Unidos is a collective of many local and community focused organizations and engaged individuals, together serving the diverse spectrum of the Chicano Latino community in Riverside. Unidos was formed to work together on initiatives that serve us all beyond the valued niche mission of each group.

History

Prior to the formation of Unidos, a few individuals had been discussing the possibility of joining efforts towards a greater good for our communities. The proposed Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Arts & Culture offered the opportunity and the motivation to come together and get started with our first joint effort.

UNIDOS first began with the announcement in December of 2017 from the Riverside Latino Network, the Greater Riverside Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GRHCC), and the Spanish Town Heritage Foundation of a collective $90,000 pledge to The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture with each organization pledging $30,000 over three years. However, we knew we could and should do more. We made the determination to raise a total of $250,000 over a three-year period by adding to this collaboration of Chicano Latino organizations. A meeting was called and Unidos held its first meeting on January 22, 2018. The purpose of the meeting was to bring Chicano Latino group representatives to discuss the proposed Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture (The Cheech) an opportunity for the Chicano Latino community to come together and celebrate our community’s many contributions to Chicano culture, art and industry and to demonstrate a strong united presence. Together we launched and committed to work together to make The Cheech a reality; a dynamic daily demonstration of the presence and voice of the Chicano Latino community.

The first installment of $10,000 was paid by each of these three organizations. These three organizations pledged to raise a combined total of $250,000 by expanding the effort to all interested Chicano Latino organizations in our region. Our first fundraising event was our inaugural gala, Unidos: Celebrando Chicano Art Gala held on September 6, 2018 raising a total of $113,902. In addition to the $90,000 committed by the original three organizations, additional pledges were made in the amount of $54,850, for a total of $258,752 in just ONE YEAR… far surpassing our commitment of raising $250,000 over 3 years!

Although the financial commitment made was accomplished, Unidos remains committed to see through the opening of The Cheech, scheduled for Fall 2021. As such, we continue to work together to raise awareness and funds and support The Cheech. Join us!