About Us

---

The story of our organization has been one of success. During the 1990’s it was one of the most rapidly developing organizations in Miami-Dade County. It offered Puerto Ricans and friends from other nations who identified themselves with Puerto Rico or the Puerto Rican people, the opportunity to join and participate in a variety of social, civic and cultural events. The organization was originally named “Puerto Rican Organization of Florida”. However, its name was changed to “Puerto Ricans Organized Overseas in Florida Inc.” (PROOF) in early 1994, to avoid being confused with other organizations with similar names. From its beginning, and as defined in its Articles of Incorporation and its By-Laws, PROOF established as its philosophy “to preserve, protect and promote the interests, values, and traditions of Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rican people in the State of Florida”.

The organization was founded by a group of 15 Puerto Ricans . They first met on June 23rd, 1990, and by July 15 of the same year, this group had already held its constituting assembly and had tripled their membership to 45. In August of 1990 it held its first major event: a family picnic attended by well over 600 people. This was a major accomplishment considering the less than sophisticated methods of communication available to our leaders at the time, mostly word of mouth.

Several private and government entities, as well as the media, have commended the work done by PROOF. In 1993, former City of Miami Commissioner, Miriam Alonso, awarded PROOF with a Certificate of Recognition for its performance in benefit of the Miami community.

 In 1994, Dade County Commissioner, Maurice Ferre issued a proclamation dedicating “the Day of PROOF”, as tribute to the organization for its role in promoting the exchange of cultural values. Newspaper, radio and television stations have dedicated time and space to the coverage of PROOF’s events. In 1994, PROOF received a special grant award of $10,000 from the Metropolitan Miami-Dade County through a special assignment by former Miami-Dade County Commissioner Larry Hawkins.

Throughout the last 20 plus years, PROOF has remained faithful to its commitment and its goals. It has promoted an impressive number of civic, social, cultural, educational and recreational events. It has sponsored and co-sponsored with other organizations and communities, family oriented seminars and workshops.

Many friendships and lasting relationships have developed in PROOF throughout the years. For many Puerto Rican families, PROOF was instrumental in helping them instill in their children the values and principles of our cultural heritage. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those hardworking and wonderful people who have been our leaders in the past. Some of them are no longer with us, while others are still active and valued PROOF members. 

PROOF is now entering into a new phase, but with the same goals and commitments. With your help, the ability to expand our communications with this website, and the enthusiasm of the newly elected Board of Directors, we expect to offer our members and our friends a full calendar of events. We hope that you will give us the opportunity of welcoming you and yours into the “PROOF family” this year.