On November 19, 2024, Belmont’s local businesses were honored for their tireless support of the community when Allen Nunez, CEO of Solo Pa Mi Gente, and his co-founder, Silvia Nunez, joined Gonzalo Duran, Vice Chairman of the Bronx County Conservative Party, to present Proclamations of Recognition. The event celebrated the outstanding contributions of businesses that have been pillars of support throughout the years.
During the ceremony, Duran—who has spent the year awarding local leaders for their exemplary community service—took the opportunity to catch up on missed acknowledgments from his campaign for the 2024 Congressional 15th District race. During a recent meeting with A. Nunez, Duran learned about the incredible work of businesses in Belmont that have donated their time, space, and resources to a range of community events.
“The support from local businesses is vital to everything we do,” said Silvia Nunez, co-founder of Solo Pa Mi Gente. “They’ve contributed to back-to-school events, holiday celebrations, and much more, providing essentials like school supplies and gifts for families in need.”
For Nunez, the work goes beyond just giving out supplies. She described the joy of watching community members come together over the years to make these events possible, especially knowing they’re making a direct impact on the lives of children.
The businesses honored during the ceremony included some of Belmont’s most beloved establishments: Borgatti’s, Famosa Pizza, and Ivana’s Pizzeria. These local institutions have been instrumental in supporting numerous events, from toy drives at Christmas to providing meals and school supplies for children.
Allen Nunez shared the philosophy behind Solo Pa Mi Gente, explaining that the organization’s name, which translates to “only for my people,” reflects a deep sense of community. “This isn’t about culture—it’s about a community coming together to raise each other up,” Nunez said. “It takes a village, and these businesses are the backbone of what we do. They’re the ones helping us ensure that kids in one of the nation’s poorest districts have what they need to succeed.”
Nunez went on to emphasize that these businesses are crucial in supporting the organization’s work, whether it’s providing toys for children who might otherwise go without during the holidays or helping students with the supplies they need to excel in school. “We depend on each other,” he said. “And when we come together, we make sure these kids have what they need to succeed.”
Gonzalo Duran, who has long been a familiar face in the Belmont community, shared his personal connection to the businesses he was honoring. “It’s an honor to come back here as both a community member and a politician, to recognize these businesses that have been an integral part of my life and the community,” he said. “I’ve always worked alongside them, both in my political duties and through my nonprofit efforts, and it’s wonderful to see them being recognized for their ongoing contributions.”
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