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Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley Announces Recipients of 2010 La Familia Award


SAN JOSE, California —September 14, 2010—The Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley (HFSV) today announced that La Familia Payne of San Jose are the recipients of the 2010 La Familia Award. Brothers Daniel, Frank, and Ron Payne have a combined 49 years of military service in the United States Marine Corps. Additionally, Robert Payne has served as a San Jose Police Officer for 18 years. The family’s volunteerism includes working with the San Jose GI Forum, American Legion, Toys for Tots, The Republican National Hispanic Association, Girls Scouts of America, Relay for Life and working with at risk youth in local high schools and middles schools.

The 2010 La Familia Award is the highest honor bestowed by the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley and it is presented to an entire family who has demonstrated exemplary commitment and volunteer service to the community. This year the Hispanic Foundation Board of Directors decided to also recognize the long tradition of Hispanics serving in the U. S. Military.

Our special family will be honored at the 21st Annual Hispanic Charity Ball, being held on Saturday, October 16, 2010, at the San Jose Fairmont Hotel.

About La Familia Payne

La Familia Payne’s history of service dates back to the 1900’s and the days of Pancho Villa when Great Grandfather Gaspar Cantu was a three star general in the Mexican Army and fought in the Mexican Revolutionary War. The Cantu family came to the United States in 1952 and settled in San Jose where the family continued its commitment and service to the community.

Daniel Payne enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1973 and worked as a Missile Technician with a missile guided system. Daniel rose through the ranks and became the first Hispanic Chief Warrant Officer in the HAWK guided missile field with the United States Marine Corp, serving in desert Storm and Desert Shield. He was selected to be the air Defense Advisor to the United States under the Bush administration and received the national volunteer medal for his work in the community. His community work includes fundraising for the Central Valley K-9 committee, the American Legion, being state vice chairman of The Republican National Hispanic Association working with at risk youth and many years of volunteerism through his church.

Frank Payne enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1973 serving in both Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Frank’s platoon was in charge in of loading over six war ships with supplies for troops in the Middle East and was just one of six honored for completing their mission in a timely manner. During Desert Storm his platoon’s responsibility was to enter enemy territory and secure for the arrival of additional troops and supplies. Throughout his military career, Frank was Acting Company First Sergeant, Platoon Commander, Master sergeant and First Sergeant. After 22 years of service he retired from the military, Franks is currently a Deputy Sherriff with Stanislaus County. Frank’s volunteer work includes Toys for Tots, soccer coach and being a member of the Honor Guard with the Sherriff’s Department of Stanislaus County.

Ron Payne joined the Marine Corps in 1982, reaching the rank of Corporal and receiving an expert shooting badge, he retired after four years of service. He is currently a NASA engineer working on some of the country’s top programs including the Space Shuttle program. Ron received an award for contributions to the Space Shuttle program from President Clinton. Ron is a dedicated volunteer giving many hours of service to the Girl Scouts of America, Relay for Life and the Avon Breast Cancer Association.

Robert Payne, the youngest of the Payne brothers, opted to serve and protect the local community through law enforcement. He has been a San Jose Police Officer for the past 18 years. He has been recognized by the CHP for his efforts in locating 32 stolen vehicles, 12 of which were occupied and all 12 suspects were captured. Robert’s life work includes working with at-risk community youth in San Jose high and middle schools, with a special emphasis on working with juvenile gang members and volunteering with such organizations as the San Jose G.I. Forum.

“We are proud to be able to honor the Payne family for their remarkable contribution to our safety as Americans and for their work in the local community,” said Ron Gonzales, President and CEO of the HFSV. “La Familia Payne is testament to the Latino family’s contribution to the nation and Silicon Valley region. The Hispanic community looks forward to celebrating the Payne family’s contributions at the Charity Ball in October,” said Gonzales.

Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley

La Familia Award

Each year the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley recognizes one special Hispanic/Latino family with the La Familia Award for their exemplary service to the community. The selected family is honored at the Foundation’s annual gala event, the Hispanic Charity Ball. The Silicon Valley is a better place for Hispanic children and families thanks to the heartfelt dedication of La Familia Payne and previous Award recipients.

In 2010 the Hispanic Foundation Silicon Valley Board and La Familia Award selection committee is honoring a Latino family that is also has or is serving in the United States Military. They will be recognized for their contribution in the service to the United States and their volunteerism in our local community.

About the Hispanic Ball

The Hispanic Ball will be held at Fairmont Hotel in San Jose, California on Saturday, October 16, 2010. The first event was held in 1990 to raise awareness about the issues affecting the Latino community, to promote volunteerism, celebrate philanthropic leaders, and to provide a vehicle to support nonprofit organizations serving the Hispanic community with cash grants. Over the course of its history, the event has been a powerful tool for community philanthropy generating nearly $1,000,000 in grant making funds. Tickets for the event may be purchased by clicking here.

About The Hispanic Foundation Silicon Valley

The Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley is a public foundation dedicated to inspiring community philanthropy and engaging people to invest in the health, educational achievement and leadership development of the thriving Hispanic community in Silicon Valley. The HFSV has become an important vehicle for those who share a spirit of giving to have an impact on the lives of Hispanic children and families in Silicon Valley.

Contact:
Karla Rodriguez
krodriguez@consultant.com
408-806-6582