Dear UPRAA Friends:

Tell me something! When was the last time that you danced with a live salsa orchestra in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area? And I’m not talking about those times when you were in the shower, mowing the lawn, or shoveling snow!  The majority of the social gigs in the DC area are over at 10:00 PM, and most have either elevator piped music or reggaeton.  So, here is a wonderful opportunity to get rid of all your Walter Mitty fantasies by attending the Association of University of Puerto Rico Alumni and Friends Abroad (UPRAA) Noche Boricua on Saturday, January 14, 2012, from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM, at 4301 Wilson Blvd., in Arlington, VA – by the Ballston Metro Station.

The two groups that will liven up the dance are Sajaso and the local Raices de Borinquen. Ramon “Chino” Casiano is the singer and leader of Sajaso -- a Puerto Rican band in the heart of North Carolina with a salsa, jazz, and soul repertoire. When I think of the song “Autumn Leaves,” I automatically think of Nat King Cole. Well, listen to “Chino” Casiano’s arrangement of this song at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XK-r9HB_y4A.

UPRAA is honored to invite you, your family and friends to our Noche Boricua 2012 celebrating the Three Kings Day:

• When: January 14, 2012
• Time: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
• Where: National Rural Electric Cooperative, 4301 Wilson Blvd Arlington, VA 22203
• Parking: Free parking at the venue building, entrance through Taylor street
• Nearest Metro station: Ballston
• Cost: $60.00, children under 12 free
• Music and dance by Sajazo (old school salsa) and Grupo Raices de Borinquen (bomba & folk music)
• Food: Buffet of Puerto Rican soul food – Roasted Pork (pernil), pasteles, rice with pigeon peas (“arroz con gandules”) and Puerto Rican deserts and finger food
• Refresments included.

This will be a great time to network with friends and colleagues while celebrating the “Octavitas”. Please share this invite with your network. Proceeds from the activity will go to UPRAA’s scholarship and charity fund.

To register and payment please click here.

During the past four years, the Association of the University of P.R. Alumni and Friends Abroad (UPRAA) has awarded over $56,000 in scholarships to an outstanding group of young Hispanic students who have demonstrated academic merit, commitment to public service, and financial need.

Besides our scholarship programs, UPRAA  has also supported the following organizations:

• The Carlos Rosario Charter school in DC.
• The HOME organization in Fredericksburg, VA. HOME supports children infected with HIV and resurrects the level of HIV awareness through education, prevention, and intervention services.
• The Literacy Council of Northern Virginia.  This organization teaches English to non-English speakers.

You can help us to continue supporting those in need with your support of our Charity Golf Classic to be held at Old Hickory Golf Club, 11921 Chanceford Drive, Woodbridge, Virginia on Friday, October 3, 2012. This exciting event is the primary fundraiser for our Hispanic Charity and Scholarship Fund. 

“Giving back” to the community and supporting the development of our youth to become future leaders is important to us.  We hope you agree with our commitment and will join us as a participant, volunteer, or sponsor.  As a supporter of this event, you can continue to demonstrate your commitment to the Hispanic community. 

If you have any questions, please, do not hesitate to contact the tournament Chair, Jacob Lozada at (703) 599-5766 or the President of UPRAA John Villamil at: (703) 862-6359. To register please click here.  If you want to become one of our sponsors and contribute to UPRAA's Scholarship and Charity fund please click here.