Mexican and American Foundation to Give 12 Role Model Awards

The Mexican and American Foundation’s annual black-tie event, “An Evening with the Stars ‘86,” on Saturday will honor 12 “role models” in various categories as well as naming a Man and Woman of the Year.

Lodwrick M. Cook, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Atlantic Richfield Co., will be honored as Man of the Year for “his personal and corporate leadership in community and outside activities,” according to Tony Valencia, president of the foundation.

First Lady Nancy Reagan, who was chosen as Woman of the Year for her fight against drug abuse, sent her “deepest thanks and warm best wishes” in a letter, but will spend the day at Camp David, according to her press secretary.

Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-San Diego) will be master of ceremonies for the gathering at the San Diego Convention and Performing Arts Center. Rep. Jim Bates (D-San Diego) will present a “role model” award to Secretary of State March Fong Eu for public service.

Muhammad Ali will present the sports award to former world champion boxer Archie Moore. Other role model award winners include Los Angeles neurosurgeon Dr. Ed Zapanta for medicine, Alfonso Bustamante of the Tijuana Convention & Visitors Bureau for U.S.-Mexican relations, John McSweeney of General Dynamics for science and engineering, and Roque de la Fuente of American International Enterprises Inc. for business.

Role model awards will also be given in the fields of transportation, media, social service, community development, law and the military.

Lola Falana will entertain, and the banquet will be followed by a theater performance and the Miss Hispanic California Coronation Ball.

Josie Lopez-Carlson, executive producer of the annual event, said it was switched from its usual date in July at least partly in the hope that Mrs. Reagan would attend. Although she retained some hope about Mrs. Reagan’s attendance, Lopez-Carlson said, “I don’t think that it’s likely.”

Lopez-Carlson said $250,000 worth of tickets were sold for last year’s event.