WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) today announced that presidential candidates Sen. John McCain of Arizona and Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois will address a crowd of more than 2,300, including as many as 40 Members of Congress in attendance, at the CHCI 31st Annual Awards Gala on September 10, 2008 at the Washington D.C. Convention Center.
Lieutenant General Ricardo Sanchez and actress Rosie Perez will receive Medallion of Excellence Awards. The Chairman's Award, selected by CHCI Chairman Joe Baca (CA-43), will be presented to three pioneering Members of Congress, Reps. Solomon P. Ortiz (TX-27), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-18), and Jose E. Serrano (NY-16).
CHCI prepares to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month on September 7, 2008, with its Annual Public Policy Conference celebrating the theme The Power to Make the Difference.
Hispanic Members of Congress, prominent Latino experts, and national leaders will gather at the Public Policy Conference on September 7-9, 2008, at the Washington D.C. Convention Center for provocative discussions on critical issues for the Latino community, including education, immigration, the economy, civil rights, health, housing, labor and technology.
This dynamic three-day conference will also feature a CHCI Board of Director's Tribute to the Honorable Sen. Ted Kennedy (MA), the unveiling of a new U.S. postage stamp honoring Latin Jazz, and a lively discussion on the power of the Latino vote.
For the complete Public Policy Conference agenda, please visit http://www.chci.org/2008Events/2008_glance.html .
CHCI's 8th Annual Reyes of Comedy Night takes place on Tuesday, September 9 at the Warner Theatre, featuring a dynamic lineup of comedians who will draw from their personal experiences to present a comedic portrait of Hispanic life in the United States.
For more information on Reyes of Comedy Night, please visit http://www.chci.org/2008Events/2008reyesofcomedy.html.
To learn more about CHCI's Hispanic Heritage Month events, please visit http://www.chci.org/2008Events/2008.html .
For press credentials, please email Director of Communications, Scott Gunderson Rosa at sgunderson_rosa@chci.org.
About Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), a nonprofit and nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization, provides leadership development programs and educational services to students and young emerging leaders. The CHCI Board of Directors is comprised of Hispanic Members of Congress, nonprofit leaders and corporate executives. For information call CHCI at (202) 543-1771 or visit http://www.chci.org/.
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