The 4th hour Leadership class has voted Yared Benitez-Salgado and his project, “Baile Inolvidable” or “Unforgettable Dance” as their Grand Gesture Project. The dance is scheduled for February 7th, 2026, at 7 PM in the CHS Auxiliary Gym, featuring music in both English and Spanish, snacks, beverages, a photo booth, and a surprise drawing. The entry fee is $10 per person, with all proceeds benefiting the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR). From campaigning for his project to collecting materials to designating jobs for his fellow students, Benitez-Salgado has poured his all into this demonstration of generosity.
When asked about where his passion comes from for this project, he said, “I have a deep personal connection to this charity and cause, as I am the proud son of two immigrant parents.”
“My parents left the comfort of their family, friends, home, and culture so I could have the best shot at achieving my dreams in the United States of America. To them, the U.S. was only a name. They had no idea what awaited them. It was a huge chunk of unknown land that they were willing to reach for me. They packed nothing but their memories of roaming around in the streets of Mexico, playing tag with their friends, cooking with their family, and picking fruits out of trees. My parents are the hardest-working people I know, and much more than that, they are selfless and perseverant people who traveled hundreds of miles across the blistering heat of the desert and the freezing air of the nights to reach a land of opportunity.”
In full gratitude, he shared, “I wouldn’t be here today, planning this beautiful dance, or be the class Valedictorian without their sacrifice.”
Benitez-Salgado is breaking down barriers with “Baile Indolvidable” and further reinforcing the importance of community in times of turmoil.
“In today’s world, immigrants and refugees constantly face discrimination, misinformation, and legal uncertainty. Families are separated every day, and more innocent immigrants lose their lives simply for seeking safety and opportunity in the United States… [Baile Inolvidable] is meant to transcend language barriers and unite our school through the shared joy of music and dancing,” said Benitez-Salgado.
All donations made to ICCR “will help fund advocacy efforts, community programs, and educational initiatives that directly benefit immigrant and refugee families.”
Along with supporting a wonderful cause, this fun-filled night will demonstrate that positive differences are made through connection. Collinsville’s support of “Baile Indolvidable” will demonstrate solidarity throughout Illinois through its monetary donations and will further strengthen relationships between friends and neighbors.
Yared Benitez-Salgado is doing everything he can to summarize just that:
“This event is not just about fundraising; it’s about education, empathy, and bringing people together. Supporting ICIRR helps create a more informed, welcoming, and inclusive community for everyone. This cause means a great deal to me personally, as my family and community have been directly affected. I truly appreciate any support given, and thank you for taking the time to consider this cause.”
Come out and support “Baile Inolvidable” on February 7th, 2026, at 7 PM in the CHS Auxiliary Gym. For just $10, enjoy a night of music, food, and dancing! Share the joy of community with fellow Kahoks, and celebrate all of the hard work Yared Benitez-Salgado and his peers have poured into this project.
