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ENGLEWOOD, Colorado, United States?Money transfer giant Western Union Company, and the Western Union Foundation, through the Western Union Our World, Our Family program, awarded $10,000 worth of support funds to the Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (Sipa) during the latter?s 38th Anniversary Awards Benefit Dinner.
According to Western Union?s news release, Sipa is the largest Filipino community-based organization in Los Angeles.
Dubbed ?Bagong Kabuhayan, Bagong Pamamahayag, Bagong Daigdig (New Economy, New Media, New World),? the Sipa annual gala honored outstanding individuals and organizations for their contributions to the multi-ethnic Historic Filipinotown and the greater Los Angeles Filipino American community.
During the event, the Western Union Foundation presented Sipa with a $7,000 grant to benefit its Small Business Development Program, and the Western Union Company gave $3,000 for its After School Enrichment Program.
?We honor Sipa and all its distinguished members for their valuable contribution to the Filipino community in the United States and worldwide,? said Randall Acocelli, regional vice president of the West Region, the Western Union Company.
?We believe that support for small businesses is vital in promoting economic opportunity and fostering cultural inclusion. These small businesses have strengthened the fabric of our communities across the US.?
Acocelli then added, ?We value our relationship with Sipa and are proud to be a contributor to this important organization.?
Recent statistics show that one in five children in the US lives in an immigrant-headed household. Immigrants also play a critical role in boosting the economy via small business ownership. The US Small Business Administration reported that in 2008 immigrant-owned businesses in the US generated $67 billion, or nearly 12 percent of all small business income in the country.
In response, Joel F. Jacinto, Executive Director of the Sipa Board of Directors, said, ?Sipa and the youth and families we serve appreciate the strategic investment made by Western Union to reach out and serve the Filipino community. As the largest community-based organization targeting Filipino Americans with a variety of health and human services and economic development projects, we are pleased to partner with Western Union in its support of our After School Enrichment Program, our Small Business Development Program, and of course, our recent 38th Annual Fundraiser.?
In 2009, the Western Union Foundation began the Family Scholarship Program for migrant workers and their families. Martin Del Secco, Country Development Manager for Western Union, held a special workshop about the scholarship program.
Family Scholarships are aimed at families in the United States who have overcome barriers to pursue their educational goal as well as those with demonstrated financial need, involvement in their communities, personal education goals, and clear plans to attain their goals.
Those who qualify will be eligible to receive scholarships in amounts of $1,000-$5,000 per family. For example, one scholarship recipient may receive $1,500 for an ESL course and the other recipient $3,500 for tuition at a university. Fall 2010 applications started July 21, 2010 with the deadline on September 15, 2010. To apply and to obtain more information, visit http://corporate.westernunion.com/scholarship.html.
