SAN DIEGO, CA – The Wells Fargo Old Town Fiesta Cinco de Mayo, recognized as one of the largest Hispanic cultural celebrations in the country, not only supports the promotion of San Diego’s most visited tourist destination, it raises money for Old Town’s successful historically-based diversity education program, “Celebrate San Diego.” To date, 2004 event sponsors have pledged $10,000.00 in support of this outreach program.

These two Fiesta partners, Wells Fargo, the Title sponsor and Farmer’s Insurance a Mercado level sponsor, have allocated these additional program support dollars above and beyond their sponsorship of the event. The Historic Old Town Community Foundation (HOTCF) “Celebrate San Diego” program supports county-wide educational outreach including the Old Town 4th Grade Program administered by San Diego Unified Schools. Each week, hundreds of students are brought to Old Town to spend the day or an entire week touring museums and historical buildings to learn lessons about diversity and conflict resolution using the history of California in it’s birthplace.

Wells Fargo has dedicated $5,000.00 to this education program, funds allocated to the development and production of reading materials that will support diversity education. "Wells Fargo has been a part of the community for more than 150 years and we have a vested interest to be a part of keeping the diverse cultures and backgrounds essence alive," said Chuck Lemoine, Wells Fargo SVP and Public Relations Director. "The Old Town Fiesta Cinco de Mayo also provides a unique opportunity for Wells Fargo to support history and diversity education in partnership with the California State Parks, San Diego media, Unified and County Schools."

Farmers Insurance has contributed $5,000.00 which will bring their multi-media educational program to the Fiesta which may be viewed for free by the public during the weekend.. "Farmers Insurance is pleased to participate in celebrating California's Hispanic culture and history in the birthplace of our state, Old Town San Diego. Farmers Insurance also looks forward to supporting Latino cultural education in partnership with the California State Parks, San Diego media, Unified and County Schools" said Jeff Beyer, Senior VP and Chief Communications Officer. "This year we are proud to provide free educational materials based on the documentary The Bronze Screen:100 Years of Latinos in Hollywood, the latest in Farmers' award-winning series which celebrates the beauty of diversity through art, culture and education."

The HOTCF is the organization responsible for the production of the Fiesta as well as the coordination of the “Celebrate San Diego” program. The HOTCF works year round to support both programs and create new activities that benefit Old Town. “The look on the students faces when they see how tallow candles are dipped; or see the blacksmith working on hinges and horseshoes is priceless, states Jeanne Ferrell, Vice President of the HOTCF and Chair of the 2004 Fiesta. But is costs money to supply the books on early California history for the 4th grade students. Is takes money to keep the programs of the Education Committee funded. We are thankful for every sponsor of the Fiesta. Wells Fargo and Farmers Insurance have gone the extra mile for us. What they are doing for the students is priceless.”

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