Current News and Events
The Curacao Story
Chapter 2: Curacao in the Community
Since its initial efforts to assist Los Angeles' Latino communities over 30 years ago, the Curacao team has continually and creatively developed new ways of giving back through various charitable channels. The corporation's presence within the Latino communities strengthens with each of its seasonal acts of kindness.
New Year's Day marks Curacao's first outreach of the year through its involvement with the popular Tournament of Roses Parade. Teaming with Noticias 34 Univision, Curacao executives began a campaign to help raise money for Latin American bands approached by the Parade committee to participate in the annual event, held in Pasadena, California and broadcast live nationally.
During a typical Southland summer, when kids spend less time in school and more time with their families, Curacao remembered those who were bound by other obligations - children battling long-term illnesses at a local hospital. Curacao co-founder Jerry Azarkman presented the Children's Hospital Los Angeles with a generous donation of nearly $11,000, funds raised by actual Curacao employees collected from the chain's various branches.
In September 2007, just as schools reopened for the fall semester, Curacao executives unveiled their partnership with the prestigious University of Southern California and the institute's Mexican American Alumni Association (MAAA), announcing the funding of a new scholarship program for Latino high school students admitted to the internationally famed college. Formally introduced as the Academic Achievement Program, Curacao is dedicated to granting $12,000 to select incoming USC students over the course of four years.
Thanksgiving has also been a time of loyalty and care from the Curacao team to the community at large, having donated free turkeys to raffle winners. Participation in the Thanksgiving turkey giveaway was available to all in-store visitors at no cost, with each prize being delivered to the winners' homes. Curacao's mission in this giveaway was to ensure that more Latinos could partake in this holiday tradition.
As the holiday season comes to an end, Curacao encourages Latinos to end the old year and start the new year off right by attending their fun and fabulous New Year's Eve soirees. With free admission, live music, cool prizes, and delicious treats served throughout the night, the grand finale of the evening is revealed through a countdown to midnight along with a special surprise for the audience.
Curacao actively participates in many other community events throughout the year, from hosting large events to funding local programs geared toward assisting and improving the lives of Latinos in the United States.
