REDLANDS — The message was about humility and community improvement Thursday morning at the annual Cesar Chavez Scholarship Breakfast, where just about 100 people had chorizo quiche and pan dulce served by Redlands Police Officer Travis Martinez in the American Legion Hall on North Church Street.

The event was presented by the Redlands Human Relations Commission, whose chairman, Ed Gomez, was master of ceremonies.

Redlands native Henry Vasquez gave the invocation, which included prayers to the four directions, before Jakub Kukla of the University of Redlands sang the national anthem.

Police Chief Mark Garcia, the keynote speaker, shared stories about being shot at and then being aided

to illustrate what he has learned about the human spirit in his 26 years in law enforcement.

Regarding racial attitudes, he said, "I appreciate the more inclusive atmosphere we have now. "

Mayor Pete Aguilar spoke next, pointing out the support in the room of fellow council members Bob Gardner, Pat Gilbreath and Mayor Pro Tem Paul Foster. Fire Chief Jeff Frazier and Redlands Unified School District Superintendent Lori Rhodes were also pointed out.

Aguilar signed a proclamation by the City Council this month making this Sunday Cesar Chavez Day in Redlands. The state declared an annual observance in 1994.

Chavez, the founder of the National Farm Workers Association, was born March 31, 1927. The group’s mission was to battle racial and economic discrimination non-violently.

In proclaiming the day, the city "encourages all residents to recognize the contributions and the positive impact Cesar E. Chavez has made for our nation’s work force, conscience and future. "

The breakfast was the 11th annual event, and in addition to the HRC, was supported by American Legion Post 650 and the Redlands Police Officers Association.

Gomez conducted a live auction, during which he pointed out what the bids would support for a college student. A hand-crafted and painted platter and dish set went to John and Carole Coley for $500 – that’s a year’s parking pass at UC Riverside, for instance.

Tickets, the auction and donations brought in $8,000 all told. That will fund scholarships to be presented at all five public high schools in Redlands through the HRC.

HRC members are Vice Chairwoman Judith Ashton, Secretary Carole Coley, Gail Howard, Evelyn Maldonado, Robert Reid, Donald Singer, Ronald Venegas and student Jennifer Williams.