On Friday evening, May 3rd Chicago’s National Museum of Mexican Art celebrated its annual benefit at Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel. Themed Noche de Encanto (Evening of Enchantment), the Gala de Arte is a black-tie event that celebrates art, culture and the resiliency of the Mexican community. Nearly 700 guests attended and the Gala raised $550,000 for museum programs. Governor JB Pritzker and Mayor-Elect Lori Lightfoot, joined Museum President and Founder Carlos Tortolero and Gala Chair Eve Rodriguez Montoya and guests in honoring Congressman Chuy Garcia and Deputy Governor for Education Jesse Ruiz. Also present, Representative of the Mexican Consul, consul of community affairs, Eduardo Niño Avalos. Special Honors included Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García with the Arthur R. Velasquez Award, which honors an individual who is taking on the challenges our community faces by speaking up on our behalf and by effectively communicating the impact and perspective of our growing Latino Community; Jesse Ruiz, Deputy Governor for Education with the Legacy Award, presented to someone who has had a long and lasting impact on the National Museum of Mexican Art; and Adela Cepeda introduced Chuy Garcia and the Arthur R. Velasquez Award and Elizabeth Lopez, Trustee, introduced Jesse Ruiz and the Legacy Award.