Last week we were honored to meet two local, first-generation American artists whose work has touched millions around the world. Inocente, star of the 2013 Oscar Winning documentary of the same name, and Jorge Narvaez, a musician who rose to fame on YouTube and has performed with daughters Alexa and Eliana on Ellen! and America’s Got Talent, joined us for An Evening of Art and Inspiration at our office in downtown San Diego. The event was held in honor of American Artist Appreciation Month, with proceeds going to benefit Casa Cornelia Law Center and its work on behalf of San Diego’s most vulnerable women and children.

What can I say, but wow! It’s not often that I meet people with stories as inspiring as Inocente’s and Jorge’s. Both have overcome significant adversity in their lives, and have been made stronger by it. Newly empowered to follow their dreams, they are creating art and bringing beauty into the world, and we feel privileged for them to have shared it with us.

After a screening of the documentary, Inocente answered questions from the audience about how her life has changed since the making of the film. Jorge, Alexa and Eliana performed a heart-warming set of contemporary hits, which, I can assure you, were a hundred times more adorable than anything you might hear on the radio. And before the night was over, Inocente signed prints of her artwork for guests to take home.

All told it was a fantastic evening, and I know everyone on the Hughes Marino team had a wonderful time. More importantly, with over 70 guests in attendance, the event raised awareness and needed funds for Casa Cornelia, which has been providing pro bono legal services to Southern California’s neediest immigrants for over 20 years. There couldn’t be a more worthy organization, and we are glad to count ourselves among its supporters.