Southside Organizing Center presents
Legacy Awards Retro Ball
Friday, October 16, 2026
VIP reception: 4:00–6:00 p.m. CDT
Retro Ball general reception: 6:00–9:00 p.m. CDT
The Deco, West Allis
Sweetest Day Weekend
Celebrating unsung heroes — past, present & future!
7140 W. Greenfield Ave.
West Allis, WI 53214
View map
VIP reception
$100 VIP ticket / Entrada VIP $100
4:00–6:00 p.m. CDT · Friday, October 16, 2026
Your VIP ticket includes:
- Admission to the VIP reception
- A complimentary Sweetest Day cocktail
- A commemorative art piece
- SOC’s 36th anniversary coupon book with $360 in coupon value
- A deluxe retro candy box upgrade
- A deluxe floral bouquet upgrade
Former SOC awardee offer: Save $50 (50%) on the VIP ticket, or receive complimentary VIP admission with the purchase of a general admission ticket.
Discounts and promotions are available. VIP tickets are nonrefundable.
General admission is separate. The VIP ticket does not include the 6–9 p.m. Retro Ball general reception. Select a general admission ticket as well if you plan to attend both.
Get TicketsA night for our neighborhood heroes.
Join Southside Organizing Center for the Legacy Awards Retro Ball, a celebration of 36 years of community and the unsung heroes who help our neighborhoods thrive.
Come together on Sweetest Day Weekend to honor the past, celebrate the present, and support the future of Milwaukee’s near south side.
Juanita Chavez
Dolores Huerta Foundation
Join us for a keynote from Juanita Chavez on civic engagement and protecting democracy, including an update on Dolores Huerta.
Get TicketsThe Legacy Awards
Celebrating the people whose dedication, care, and community leadership leave a lasting mark on our neighborhoods.
Dr. Nelson Soler
An entrepreneur and advocate, Dr. Nelson Soler has founded multiple businesses and nonprofit organizations and helped thousands of entrepreneurs develop enterprises in greater Milwaukee. His work brings together entrepreneurship, education, accounting, marketing, and nonprofit leadership.
Esperanza Gutierrez
A longtime advocate for Milwaukee’s Latino community, Esperanza Gutierrez has served families through education, counseling, child protective services, and aging programs. Her public service and volunteer work reflect a lifelong commitment to social justice and the well-being of vulnerable neighbors.
Felipe Rodriguez Jr.
Felipe Rodriguez Jr. dedicated 39 years to UWM, expanding opportunities for Latino students through advising and leadership. A longtime community advocate and Latino music folklorist, he has shared his love of traditional music through performance and teaching for more than 50 years.
Frankie Sabbath
Biography coming soon.
Freya Neumann
Founder of Voces de la Frontera’s New American program and co-founder of Caminos, Freya Neumann has helped immigrants pursue citizenship through bilingual classes, legal resources, and community support. Her lifelong advocacy has championed bilingual education and immigrant rights.
Historic Mitchell Street Neighborhood Association
Created with support from SOC and committed neighbors, the association gives residents a shared voice. Its work brings people together through neighborhood events, cleanups, and safety initiatives to build a more connected Historic Mitchell Street community.
Jackson Park Farmers Market
A volunteer-led initiative of the Jackson Park Community Association, the market has connected neighbors with fresh food and community resources since 2015. Its work supports local vendors, expands nutrition access, and creates a welcoming gathering place on Milwaukee’s near south side.
Jason Cleereman
Biography coming soon.
Judge Pedro Colón
A trailblazer in Wisconsin law and public service, Judge Pedro Colón became the first Latino elected to the Wisconsin Legislature and the first Latino to serve on a Wisconsin appellate court. His career has centered on helping people access the systems meant to serve them.
League of Women Voters: Voto Latino
Through nonpartisan, bilingual, and culturally responsive outreach, this initiative encourages informed civic participation and works to increase voting among Milwaukee’s Latinx residents, with a focus on the South Side.
Maria Lourdes Castillo-Uribe
An educator, principal, professor, and mentor, Maria Lourdes Castillo-Uribe has spent more than five decades advancing educational opportunity. Her work in bilingual education and school leadership has supported Milwaukee students, families, and generations of educators.
Markasa Tucker-Harris
Executive director of the African American Roundtable, Markasa Tucker-Harris is an award-winning organizer and facilitator trained in conflict mediation and circle facilitation. Her leadership spans civic engagement, neighborhood organizing, and advocacy.
Nedda Ines Avila
A retired counselor and case manager, Nedda Ines Avila has devoted decades to supporting Latino families. Her work includes domestic violence education, support groups, cultural understanding, and connecting people with community resources.
Paul Grippe
A longtime Clark Square resident and neighborhood leader, Paul Grippe has brought neighbors and organizations together through block watches, community cleanups, home improvement projects, and neighborhood gatherings. His service reflects a deep commitment to safety, collaboration, and community care.
Reiske Park Farmers Market
Founded by John Luis Guerrero, the market grew from a commitment to make fresh food accessible and affordable. Working with Muskego Way Forward and neighborhood volunteers, it connects residents with healthy produce and strengthens community ties.
Voces YES
This student-led organization brings together multiracial high school and college youth to advocate for public education, student rights, Black and Brown liberation, and immigrant and worker rights. Its organizing builds collective power and develops the next generation of community leaders.
Walker Square Farmers Market
Revived in 2025 by dedicated volunteer neighbors and community partners, the market honors the legacy of Jason Cleereman. It supports local farmers and vendors, connects neighbors with fresh food, and creates a welcoming space for community connection.
Coupon Book Passport
Discover local and Latino/a/x businesses while supporting SOC. The coupon book passport brings neighborhood offers together to encourage new visits and lasting connections.
Participating businesses are contributing offers for 2027 inspired by SOC’s 36th anniversary. There are no vendor fees during this pilot year.
Extended deadline: Wednesday, October 7, 2026. Send coupon graphics and language to SOC@SOCmilwaukee.org.
View Coupon & Auction InfoThe Auction
Support SOC through contributions from local businesses and community partners. Products, services, gift certificates, and gift baskets help raise funds and introduce neighbors to local businesses.
Extended deadline: Wednesday, October 7, 2026. Deliver your auction item or arrange pickup with SOC, and provide your company graphic and item description. See the information sheet for details.
View Auction Contribution InfoSupport the Retro Ball
Bring your business or organization into a celebration of neighborhood leadership. View the updated sponsorship form for opportunities and details, or visit Zeffy for available sponsorship options.
What does Southside Organizing Center do?
SOC works with and for residents to build safe, livable, and economically vibrant neighborhoods on Milwaukee’s near south side. Its work helps neighbors have a voice, a vote, and a way to act together on the issues that affect them.
Who can I contact about the event?
Email SOC@SOCmilwaukee.org or call 414-672-8090 for ticket, sponsorship, passport, or auction questions.
Celebrate with us.
36 years of community. One meaningful celebration.
Get Tickets