As is his nature Armando Cardenas graciously accepted his $2,500 Excalibur Award check and promptly donated it to Domingos en el Parque, a part of the Rockford Park District’s summer concert series.
A giant check was presented Tuesday at the Rockford Park District board meeting to the Rockford Park District Foundation to benefit Domingos en el Parque, founded by Cardenas in 2002.
Aftrer learning that the award was to be used to benefit a nonprofit, Cardenas said, “I didn’t give it another thought. I said, ‘Tony Ramirez.'”
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Ramirez is the coordinator of Domingos en el Parque.
Ramirez said the money will be used to off set costs to bring performances to Levings Lake, Sinnissippi and Blackhawk parks.
Rock Park District Executive Director Jay Sandine praised Cardenas for being a long-time advocate of the Park District and a mentor to him.
Sandine said there were numerous times when language barriers could have prevented soccer matches or musical festivals from taking place in the Latino community.