CARMEN OCHOA appreciates the value of hard work and the dignity it brings. She has done her share: early years laboring in apricot orchards, and later as a dedicated clerk for the Superior Court of Contra Costa County. It was the childhood experiences and hardships that taught her to recognize the good works and selfless acts of others, and how much influence one person can have on a community.

The nonprofit organization Give Always to Others & Company has provided a vehicle for Ochoa and other volunteers to do just that, with the next big event coming up Sunday.

The annual Cesar Chavez State Holiday Mariachi Concert, held 2 to 5 p.m. at the Creative Arts Theatre will raise proceeds for the Guillermo "Bill" Muniz Educational Opportunity Award, a scholarship in honor of a longtime local resident who has dedicated years of service to the community. Most people know Bill Muniz as the owner of the New Mecca Café, the familiar eatery on Railroad Avenue and a business that still draws people from near and far to its unassuming location.

Not one to draw attention to his own contributions, Muniz has been quietly donating time and energy to community projects for years, with a passion for education and the needs of children.

The concert will combine performances, photo exhibits and displays to provide an afternoon of wonderful entertainment designed to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and contributions of the Latino community. Performers include Mariachi Azteca, Mariachi

Los Cachorros, Mariachi Estrellas and Ballet Folklorico Quetzalt. The groups feature local performers from Contra Costa, including youth groups and singers accompanying the Mariachi groups. Proceeds from this event will benefit the special educational award given in Muniz’s honor. It’s special because it can be applied to meet the recipient’s specific need.

Ochoa finds the timing of the event significant. The concert, held to commemorate Chavez’s birthday, celebrates the spirit and contribution of Chavez, the labor leader who co-founded the National Farm Workers Association, later known as the United Farm Workers. Chavez was a champion of civil and labor rights for decades and in his later years turned his passion toward education.

Ochoa sees a powerful symmetry in the community contributions made by Muniz, and points out how fitting it is that ultimately students will benefit by the award created in his name. Muniz has taken the message that was delivered by Chavez — of service, human rights and dignity — and put it into practice in his everyday life.

Many businesses have come forward to support the event. Sponsors include: Allied Waste Services, GWF Power Systems, Los Medanos College Foundation, Mirant, Target, PACO, Wells Fargo, Brenden Theatres, Keller Canyon Landfill Mitigation Funds, the city of Pittsburg, Brentwood Press, Comcast and Raley’s.

The performances begin at 2 p.m., with the doors opening at 1 p.m., so the exhibits can be viewed. Tickets are $15 if purchased in advance; $20 at the door.

To make the event more accessible to the community, children younger than 12 will be admitted for free, and the first 500 seniors (62 and older) will be admitted for free.

General admission tickets are available at Raley’s in Pittsburg, and senior tickets are available at the Pittsburg Senior Center. The concert will be held at the Creative Arts Theatre, 250 School St., on Sunday.

For more event and ticket details, call 925-439-2558. For details on Give Only To Others & Co., visit their Web site at http://www.gatonco.org.

Here is another event in our community that celebrates not only the diverse heritage and background we share, but those in town who make it their business to create good things for people around them.

Sarah Jacobson is a Pittsburg resident. Her column runs on Mondays. Reach her at sarahspittsburginfo@yahoo.com.