This year's proceeds from the Cardinal's Awards Dinner will benefit construction of an inter-parochial preschool in the East Los Angeles neighborhood of Boyle Heights.

The preschool will be built on the site of San Antonio de Padua School and will serve youngsters from the parish as well as nearby Assumption, St. Mary and Our Lady of the Rosary of Talpa Churches.

"Many of these children need preschool to be better prepared for school," said Sister of Charity Mary Elizabeth Galt, archdiocesan chancellor. "We want them to move into school with confidence. Preschool helps build the confidence they need for the rest of their school career."

The John and Dorothy Shea Foundation is contributing the funding for construction of the preschool building. Proceeds from the February 10 awards dinner will go towards first-year operating costs as well as an endowment to assist parents in need of tuition aid.

Construction of a four-classroom building is slated to begin in June with the preschool opening in September 2007 for up to 80 children.

A feasibility study conducted by the four parishes demonstrated a growing need for a preschool, said Sister Galt.

Many families are new to the area, having moved from Mexico and Central America, said Solis Rivas, San Antonio de Padua principal. The preschool will serve the essential needs of working parents, many of whom live below the poverty line, but are striving to succeed in the U.S.

"Parents are extremely eager for this project to take off," said Rivas. "They need a safe place for their children when they go to work."

The preschool program will include teaching with computers. Parents will also be offered the opportunity to learn English and parenting skills. Plans include a health component so that parents know what health care resources are available in the community. Foundational to the preschool, said Sister Galt, will be emphasizing basic learning skills, especially reading.

"We want the preschool to be a rich print environment for these children, so that when they come to school they are familiar with reading and books," she said.

The Cardinal's Awards Dinner takes place Feb. 10 at the Regency Century Plaza Hotel in Century City. For information and reservations, call (213) 637-7636.