Page 2924

Goodwill® and the Ad Council Ask Communities to “Donate Stuff. Create Jobs.” Through New PSAs

0
Your clothes that are too small can do big things for others.





Goodwill® and the Ad Council Ask Communities to “Donate Stuff. Create Jobs.” Through New PSAs

PSAs demonstrate how donated goods are not an endpoint but a means for building stronger communities


WASHINGTON, Feb. 10, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — In an effort to continue to create and place people in more jobs, including people who are unemployed or underemployed, Goodwill® and the Ad Council have launched new public service advertisements (PSAs) that demonstrate how donated clothing and household items to Goodwill support those facing challenges to finding employment. Every 27 seconds of every business day, Goodwill helps someone find employment.

Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7442751-goodwill-ad-council-psas/

Haga clic aqui para ver este comunicado en espanol.

Through its 165 local agencies in the United States and Canada, Goodwill works to provide employment training, job placement and other community-based services such as career counseling, financial education, resume preparation, and mentoring to people with disabilities and disadvantages, and anyone facing challenges to finding employment. In 2013, more than 9.8 million people were served by Goodwill agencies in the United States and Canada, and Goodwill assisted more than 261,000 people in obtaining employment.

“At Goodwill, we strive every day to offer career navigation and skills attainment in order to provide long-term economic stability for individuals, their families and the greater community,” said Jim Gibbons, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. “Everyone should have the chance to succeed through the power of work, and we hope that the newest Goodwill and Ad Council-created PSAs will reach people facing challenges to finding employment in this difficult economy.”

Created pro bono by ad agency Saatchi & Saatchi, the English and Spanish language television, radio, print, outdoor and online PSAs aim to help people understand that donated goods are not an endpoint but the beginning of job placement and job training. Through depictions of a boy growing up with a bicycle that he ultimately donates to Goodwill, one PSA conveys how the sale of donated items provides people with new opportunities. A second set of TV and radio PSAs, featuring a timeless speech on employment from Franklin D. Roosevelt, reinforces how donated goods can implement positive change in communities. All PSAs conclude with the tagline, “Donate Stuff. Create Jobs.” and direct audiences to visit Goodwill.org to find their nearest donation centers.

“These compelling ads are a wonderful extension of our campaign,” said Lisa Sherman, president and CEO of the Ad Council. “Our goal is to help people look at their donated items as more than just used objects but as a resource for change that can empower people in their communities.”

The Goodwill PSA campaign, in partnership with the Ad Council, launched in September 2013 and has received $51 million in donated media support, contributing to Goodwill receiving more than 86 million donations.

“We’re honored to partner with the Ad Council to assist Goodwill in connecting people with employment. We hope these powerful stories will inspire donations, create more jobs and effect positive cultural change,” said Jay Benjamin, chief creative officer at Saatchi & Saatchi.

The Ad Council
The Ad Council is a private, nonprofit organization with a rich history of marshaling volunteer talent from the advertising and media industries to deliver critical messages to the American public. Having produced thousands of PSA campaigns addressing the most pressing social issues of the day, the Ad Council has effected, and continues to effect, tremendous positive change by raising awareness, inspiring action and saving lives. To learn more about the Ad Council and its campaigns, visit www.adcouncil.org, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or view our PSAs on YouTube.

Goodwill Industries International
Goodwill Industries International is a network of 165 community-based agencies in the United States and Canada with a presence in 14 other countries. Goodwill is one of America’s top 20 most inspiring companies (Forbes, 2014). Goodwill agencies are innovative and sustainable social enterprises that fund job training programs, employment placement services and other community-based programs by selling donated clothing and household items in more than 3,000 stores and online at shopgoodwill.com. Local Goodwill agencies also build revenue and create jobs by contracting with businesses and government to provide a wide range of commercial services, including packaging and assembly, food services preparation, and document imaging and shredding. In 2013, more than 9.8 million people in the United States and Canada benefited from Goodwill’s career services. Goodwill channels 83 percent of its revenues directly into its programs and services. To learn more, visit goodwill.org.

To find a Goodwill location near you, use the online locator at Goodwill.org or call (800) GOODWILL. Follow us on Twitter: @GoodwillIntl and @GoodwillCapHill, and find us on Facebook: GoodwillIntl.

Saatchi & Saatchi
Saatchi & Saatchi (saatchi.com) is known for its outstanding creative ideas that generate powerful emotional connections between consumers and products. This is a key element in Lovemarks, Saatchi & Saatchi’s unique methodology for elevating the status of brands created to create “loyalty beyond reason” and “inspirational consumers.”


Venezuelan Human-Rights Advocates To Appear In Washington

0





Venezuelan Human-Rights Advocates To Appear In Washington


They will advocate for an end to impunity in Venezuela, an end to the human-rights abuses, and justice and accountability for all victims


WASHINGTON, Feb. 10, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE — Tomorrow, three Venezuelan human rights advocates and family members of victims will be in town for important meetings and to discuss the deteriorating human-rights situation in Venezuela. They will speak briefly about their personal stories and speak further about the meetings that they have had in Washington. This event will be sponsored by Friends of a Free Venezuela.

WHO:

Lilian Tintori is the wife of Venezuelan opposition leader and prisoner of conscience Leopoldo Lopez.

Jonny Wilfred Montoya Gonzalez is the brother of the deceased Juancho Montoya, a Chavista, who was killed during the February 12, 2014 protests.

Rosa Maria Orozco is the mother of Geraldin Moreno Orozco, who was shot in the face at point-blank range and killed by the Bolivarian National Guard in the entrance to her neighborhood in the town of Naguagua in Carabobo State.

WHEN:

Wednesday February 11, 2015 – 10:15 am EST

WHERE:

National Press Club, The White Room
529 14th Street, NW, 13th Floor
Washington, D.C. 20045

Either media credentials or a business card and photo identification will be required.

Contact:

Megan Jackson (English)

[email protected]

+1 202 223 0975

Sam Ritholtz (Spanish)

[email protected]

+1 202 466 3069

 

 


Miami Dade Group Files Federal Class Action Law Suit Against Uber and Lyft for Regulation Violations Contributing to Public Endangerment

0





Miami Dade Group Files Federal Class Action Law Suit Against Uber and Lyft for Regulation Violations Contributing to Public Endangerment

Complaint cites failure to follow regulatory law, conducting misleading business practices and lack of accountability to the general public


MIAMI, Feb. 10, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Uber and Lyft can add one more lawsuit to the pile of legal troubles that have been mounting up for both companies over the last year. Today, Patino Law & Associates, announced that a class action lawsuit has been filed in the United States District Court for the District of Florida against Uber Technologies and Lyft, Inc. for failing to follow regulatory laws, deceiving the public and its drivers about its business practices and endangering the safety of the public at large.

PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

The lawsuit against Uber and Lyft, which was filed on behalf of the riding public, the physically disabled, taxi drivers and fee for hire companies calls for injunctive relief for the protection and safety of the general public and seeks to prohibit the two entities from continuing to engage in rideshare transportation services without a for-hire license, passenger service company registration or certificate of transportation.

“These regulations exist to ensure that the vehicles that provide us with transportation, be it a school bus, ambulance, taxi or any other for-hire vehicle, are properly equipped and maintained and that the drivers are well trained to ensure everyone’s safety on the road.”

The lawsuit demands that Uber and Lyft work within the regulatory scheme that was created by Miami Dade County through ordinances and claims that their failure to do so jeopardizes the welfare of the riding public in the following ways:

  • The vehicles are not inspected.
  • There is no record of vehicles being maintained.
  • Drivers do not have for-hire chauffeur registration licenses and identification.
  • Criminal background checks are not being done through the recognized and approved process.
  • Their insurance is not under the Florida Insurance Guaranty Association (FIGA) insured network of companies and is therefore not compliant with the Miami Dade County Code of Ordinances.

As defined by the Miami Dade County Code of Ordinances (MDCCO), defendants Uber and Lyft are passenger service companies who hire drivers to provide for-hire transportation services to consumers through the use of a smartphone application, receiving a portion of all profits rendered by said drivers. To date, neither Uber or Lyft have attempted to apply for nor have they received any form of licensure from Miami-Dade County.

While their lack of regulatory compliance is certainly of importance, more important are the implications that such violations have on public safety. One such example is Uber and Lyft’s misrepresentation of its available insurance coverage in an attempt to lure customers to their service and undermine the business of Plaintiffs and putative class.

“Innovation is one of the cornerstones of the American way of life, but so is respect for the rule of law,” said Ralph Patino, founding member of Patino Law & Associates. “Rule of law is grounded on the perception that laws will be upheld when they are violated – regardless of the identity of the entity responsible for such violations.”


FileRight Introduces Online Software to Help DREAMers Get Relief from Deportation Under President Obama’s Executive Order

0





FileRight Introduces Online Software to Help DREAMers Get Relief from Deportation Under President Obama’s Executive Order


SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 10, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — As hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants gear up to apply for work permits and protection from deportation through the Expanded DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), online software company FileRight offers these undocumented immigrants, also known as DREAMers, a simple and secure way to complete and file their paperwork.

Out of the estimated 6.5 million immigration applications filed with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) every year, hundreds of thousands are rejected for clerical mistakes. With the upcoming release of Obama’s new undocumented programs, the USCIS can expect up to 4.9 million more applications coming its way. FileRight gives immigrants the option to complete forms using easy-to-use online software, helping ensure their forms are filed properly. 

Similar to how online tax prep software helps taxpayers complete their IRS returns, FileRight allows immigrants to complete their U.S. immigration paperwork on their own through its simple, secure online platform. Available in English and Spanish, FileRight software walks customers through immigration forms question by question and provides detailed instructions on how to properly file their papers with the U.S. government. The company also promises to reimburse customers the cost of FileRight fees plus their government filing fees (for DACA that’s $465) if their application is denied.*

“My family and I have personally experienced the confusion and anxiety involved in completing immigration papers,” said FileRight CEO and founder Cesare Alessandrini. “I founded FileRight to help the millions of immigrants and DREAMers file their paperwork right.”

FileRight software for Expanded DACA will be available online at www.FileRight.com in late February 2015. To help eligible DREAMers get ready for Expanded DACA, FileRight has published “Getting Ready for Expanded DACA” available in English and Spanish for FREE download at www.FileRight.com. The guide details how DREAMers and other undocumented immigrants can apply for deportation deferral and employment authorization. 

For more information on FileRight, or to download a free copy of our guide, please visit www.FileRight.com or call (855) 345-3744.

About FileRight
FileRight is an online software company dedicated to setting immigrants on the path of success by focusing on one thing: getting immigration forms filed right. Whether it’s an application for citizenship, a family-based green card, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or other U.S. immigration forms, the FileRight online software walks you through each immigration form step-by-step, reviews every answer to make sure nothing gets missed, and provides detailed instructions on how to properly file your papers with the U.S. government.

FileRight is not affiliated with the USCIS or any government agency. We are not a law firm, do not provide legal advice, and are not a substitute for the advice of an attorney. Technical support is for technical and billing issues only, not legal questions. FileRight purchase price does not include any government application, biometric or filing fees. Access to and use of the FileRight.com website, as well as all cancellation, termination or refund/return policies, are subject to FileRight’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

*Refunds subject to proof of final denial from the USCIS of immigration status sought.  Requests for refunds must be made within 90 days of issuance of final denial by USCIS.  Other conditions may apply.  See Terms of Use for details. 


(Español) Flipboard lleva su popular experiencia móvil a la web

0

Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

Outdoor Lifestyle, Clean Environment Outrank Economic Reasons for Latinos Living or Staying in the West

0





Outdoor Lifestyle, Clean Environment Outrank Economic Reasons for Latinos Living or Staying in the West

New report also finds overwhelming Latino support for Antiquities Act, public lands protection


COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Feb. 10, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — A healthy, outdoor lifestyle and clean air, water and environment are increasingly significant factors as to why Latinos choose to live or stay in the West, outranking cost of living and economic opportunities, according to the new Colorado College State of the Rockies Project Conservation in the West Poll. This finding also sheds light on why the Antiquities Act, which is coming under fire in Congress, is supported by 86 percent of Latino voters wanting to keep the president’s ability to protect existing public lands as national monuments intact – compared to just 4 percent opposing it. Hispanic Access Foundation released the results to the Spanish-language media this afternoon.

“We’ve long known that public lands are a critical part of why people choose to live and work in the West, but our findings show that these special places are truly the cornerstone of our lifestyle, our values, and what keeps us in the West,” said Dr. Eric Perramond, Director of the Colorado College State of the Rockies Project and a professor of environmental science and southwest studies. “Towns and cities across the West have a unique competitive advantage over other regions – access to the peaks, canyons, and rivers found on national public lands.”

This year’s bipartisan survey of 2,400 registered voters – 15 percent of which were Latino – across six states, found that although Latinos are less likely than other Westerners to have ever lived outside of their current state, the same factors keep them in the West. Eighty-nine percent of Latinos cite a healthy, outdoor lifestyle and 87 percent indicate clean air, clean water and environment as to why they choose to live in the West. In comparison, 79 percent and 78 percent of respondents cited cost of living and economic opportunities respectively.

“Latinos hold a great passion for the outdoors and it’s this love that is also leading to a brand new set of advocates,” said Maite Arce, president and CEO of Hispanic Access Foundation. “In Colorado, New Mexico and California, Latinos have been visible and vocal champions for the creation of new national monuments. Time and again, we hear Latino youth and community leaders say these public lands are important to us and we must protect them for future generations. They understand the need for the Antiquities Act – not just for today’s president but for tomorrow’s too.”

The Antiquities Act, which provides the president with the authority to protect public lands like the recent San Gabriel Mountains as national monuments, has been under fire in Congress where the legislature wants to limit this function of the office. However, Latinos voters are overwhelmingly supportive (86 percent) of maintaining this presidential ability compared to just 4 percent opposing it.

Other findings of the poll include:

  • When it comes to specific environmental priorities, there is nearly unanimous Latino support for protecting and conserving natural areas for future generations (97 percent), protecting and conserving wildlife habitat (96 percent) and making sure that rangers have the resources they need to take care of public lands and provide services to visitors (96 percent).
  • 74 percent of Latinos want to funding continue for the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which receives fees charged to oil and gas companies that drill offshore in order to conserve natural areas and clean water and ensure access to outdoor recreation.
  • When it comes to state issues, not surprisingly Latino voters cite Unemployment (95 percent) as a very serious issue, but water issues in the West dominate the top five — pollution of rivers, lakes and streams (90 percent); low levels of water in rivers (87 percent); and adequate water supplies (85 percent).
  • 93 percent of Latinos surveyed say they have visited public lands managed by U.S. agencies in the last five years.

The 2015 Colorado College Conservation in the West survey is a bipartisan poll conducted by Republican pollster Lori Weigel of Public Opinion Strategies and Democratic pollster Dave Metz of Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates. The poll surveyed 400 registered voters in each of six western states (AZ, CO, NM, UT, WY, MT) for a total 2,400-person sample. The survey yields a margin of error of +/-2.9 percent nationwide and +/-4.9 statewide. The full survey and Latino results are available on the Colorado College website.

About Colorado College 
Colorado College is a nationally prominent, four-year liberal arts college that was founded in Colorado Springs in 1874. The college operates on the innovative Block Plan, in which its 2,000 undergraduate students study one course at a time in intensive 3½-week segments. For the past ten years, the college also has run the State of the Rockies Project, which seeks to increase public understanding of vital issues affecting the Rockies through annual report cards, free events, discussions and other activities.

About Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates
Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates (FM3) – a national Democratic opinion research firm with offices in Oakland, Los Angeles and Madison, Wisconsin – has specialized in public policy oriented opinion research since 1981. The firm has assisted hundreds of political campaigns at every level of the ballot – from President to City Council – with opinion research and strategic guidance. FM3 also provides research and strategic consulting to public agencies, businesses and public interest organizations nationwide.

About Public Opinion Strategies
Public Opinion Strategies is the largest Republican polling firm in the country. Since the firm’s founding in 1991, they have completed more than 10,000 research projects, interviewing more than five million Americans across the United States. Public Opinion Strategies’ research is well respected, and prestigious media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, NBC News, and CNBC rely on Public Opinion Strategies to conduct their polling. The firm conducts opinion research on behalf of hundreds of political campaigns, as well as trade associations, not-for-profit organizations, government entities, and industry coalitions throughout the nation.

Contact: Robert Fanger
P: (317) 410-7668
E: [email protected]

 

 

 


SiriusXM to Broadcast Exclusive ICONOS Event with Latin Urban Pioneer Tego Calderon

0





SiriusXM to Broadcast Exclusive ICONOS Event with Latin Urban Pioneer Tego Calderon


With the launch of his latest album, Tego Calderon sits down for a candid conversation about his life in music


The exclusive interview will air on SiriusXM Caliente and Flow Nacion channels


NEW YORK, Feb. 10, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — SiriusXM announced today that legendary Latin rapper singer-songwriter and actor Tego Calderon will sit down in front of a live studio audience of SiriusXM listeners on Thursday, February 12 for its series “SiriusXM ICONOS,” intimate gatherings with iconic Latin musicians, entertainers and ambassadors of Latino culture.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101014/NY82093LOGO

“SiriusXM ICONOS with Tego Calderon” will feature the Latin Hip Hop pioneer discussing everything from his early and current musical influences, his life in music, thoughts on the genre, and his first album in eight years, El Que Sabe, Sabe.  Known for lyrics with a heavy focus on the reality of urban life, his style of Latin urban has catapulted and maintained him at the top of the genre drawing influences from other genres including salsa, dancehall, and hip-hop.  

“SiriusXM ICONOS with Tego Calderon,” which will take place Thursday, February 12, will air simultaneously on Friday, February 27 at 4:00 pm ET on SiriusXM Caliente channel 150 and SiriusXM Flow Nacion channel 506.

“Tego Calderon’s in a true pioneer of Latin Hip Hop and we are excited to welcome him to our SiriusXM studios once again,” said Trinity Colon, Vice President of Music Programming, SiriusXM.  “Our ‘ICONOS’ event will be a great opportunity for the lucky fans and subscribers to hear from him firsthand about his music and the direction of the genre.”

After the broadcast, “SiriusXM ICONOS with Tego Calderon” will be available on SiriusXM On Demand for subscribers listening on smartphones and other mobile devices or online at siriusxm.com.

Born in Puerto Rico, Tego Calderon grew up in a household that exposed him to different types of music including salsa, Latin pop, and jazz setting him on a path to creating a style all his own.   In 2002, Calderon launched El Abayarde, his debut and first full-length album becoming an instant success selling over 50,000 copies during its first month.  In 2004 he released El Enemy de los Guasíbiri in 2004 and his unique voice was featured in remixes of Usher’s “Yeah,” Fat Joe’s “Lean Back,” and N.O.R.E.’s “Oye Mi Canto.” Looking to expand beyond reggaeton, Calderon declared the release of his album The Underdog/El Subestimado “a musical journey through the Afro-Caribbean culture.” His latest album, El Que Sabe, Sabe was released February 3.

The SiriusXM Latino channel lineup features ten exclusive commercial-free music channels covering a wide variety of music genres, including Caliente (tropical, channel 150), Rumbon (classic salsa, channel 533), Flow Nacion (Latin hip-hop and Reggaeton, channel 506), La Kueva (rock en español, channel 540), Viva (contemporary pop, channel 500), La Mezcla (top hits in English and Spanish, channel 148), Aguila (regional Mexican, channel 151), Caricia (classic ballads in English and Spanish, channel 523), Latidos (romantic love songs from the 90s to today, channel 520), Luna (Latin jazz, channel 530) and more. 

Listeners can register for a 30-day trial and listen to these channels on smartphones and other mobile devices as well as online at www.siriusxm.com.

For more information, please visit www.siriusxm.com/latino and www.tegocalderon.com.

About SiriusXM

Sirius XM Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: SIRI) is the world’s largest radio broadcaster measured by revenue and has 27.3 million subscribers.  SiriusXM creates and broadcasts commercial-free music; premier sports talk and live events; comedy; news; exclusive talk and entertainment; and the most comprehensive Latin music, sports and talk programming in radio. SiriusXM is available in vehicles from every major car company in the U.S. and on smartphones and other connected devices as well as online at siriusxm.com. SiriusXM radios and accessories are available from retailers nationwide and at shop.siriusxm.com.  SiriusXM also provides premium traffic, weather, data and information services for subscribers in cars, trucks, RVs, boats and aircraft through SiriusXM Traffic™, SiriusXM Travel Link, NavTraffic®, NavWeather™, SiriusXM Aviation, SiriusXM Marine™, Sirius Marine Weather, XMWX Aviation™, and XMWX Marine™.  SiriusXM holds a minority interest in SiriusXM Canada which has more than 2 million subscribers. SiriusXM is also a leading provider of connected vehicles services to major automakers, giving customers access to a suite of safety, security, and convenience services including automatic crash notification, stolen vehicle recovery assistance, enhanced roadside assistance and turn-by-turn navigation.

On social media, join the SiriusXM community on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

This communication contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about future financial and operating results, our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions with respect to future operations, products and services; and other statements identified by words such as “will likely result,” “are expected to,” “will continue,” “is anticipated,” “estimated,” “believe,” “intend,” “plan,” “projection,” “outlook” or words of similar meaning.  Such forward-looking statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of our management and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond our control.  Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements. 

The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements:  our competitive position versus other radio and audio service providers; our ability to attract and retain subscribers, which is uncertain; our dependence upon the auto industry; general economic conditions; changes in consumer protection laws and their enforcement; the security of the personal information about our customers; other existing or future government laws and regulations could harm our business; failure of our satellites would significantly damage our business; the interruption or failure of our information technology and communications systems; royalties we pay for music rights, which increase over time; the unfavorable outcome of pending or future litigation; our failure to realize benefits of acquisitions or other strategic initiatives; rapid technological and industry changes; failure of third parties to perform; failure to comply with FCC requirements; modifications to our business plans; our indebtedness; and our principal stockholder has significant influence over our management and over actions requiring stockholder approval and its interests may differ from interests of other holders of our common stock.  Additional factors that could cause our results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, which is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and available at the SEC’s Internet site (http://www.sec.gov).  The information set forth herein speaks only as of the date hereof, and we disclaim any intention or obligation to update any forward looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this communication.

P-SIRI

Media Contact:
Michelle Dominguez
SiriusXM
212 901 6792
[email protected]

 


Discovery Familia Delves Deeper Into The Gypsy World With The Premiere Of MI GRAN BODA GITANA

0





Discovery Familia Delves Deeper Into The Gypsy World With The Premiere Of MI GRAN BODA GITANA


In time for Valentine’s Day, the network’s new series profiles the life, customs and lavish weddings of the tight-knit Gypsy community in the United States


MIAMI, Feb. 10, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The United States is a fusion of communities and cultures, but there is one in particular that isn’t well known: In the new series MI GRAN BODA GITANA, Discovery Familia examines the world of gypsies in this country and their customs, culture and celebrations. MI GRAN BODA GITANA premieres on Discovery Familia on February 17 and will air Tuesdays at 10PM E/P.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130222/MM64872LOGO

An estimated one million gypsies live in the US, but most keep their identities a secret to avoid the prejudice directed against their communities. In private, however, their lifestyles are anything but discrete, combining tradition with modern influences. Gypsy culture is characterized by extravagant and unpredictable celebrations, most notably weddings and, especially, the wedding dress. In this new series, viewers will see brides walk to the altar in some of the biggest, most colorful and extravagant dresses imaginable. Made by Sondra Celli, the fashion designer most in demand among Gypsy or Roma women, they include eye-catching specimens such as a 24-karat gold gown and a feathered creation sporting illuminated angel wings.

Beyond showcasing their outsized weddings and majestic attire, the new series explores stories of modern young gypsies committed to maintaining their identity and customs while forging a life outside of their local communities. Examples include the story of Danny, who wants to marry a non-gypsy girl from North Carolina, but his mother refuses to grant him permission and does everything she can to stop her son from “diluting his gypsy blood” by marrying an “American”; and Heather, a teenager who has gone against gypsy traditions and stayed in school till 18. Now she is on the verge of graduating and has to decide if she goes to college, or she stays in her culture and marry a gypsy boy.

Men are the heads of the household in this culture, but brides are the ones in control on a couple’s wedding day, making sure their fabulous dress is always the center of attention. Here are some characteristics of these unique celebrations:

Brides gauge the success of their dresses by the cuts and bruises they leave on their bodies on the day of the wedding. The voluminous skirts and gem-incrusted bodices can weigh much more than the bride herself.

Gypsy bachelorette parties are all about fun, but in moderation. The focus of the attention is the bride-to-be’s dress, which should be the second most extraordinary outfit she will wear in her life (after her wedding dress).

On weddings or other special events, all members of the family participate in the celebration, traveling from around the world to get there. Gypsy parties often have hundreds or thousands of guests.

Gypsies usually marry in their teens, with their parents arranging most matches.

For more about this and other Discovery Familia programming, follow us on facebook.com/discoveryfamilia.

ABOUT DISCOVERY FAMILIA
Part of Discovery Communications, Discovery Familia is the Spanish-language network dedicated to Hispanic women and the things that matter in their lives. During the day, the Discovery Kids block provides a safe environment for children aged 2-6 with entertaining, curriculum-based programming to prepare them for the world around them. In the evening, the channel offers programming for women, focusing on such topics such as home decor, food, health, beauty and parenting. For more information, please follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/discoveryfamilia or visit www.discoveryfamilia.com.