A Legacy Of Service For Others

On Saturday, September 10th, 2022, Labor Community Services hosted the Second Annual Dolores Huerta Spirit Awards. Last year to ensure the safety of all attendees, we held our event virtual, which allowed us to come together to celebrate the achievements made by LCS in helping those families in need around us.

This year, the drop in positive COVID-19 cases along with the mass distribution of vaccines throughout Los Angeles, we felt that it was safe enough for all of us to come together under one roof and be able to celebrate the event as one Labor family.

But as is the nature of any major event, this year’s Dolores Huerta Spirit Awards did not come without its own challenges that almost prevented us from hosting the event in person once again. Weather reports were declaring a major monsoon rain storm would hit the Los Angeles area on the day of our event, which would have been disastrous had our event taken place at its originally planned location. So 48 hours before the event, our brothers and sisters at Laborers 300 opened its doors to us and allowed LCS to host the event at its headquarters.

The last minute change in venue created an endless list of logistical issues that had to be addressed quickly and e ff orts to be executed without room for error. Thankfully, we came together and held a successful event that allowed us to rejoice in the victories achieved by LCS in 2022 and gave us the opportunity to honor and say thank you to our heroes who served as our inspiration and hope throughout the year.

Our 2022 honorees included:

IATSE 2nd International Vice President and LA County Fed Chairperson Thom Davis, who was awarded with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his lifelong dedication to working men and women in Organized Labor.

The members of Bakers Local 37 from Jon Donaire Foods, who were awarded the Workers Champions Awards for their perseverance in fighting for a successful contract that provided them with the wages, benefits and better work conditions which they deserved.

LiUNA Local 300 Business Manager Sergio Rascon, who was awarded with the Inspiration Leadership Award for his role as a champion for all workers in Los Angeles County when it would come to secure the benefits that provide workers with the dignity and respect they have earned.

Food Forward with our Community Partner Award, for their commitment to assist families facing food insecurities throughout Southern California through their innovative approach towards reducing food waste and preventing healthy food from not being enjoyed by families in our neighborhoods.

In addition to our honorees, we were joined by United State Senator Alex Padilla who served as the event’s keynote speaker, along with our Labor Champion Dolores Huerta, who reminded us all of our duty to always stand up and fight for those who need their voices heard, regardless of how dificult the challenges may appear. It was a day that many will never forget as it reminded us that Los Angeles is truly a Union town.