United Way of South Texas – 2011 Unidos Newsletter

Come and Join us at the Walk n Rolla Family 5 mile & 10, 20 & 60 mile rides.  

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4w3DJ0kSn8

L to R:                           City of Mission Employees

City of Mission Kicks-off their United Way Employee Campaign

The United Way of South Texas Board of Directors thanks the City of Mission Employees for their generosity and commitment to the community.  Julio Cerda, City Manager hosted an Employee Campaign Kick-off in October. The purpose of the event was to share information about United Way’s community impact and to thank City of Mission employees. Noemi Munguia, Human Resources Director is serving as the 2010 Campaign Coordinator. Mr. Cerda, the City of Mission Commissioners and its employees have been involved with United Way in multiple volunteer capacities over the years. Their support has been instrumental in the growth and impact of United Way and its partner agencies. 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.

Front Row L to R:   Roland Alvarez, Stripes Area Manager, Amparo Martinez, Stripes Area Manager, Genia Flores, Stripes Area Manager, Erika Melendez, Stripes Division Manager, Thelma M. Garza, United Way President, Andrea Garza, Stripes Administrative Assistant, Rosa Barrera, Stripes Area Manager

 Back Row L to R: Tino Lozano, Stripes Area Manager, Abe Saldana, Stripes Area Manager, Dennis Wade, United Way Campaign Chair, Roy Moroles, Stripes Area Manager

Stripes Convenience Stores Raise over $60,000 for United Way of South Texas

Stripes Convenience Stores came together with other corporations at the 2010 Turf and Surf Golf Tournament held in Corpus Christi to benefit United Ways. The funds raised at the tournament totaled over $300,000, with a portion of the funds designated to the United Way of South Texas.

Stripes is an avid supporter of United Way and its values in Education, Health, Income and Safety Net programs.

The proceeds will help 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.

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Would you like to view the complete version of the 2010 United Way of South Texas Newsletter? Click here 2010 United Way Newsletter .

Dennis Wade, United Way Campaign Chair and Valley Town Crier, Regional Director

United Way of South Texas Announces the 2010 Campaign Chair, Dennis Wade

 Dennis Wade, a Beaumont native, Regional Vice President of American Consolidates Media and publisher of The Valley Town Crier will preside over the 2010 United Way of South Texas Campaign.  Mr. Wade serves on the Board of Directors, has been involved in Day of Caring and has contributed support for the Latina Hope project that helps women in Hidalgo County pursue a home based business.  His focus this Fall will be to lead the team of volunteer Loaned Executives who are responsible for coordinating many workplace Campaigns.

“Having the privilege of serving as campaign chairman for The United Way is exciting and gratifying. This community is blessed with many, many people who freely give of their time and money so others may benefit from the hundreds of services provided by The United Way, it is my honor to be counted among them.”  Dennis said. Early in 2010 Dennis has demonstrated commitment and leadership in our Community by investing countless hours in community projects and campaign efforts. With his leadership, motivation and commitment United Way of South will engage in a campaign that will touch the lives of over 190,000 local residents.   To learn more about United Way of South Texas and how your company can get involved in the 2010 Campaign you visit us at www.unitedwayofsouthtexas.org.

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From L to R: Lilly Killelea, United Way Vice-President, Roxie Acevedo, Target Team Leader, Daniel Torres, Target Team Leader, Rolando Reyna, Target Team Leader and United Way Board Member, Eddie Castilleja, Target Team Leader and Thelma M. Garza, United Way President

United Way of South Texas Sponsors its 15^th Annual Back to School “In Style” Shopping Event for 61 Local Children

 Sixty-one Junior High students from Donna ISD, Edinburg CISD, Edcouch-Elsa ISD, Hidalgo ISD, La Villa ISD, La Joya ISD, and PSJA ISD will return to school “In Style” with the help of the United Way of South Texas, AEP and Target Stores. United Way awards the same opportunity to every district in Hidalgo and Starr counties on a rotating basis.  Students received $150 and were allowed to purchase school clothing and personal hygiene items.  Target provided school supplies and back-packs for each child.  United Way also recruits volunteers to serve as “Shopping Buddies” who assist the students with their purchases.  Vogue College of Cosmetology provided free haircuts for participants.  Companies that provided volunteers include: Target, KRGV, The Monitor, HEB, GE Engine Services, International Bank of Commerce, Convergys, La Joya Credit Union, Inter National Bank, Frost Bank, Wells Fargo, and Security Service Federal Credit Union. United Way of South Texas worked with District Superintendents and Administrators to develop criteria that every district uses today in selecting the children.  United Way’s partnership with Target and AEP demonstrates the organizations’ ongoing work to develop stronger and self-sufficient families in our area.  Please call 956-686-6331 to inquire about participating in the 2010 Campaign. 

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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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