Author to keynote annual Chavez Scholarship fundraiser

Contact: Jeanne Baron
Photo of Elva Trevino .

Hart

KALAMAZOO--Southwest Michigan will celebrate the life and work of civil rights leader Cesar E. Chavez this month through an annual scholarship fundraising dinner.

The Celebrating the Legacy of Cesar E. Chavez scholarship fundraising dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 31, in the Fetzer Center on Western Michigan University's main campus in Kalamazoo. The cost is $40, and tickets will be available through Friday, March 30.

Presenting the keynote speech will be author Elva Trevino Hart, a computer professional for 20 years. Hart earned a bachelor's degree in theoretical mathematics and a master's degree in computer science/engineering from Stanford University.

In her book, "Barefoot Heart: Stories of a Migrant Child," she recounts her life growing up in a family of migrant farm workers and how she overcame the disadvantages of this background, discovering her true talents and herself in the process.

The fundraising dinner is being sponsored by the Southwest Michigan Cesar E. Chavez Committee. Proceeds will go toward the committee's need-based scholarship, which is available to Michigan college or college-bound students living in Allegan, Calhoun, Kalamazoo and Van Buren counties.

To register and obtain a ticket for the Celebrating the Legacy of Cesar E. Chavez scholarship fundraising dinner, call (269) 760-8138.