The Hispanic American Cultural Society held its third annual Gala and 2025 Alianza Leadership Awards on Nov. 1, celebrating community leadership and raising funds for student scholarships.
The organization pledged $8,000 for eight scholarships for graduating high school students in May 2026, in partnership with the Flagler County Education Foundation. The gala aimed to raise funds for another round of scholarships in May 2027.
Mission and Growth
Ramon Romero, founder of the Hispanic American Cultural Society (HACS), welcomed guests and reflected on the organization’s mission.
“When I founded HACS, I envisioned bringing people together,” Romero said. “We celebrate our achievement and look forward to a bright, hopeful future. Today, we have brought together individuals from all walks of life for one cause: to promote Hispanic culture, heritage, and language and to support higher learning among our Hispanic and non-Hispanic youth students at our local high school.”
The organization’s board includes Tom Witherspoon as treasurer and director of the mentoring program, Eddie Velasquez as community relations coordinator, Fiorella Majorini as special event organizer, Fiorella Vasquez as volunteer coordinator, Donovan as social media director, and Priscilla Berrios and Wanda Denise, who were traveling during the event.
Scholarship Success Stories
Christina Gilliam, a local teacher at Matanzas High School, presented letters of gratitude from her two sons, who received HACS scholarships in different years. Both sons were selected independently through the scholarship review process without the board realizing they came from the same family.
Her oldest son graduated from the University of Florida’s honors program and studied abroad in Madrid, Spain. He is now completing his master’s degree in information systems and operations management and interned at Amazon in Washington, D.C.
“The scholarship you gave me wasn’t just financial help. It was a reminder that there is a community behind me that believes in what I can achieve,” he wrote in his letter.
Her youngest son attends the University of North Florida as a sports management major. He secured an internship at the Super Bowl in New Orleans and has made the Dean’s List for two consecutive semesters.
“Your investment in my education motivates me to continue striving for excellence in all aspects of my academic and professional endeavors,” he wrote.
Gilliam also recruited student volunteers for the gala, helping to engage young people in community service.
Alianza Leadership Award
The 2025 Alianza Leadership Award was presented to Victor Peralta, owner of Amigos Supermarket in Palm Coast. The award recognizes individuals who showcase strategic thinking in helping the Hispanic community, provide inspirational leadership, demonstrate goal achievement, maintain a track record of collaboration and continuous learning, and have a positive impact on the community they serve.
Peralta was born in Santiago, Dominican Republic, on Oct. 10, 1965. He is one of 11 siblings and the father of six. He came to New York in April 1985 and relocated to Florida in 2002. He opened his first supermarket, La Placita, in Daytona Beach. In 2017, he expanded to Palm Coast with Amigos Supermarket.
“More than a place to shop, Amigo Supermarket represents a gathering place for the community where cultural tradition and connections thrive,” Romero said during the presentation. “Beyond his business success, Victor is known for his generosity, humility, and unwavering commitment to helping others. He has been a steadfast supporter of the Hispanic American Cultural Society on numerous occasions, and other local charities, always ready to lend a hand and never saying no when it comes to serving his community.”
Peralta was unable to attend due to a prior engagement, and Romero accepted the award on his behalf.
Volunteer of the Year
Mary Medina received the 2025 Hispanic American Cultural Society Volunteer of the Year award for her outstanding dedication and service to the organization’s mission. Organizers noted that Medina has consistently supported HACS events and has been available whenever the organization needed assistance.
Community and Economic Impact
Palm Coast City Councilman Charles Gambaro Jr. attended the event and delivered remarks about the importance of Hispanic leadership in the community.
“The scholarships being pledged this evening represent far more than financial assistance. They are investments in the potential and the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of our city, state, and our nation,” Gambaro said.
He cited data from the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce showing that Hispanic-owned businesses in Florida represent over 604,000 businesses contributing more than $90 billion annually to the state economy.
“As a city council member, I see the same leadership reflected in the many Hispanic-owned businesses they call Palm Coast home. These entrepreneurs are the heartbeat of our local economy,” Gambaro said. “They create jobs, they take risks, and they inspire innovation. Whether it’s a small family restaurant, a construction firm, a salon, a retail shop, these businesses contribute not just economically, but culturally.”
Gambaro also noted that Romero earned his vote for appointment to the city’s charter review committee, where he will help shape the city’s future.
The gala featured raffle baskets and 50-50 drawings to raise additional funds for scholarships, followed by music and dancing to celebrate the evening’s honorees and the organization’s continued work in the community.
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