Picture (L to R):         Thelma M. Garza, United Way President and Ismael Moran, IKunik, United Way, Chair

2010 United Way of South Texas Pillar Club Event

The United Way of South Texas Board of Directors and Campaign Leadership honored the 2010 Pillar Club members on Thursday, August 5, 2010.  The event was held and hosted by the HEB plus store in Mission, Texas.

Pillar Club members include individuals who contribute $500 to $10,000 annually to the United Way of South Texas. Over 750 members were identified in 2009, who contributed $433,000. Dennis Wade, Valley Town Crier and 2010 Campaign Chairman, announced the Campaign Goal of $3,000,000 and highlights for a number of Pacesetter Companies that have wrapped-up their employee campaigns.

The gathering included members from local school districts, federal and state agencies, and companies. The organizations with the largest number of Pillar Club Members (over 10) or largest Pillar Club member participation include: HEB Stores and Distribution Center, GE Engine Services, Target Stores, South Texas Health System, A T & T – CWA, City of Hidalgo, City of Pharr, City of McAllen, City of Mission, Donna ISD, PSJA ISD, Delphi, Holt, Inter National Bank, Frost Bank, BBVA Compass, Temple Inland, United Parcel Service (UPS), Rio Grande Regional Hospital, McAllen Chamber of Commerce and United Way of South Texas.

When an individual gives to the United Way of South Texas, they donate to many different health and human service agencies that touch the lives of over 190,000 local residents.  One hundred percent of donors’ dollars stay in Hidalgo and Starr Counties. 

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United Way Recognizes Delhi

 The United Way of South Texas Board of Directors thanks Delphi Employees for their generosity and commitment to the community.  Their annual campaign is coordinated by Suzanne Calvert and Steve Hutchins. Delphi is one of four companies that was recognized as a Spirit Club member in 2009-2010. The Spirit Club award is presented to companies with an Employee Per Capita giving that exceeds $250. Delphi employees have participated in great numbers over the years in projects such as Day of Caring and the partner agency Fund Distribution process. United Way of South Texas allocates funding to more than 30 non-profit agencies in Hidalgo and Starr counties, including Silver Ribbon Community Partners, The Salvation Army, Palmer Drug Abuse Program and Mercedes Recreational Center.  The support of local corporations is essential.  Please call 956-686-6331 or visit www.unitedwayofsotx.org to inquire about participating in the 2010 Campaign.

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L to R:          Greg Seiler, Chief Executive Officer, David Elgarico, Chief Operating Officer, Kathy Dassler, Chief Nursing Officer and Dennis Wade, United Way Board of Directors

 United Way Thanks Rio Grande Regional Hospital

 Rio Grande Regional Hospital was recognized by the United Way of South Texas Board of Directors for their outstanding community involvement.   Rio Grande Regional Hospital is a Top 10 Supporting Company at $47,500 in Employee Contributions.  Adriana Morales, Manager of Marketing and Public Relations, coordinates the Rio Grande Regional Hospital annual Campaign.  United Way of South Texas provides vital funding to over 30 non-profit agencies in Hidalgo & Starr Counties.  Services provided to the community include work adjustment training, rent/mortgage assistance, elderly assistance and served meals. Please call 956-686-6331 or visit us at www.unitedwayofsotx.org if you are interested in getting your company involved in the 2010 Campaign. 

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Front Row L-R:       Frank Garcia, Frank Garcia Jr., Nora Moreno, Paul Bernal, Juan Martínez, Erica Garza, Ronnie Rios, Trini Yunes and Cesar Del Angel.

 United Way Thanks Temple-Inland

 Untied Way of South Texas thanks Temple Inland for being a community partner and contributing hundreds of volunteer hours in various Untied Way projects throughout the years.  Paul Bernal and Trini Yunes coordinated one of the most successful Employee campaigns, with contributions that exceeded $24,000.  Temple Inland supports many great causes, and is also committed to help empower local families to become self-sufficient through their investment in our local United Way.  All donations made to United Way of South Texas remain in Hidalgo and Starr Counties and benefit over 190,000 local residents.  Services provided include services for the terminally ill, elderly assistance, substance abuse counseling and youth leadership development.  The support of local corporations is critical to the success of the United Way.  Call 956-686-6331 call today to get your company involved in the 2010 campaign. 

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Back Row L to R: Daniel Torres, Eddie Castillejas, Alicia de la Garza, Thelma M. Garza, United Way of South Texas President, Anita De Hoyos, Roxie Acevedo, Rolando Reyna, Rolando Reyna, United Way Board Member

United Way Board Member United Way Thanks Target stores

United Way of South Texas thanks Target stores for their exceptional community support throughout the year. Target stores are part of our 2010 Pacesetter Campaign. Their efforts were lead by Roxie Acevedo, Anita De Hoyos, Alice De La Garza, Tanya Theeuwes and Letty Roman. Total Employee pledges from the 4 locations exceeded $72,000; placing them on the “Top 10” supporter list. In addition, Target contributes hundreds of volunteer hours locally through our Day of Caring, In-style Shopping Spree, agency Fund Distribution Committees and other volunteer activities. United Way of South Texas is proud to call Target a partner in empowering local families to become self-sufficient. United Way is a local non-profit organization that directly invests in more than 100 Health and Human Service programs. Services range from employment placement for the disabled, family violence counseling, disaster relief, and military communication services. The support of local corporations is critical and befits over 192,000 local residents. Please call 956-686-6331 today to get your company involved in the 2010 Campaign.

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L to R:                        PSJA ISD Media Students are joined by Ms. Mariana Romero, TV Specialist and Ismael Moran, I Kunik, United Way Board Chair.

United Way of South Texas Awards PSJA ISD A Media Contest Grant

The United Way of South Texas congratulates the PSJA ISD K-Tri Channel 17 students for an outstanding job in the 2010 United Way of South Media Contest. PSJA ISD was one of many schools that participated in a countywide media competition in the areas of 3 minute video, 30 second PSA and poster entries.

Ms. Mariana Vasquez supervised the students who competed in 2 categories.  The focus of their work was on the United Way Transportation Assistance Vouchers. This program provides the communities of Hidalgo and Starr Counties transportation to and from medical, support services, and employment visits. The PSJA ISD -Tri Channel 17 team received 1^st place and a $600 grant for their 30 second PSA and a $400 grant for the 3 minute video. Their videos will be shown at United Way presentations and may be seen at www.unitedwayofsotx.org.

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L to R: Sergio Contreras, AT&T Regional Manager External Affairs, Sunny Elenes, Retail Sales Consultant, Olympia Reyes, AT&T Mobility Area Regional Sales Manager, Dennis Wade, Valley Town Crier and United Way Board Member, Dora Casas, Retail Sales Consultant.

United Way Acknowledges AT&T/ CWA For Employee & Corporate Giving

United Way of South Texas volunteers visited with AT&T/CWA to acknowledge them for their generous pledges to the United Way and its partner agencies. AT&T/CWA corporate and employee pledges exceeded $31,200. AT&T Employees participate in United Way’s Day of Caring, Back-to-School “In Style” Shopping Event and the annual review of partner agencies. United Way provides funding to more than 30 agencies including Su Casa De Esperanza, Starr County – Victims of Domestic Violence Program, Children’s Advocacy Center, Hidalgo Youth Center and McAllen Literacy Center. United Way of South Texas financially enables these non-profit agencies to offer direct services and assistance to more than 220,000 local residents. All programs emphasize being productive and engaged community citizens. Contact us at 686-6331 or visit us at www.unitedwayofstx.org if you are interested in getting your company involved in the 2010 Campaign.

Front Row L to R:   Elizabeth Gauna, IBC and United Way Board Member, Yvonne Garza, Angel Contreras, Javier Espinoza

 Back Row L to R:   Dan Garza, Drew Todd, Steve Sanford, Chad Mcomber, Sonia Sanford, Carlos Rodriguez, Chris Bradley 

United Way of South Texas Recognizes GE Employees

 The Employees of GE Engine Services were recognized as a “Top 10” supporter of United Way of South Texas and their partner agencies.  The Board of Directors extends their gratitude to all GE Employees for their generosity.  GE Engine Service expressed great pride in its Employees and the work done by Orianna Barrera, Scott Mahr, Yvonne Garza and Angel Contreras who coordinated the $87,600 Employee Campaign.  GE Employees also participate in United Way’s Day of Caring and Back-to-School “In Style” Shopping Event. GE is the Lead Sponsor for the 2010 Day of Caring volunteer project.  United Way of South Texas provides funding to over 30 non-profit agencies in Hidalgo and Starr Counties.  They include Starr County – Victims of Domestic Violence, Palmer Drug Abuse Program, Hidalgo Youth Center and Serving Children & Adolescents in Need (SCAN).  United Way enables the agencies to provide over 100 programs at no cost to local residents.  Please call 956-686-6331 to inquire about participating in the 2010 Campaign or visit us at www.unitedwayofsotx.org.

Do you want to see the 2009 United Way of South Texas Annual Report?

Here is how…

1) Click on the ABOUT US tab

Once there

2) Click on the sub title Annual Reports

This will directly send you to the 2009 and 2008 pdf UW Annual Reports.

3) Click on the 2009 Annual Report and ENJOY.

Front from L to R:     Roberto Lopez , Rolando Hernandez

 Back from L to R:     Dennis Wade, Devin Finlay, Trisha Watts, Ralph Garcia, Julie

Banerjee, John Spears, & Kimberly Perez

United Way Recognizes Convergys

The United Way of South Texas Board of Directors thanks Convergys Employees for their generosity and commitment to the community.  Kimberly Perez and Trisha Watts organized the Convergys Campaign. Convergys is one of the Top 10 Supporting Companies, with Employee pledges at $78,700. Convergys employees participate in great numbers whenever called upon to volunteer.  United Way can count on them to work on Day of Caring, the Agency Fund Distribution Review process, visiting with the homeless and many other community-wide projects.  United Way of South Texas allocates funding to more than 30 non-profit agencies in Hidalgo and Starr counties, including Silver Ribbon Community Partners, The Salvation Army, Palmer Drug Abuse Program and Mercedes Recreational Center.  The support of local corporations is essential.  Please call 956-686-6331 or visit www.unitedwayofsotx.org  to inquire about participating in the 2010 Campaign.