In an effort to raise money for programs providing underprivileged children with opportunities and activities, VIVA is hosting a dinner called “The Source of Unity.”

The dinner, which will cost $10 per person, begins at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 12 at the DeKalb Best Western Inn and Suites, 1212 W. Lincoln Highway.

The event will raise money to provide transportation for children who want to attend their programs and workshops and for other parts of their programming, said VIVA president Veronica Garcia.

VIVA, which means “to live” in Spanish, focuses on teaching younger generations of communities how to live without drugs and gangs. The program focuses on prevention of drug use and gang affiliations using music and dance in its workshops.

The group has members, but anyone may volunteer.

“We had to find a way to target teenagers and college students,” Garcia said. “We decided to use music and dance as a way for them to relate through their favorite types of music.”

Authentic Latino food will be served at the dinner, followed by a presentation explaining what VIVA is and upcoming workshops.

“We invited city and community leaders along with teachers with the hope that they will inform kids of our program as a way to stay out of trouble,” Garcia said.

Sylvia Fuentes, director of the University Resources for Latinos, is VIVA’s adviser. It is her job to gain support from faculty and to answer questions about the program.

Fuentes said there are two reasons she became attracted to the group.

“First of all, the members are very interested in getting involved with the community,” she said. “Secondly, they take a great interest in influencing middle school students.”

VIVA social director Marife Hernandez, a junior public relations and Spanish major, is in charge of recruitment and promotion.

“A lot of people are interested in helping others,” she said.

Fuentes said she feels VIVA gives kids hope and a new vision of what their futures can be.