Their extraordinary accomplishments barely have been noted in the public prints of Culver City over the years, but last Saturday night the businessman Gus Prado and his wife Dr. Mayra Prado were recognized by intimates and admirers who know them best.
Before 250 guests at a restaurant in the City of Commerce, the Los Angeles Cuban American Assn. saluted the Prados for a lifetime of generosity and for setting a sterling example for immigrants and natives with their world-class philanthropy.
This is a signal occasion that is closely watched and applauded by many of the estimated 300,000 Cuban Americans who reside in the Los Angeles area.
Million-Dollar Club
Banquet-goers were told that Mr. Prado and Dr. Prado were personally responsible for having raised well over $1 million for the American Cancer Society.
They work through the Hispanic wing of the Society, Hermanos Nen la Lucha Contra Cancer — Brothers in the War Against Cancer.
During the 1980s, Gov. Deukmejian appointed Mr. Prado — who emigrated here in 1960, months after Castro rose to power over Cuba — to a state committee charged with handling immigration issues.
Mr. Prado, who retired recently from his long-established Culver City landmark business, Prado Signs, also recently left the immigration committee.
Her Accomplishments
Dr. Prado, a doctor of psychology who works predominantly with juveniles, served for decades as a counselor with the Didi Hirsch Foundation.
In 1985, the Prados established the Michael Prado Foundation in memory of their son whom they lost to cancer.
In the intervening years, in the name of the Foundation, the Prados have raised, banquet-goers were told, staggering amounts of money and presents for children at the time of Christmas.
The Prados circulate in heady circles. It is through helping to arrange for appearances by Hispanic entertainers such as Julio Iglesias and Gloria Estefan that they have raised large amounts of money for the American Cancer Society.
“These are just a few of the highlights of their generosity,” said Lu Rivas, a fellow Cuban immigrant. “They are very giving people.”
Working Together
When Mr. Rivas — longtime securities broker specializing in real estate, while also working in group insurance pension programs — arrived in Culver City 31 years ago as an immigrant, Mr. Prado became his mentor. The Prado and Rivas families have been very close ever since.
Mr. Prado and Mr. Rivas are co-founders of the California Hispanic Republican Party, and they were immersed in the Presidential campaigns of President Reagan, President George H.W. Bush and President George W. Bush.
Mr. Prado and Mr. Rivas both are past presidents of the Lions Club and past presidents of the Chamber of Commerce.
