LA HABRA

Rose Espinoza, founder of the nationally acclaimed Rosie’s Garage tutoring program, will be honored tonight by the United Way of Orange County at the 11th annual Hispanic Influentials Dinner.

The event, to be held at the Hyatt Regency Alicante in Garden Grove, will recognize six people for their professional achievements and contributions to the county’s Latino community.

Espinoza began inviting neighborhood children into her garage in 1991 for tutoring sessions with local volunteers. The program has grown and currently serves 150 youths, most of whom are Latino, at three sites in La Habra and one in Brea.

Espinoza has received numerous honors for her work, including the Points of Light Presidential Service Award and Hispanic Magazine’s 1999 Hispanic Achievement Award. The recipients of the Hispanic Influentials award, selected by the United Way’s Hispanic Development Council, also include Rep. Loretta Sanchez and Anaheim Angels baseball instructor and Hall-of-Famer Rod Carew. More than 350 community leaders, elected officials and corporate sponsors are expected to attend.