FACC taps sponsors, volunteers to host successful Leyte Dance Theater group performance

The Benavides couple (center) with FACC president Dr. Ed Tautjo (second from left), FACC past president Dr. Nini Bautista (left) and incumbent FACC auditor Dr. Stella Lawsin (right). 

 


By Susan Palmes-Dennis


ROCKINGHAM, North Carolina—The spirit of communal unity and cooperation by the Filipino-American community of the Carolinas shone bright during the May 27 performance of the Leyte Dance Theater group of the Jess de Paz Foundation in Charlotte, North Carolina. 


The Leyte Dance Theater’s May 27 performance in Charlotte came on the heels of three performances in three states that were part of their US 2023 World Tour. 


Being the host, the Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas Inc. (FACC) did everything within their means and even beyond to make the Leyte Dance Theater group—consisting of over 20 dancers and excluding staff members—feel right at home and make their stay memorable. 


Thanks to generous support from gold and silver sponsors, the Leyte Dance Theater group’s needs and concerns were met sufficiently by FACC and their volunteers.  FACC President Dr. Edward Tautjo acknowledged the support of these sponsors and volunteers in his welcome message.


Among them were Gold Sponsors Vic and Linda Benavides. Vic is a Blue Falcon Awardee and an outstanding alumnus of Mapa High School.  He studied at the University of the Philippines on a full scholarship for the National Science Development Board. 


Me talking a selfie with the supportive Benavides couple,
An accounting major, Vic went to Michigan University and studied actuarial science. His wife Linda is a retired chemistry professor and her late father was formerly an education secretary. 


The Benavides couple are huge supporters of scholars as they believe that education liberates people from poverty.  


They supported scholars either under the Filipino American Spirit (FAS) or the ANCOP (Answering the Cry of the Poor program of the Couples for Christ or CFC). Notably they supported college scholars.


They have four accomplished children and talented grandchildren. The grandchildren can form an orchestra whenever they do gather said Dr. Nini de Bautista Garcia. As if that’s not enough, Victor Benavides wrote his biography which is available on Amazon. 


Not only they are gold sponsors, they are also gracious hosts to the Leyte Dance Theater group after their great performance.


In a related development, the Leyte Dance Theater group were treated to a sumptuous feast hosted by Faith Bing Springboard and the occasion was attended by Suzanne Horne, Lota Mascarenas (who was the designated driver of those who stayed with her) Evelyn Glass and many others. 


FACC’s board of directors who became designated drivers were Dr. Tautjo, Cecile Tautjo, Yulie Armstrong, Leizel Perez Bell and Aurea Barbie. 


Past FACC Officer Doreen Reynolds also served as a driver and delivery lady of groceries for donors to the Leyte Dance Theater group. All these and many more unnamed volunteers helped in making the group’s performance a stellar success abd they will be named in future stories. 


Photo by Lota Mascarenas 


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