community development and advocacy.”
The event began with Los Sures Development Assistant Natalie Rodriguez, the event’s mistress of ceremonies, inviting attendees to view a brief video, which was produced by James Eden and Adrian Martinez. The video provided an overview of the organization’s journey to its 45th year of existence, the services it provides and the executive director, board of directors and staff members who still make it possible.
In greeting the guests, Los Sures Executive Director Ramon Peguero, Esq. expressed his gratitude to “all the executive directors who came before me, the board of directors, staff, sponsors, elected officials, videographer extraordinaire James Eden and Adrian Martinez and the various community members who have supported the organization” over the years.
“We have added 250 units of affordable housing. We have increased staff by twenty percent and we have expanded every department of Los Sures,” he said. “You ask how we are able to celebrate 45 years and I have two words: resiliency and adaptability. We have always adapted to the moment in time and have always been resilient, knowing that our existence is vital to the preservation of the community.”
Mr. Peguero lauded the members of the fundraising committee who ensured that the event went smoothly, before introducing Board Chairman Juan Ramos, who stated: “I just want to
congratulate Ramon for the exceptional work he does on a daily basis to move this organization forward. I want to thank every single one of the staff members that’s here today, who come in day and day out to do a job and do it in a way no one else can.”
Five individuals were honored at the event, including longtime board member and Los Sures supporter Martin Needelman, Esq., who was rendered speechless when he was awarded the Humanitarian Award by his fellow board members. “I am completely speechless,” a visibly emotional Needelman said as guests and his peers laughed and applauded. El Puente Founder and President Luis Garden Acosta received the David Pagan Community Legacy Award; Hirschen Singer & Epstein LLP was the Corporate Award winner; New York City Council General Counsel Jason Adolfo Otano was the Rising Leadership Award recipient and Council Member Antonio Reynoso who was honored with the David Lopez Friend of Los Sures Award.
Kenneth Mahon of Dime Community Bank, the event’s legacy sponsor, was joined by other Dime employees at the event. Platinum sponsor FG-PH Corporation, along with the other sponsors, had several representatives mingling with the attendees. In fact, FG-PH won a basket of Sisley Paris skincare products, valued at $1,000.00, from the nine items that were raffled during the event.
Guests dined on sumptuous hors d’oeuvres, danced to the pulsating beat of salsa, meringue and reggae music and socialized, all in the name of Los Sures. The organization will be celebrating its landmark birthday all year long.