Zacatecano Cultural Center
In August of 2000, the dream of the members of the Federación de Clubes Unidos Zacatecanos en Illinois y del Medio Oeste was realized when the closing on the purchase of the building located at 4145 S. Kedzie in Chicago took place. From the start it had always been in the minds of the founders of the Federación that, in order to carry out its plans and mission, it needed to do this in its own residence. Those that believed in this vision include the Government of Zacatecas, along with the Sr. Governor, Lic. Ricardo Monreal Avila. To this end, the government of Zacatecas made a contribution of $125,000 dollars, along with the contribution of $1,500 from various clubs affiliated with the Federación.The building, even though it appeared to be in good condition, required repairs in order to be functional. Various members of the clubs took it upon themselves to work on the weekends in order to make the changes. These include: the floor in the conference area, the bar, which under the direction of Mr. Mario Castañeda (Zacatecano of the year) of Club Rio Grande, acquired an entirely different style from the original, with excellent carpintry work. In the area which is to be the gallery the walls were removed and new ones were constructed. As the gallery will eventually have valuable works in exibit, changing the windows became a priority. It's worth mentioning that, with the exclusion of the floors in the main hall and the air conditioning system, all work has been done with the voluntary help of the members and friends of the Federación.
It should be mentioned that in June 9 of the same year, volunteers, employees and family members of the insurance company State Farm painted the interior of the building almost in its entirety. Also, State Farm, like a good neighbor, is participating in our vision.
In July of 2001 the Sr. Governor, Lic. Ricardo Monreal Avila, along with the members of the clubs and friends, celebrated the inaguration of the Zacatecano Cultural Center.
This is only the beginning; we must have the building functioning in its full capacity, with programs that will help us advance the great culture of Zacatecas, for the benefit of all of us.