Close to 500 business and community leaders gathered to celebrate the close of Hispanic Heritage Month at CLUES’ Gala Latina 2025 on Friday, October 17th, at The Depot Minneapolis. The annual event was a powerful evening of connection, culture, and philanthropy, celebrating the immense impact of Latino leadership and culture in Minnesota while raising crucial funds to support our mission. 

Minnesota’s 50th Lieutenant Governor, Peggy Flanagan, provided a warm welcome to the attendees. The inspirational program featured a special tribute and recognition ceremony, including the presence of Ambassador Alejandra Bologna, Head Consul of Mexico in Saint Paul. 

Guests enjoyed a gourmet Latino-inspired dinner, silent auction, live appeal, and a vibrant cultural performance by Colombia Live, a local nonprofit dedicated to sharing the spirit of Colombia through dance. 

"The unwavering support we received tonight will directly empower our mission to advance social and economic equity for Latinos across the state," said Ruby Azurdia-Lee, CLUES President & CEO. "In particular, the funds raised are vital for the Canasta Familiar Program, which is a lifeline for so many families. It ensures that our community members have access to the healthy, culturally appropriate food they need, not just to survive, but to thrive and feel a sense of belonging truly." 

This year’s gala raised over $100,000 for the Canasta Familiar Program, which distributes more than one million pounds of healthy food annually through its East Side Saint Paul and Minneapolis Lake Street facilities. A special thank you to General Mills, Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation, and generous donors, whose 1:1 donation match of up to $25,000 doubled the impact of every gift.

In addition to providing food, the program offers SNAP and MNSURE enrollment and referrals to other emergency services, including employment, ESL, housing, and family support—reflecting CLUES’ holistic approach to health and wellness. The organization also recently opened a Family Wellness and Childcare Business Hub pilot in East Saint Paul, an innovative solution to support family economic prosperity.

As CLUES approaches its 45th anniversary in 2026, Gala Latina 2025 celebrated the organization’s ongoing growth, impact, and unwavering commitment to empowering families, inspiring leaders, and strengthening communities since 1981.

Watch & Be Inspired

• Celebrate our journey and impact: Watch the CLUES Legacy Video.

• See how your support changes lives: Watch the CLUES Canasta Familiar Fundraising Video.

Join Us in Making a Difference
Your generosity fuels CLUES’ mission and helps ensure every family has access to healthy food, opportunity, and hope.
Donate today to support CLUES and the Canasta Familiar Program.