MCALLEN, TEXAS – September 15, 2021 – United Way of South Texas held its annual Campaign Kick-off Event on September 10th and welcomed over 110 representatives from school districts, companies and governmental municipalities. The Board of Directors thanks AT&T and Reserva Coffee Roasters for their sponsorships. AT&T provided breakfast to-go and prizes for a Car Decorating Contest. All attendees’ names were entered into a drawing for a Grand Prize, sponsored by Reserva Coffee Roasters.
Car Decorating Contest Winners were Mercedes Tigers from Mercedes I.S.D. and Boys & Girls Club of Pharr/San Juan, with a tie for first place. Mercedes I.S.D. went with the “Leading the Charge, Inspiring the Change” theme and the Boys & Girls Club of Pharr/San Juan chose to use the 40th Anniversary theme. Daniella Perez from South Texas FCU came in second place. She integrated a fall theme with United Way messaging and Partner Agency examples.
Campaign Co-Chair Elvira Alonzo, City of McAllen, announced on the morning of the event that United Way reached 37 percent attainment of the $2.1 million goal. By the end of the day, the organization had reached 39 percent thanks to Pacesetter Companies. Pacesetter Companies represent corporations, municipalities, school districts and individuals who run their Employee Campaigns or make their corporate pledge during August, which is the official first month of the Campaign. Their CEOs and Campaign Coordinators lead the efforts at their workplaces. The 2021 Pacesetter Companies include the following: BBVA, Boys and Girls Clubs of Edinburg, Boys and Girls Club of McAllen, Boys and Girls Club of Pharr/San Juan, Children’s Advocacy Center, City of Edinburg, City of Rio Grande City, Donna I.S.D., Edinburg C.I.S.D., Frost Bank, Greater South Texas, H-E-B Stores & Regional Office, H-E-B RSC, La Joya I.S.D., Magic Valley Electric Cooperative, McAllen Chamber of Commerce, McAllen I.S.D., Mercedes I.S.D., Mission C.I.S.D., Monte Alto I.S.D., PSJA I.S.D., Palmer Drug Abuse Program, PlainsCapital Bank, Rexnord, Rio Grande City Grulla I.S.D., Roma I.S.D., Security Service FCU, Serving Children & Adults in Need, Sharyland I.S.D., South Texas I.S.D., South Texas GMC, Starr County Memorial Hospital, Su Casa de Esperanza, Target Stores & District Office, Texas Gas Service, Texas Regional Bank, The Salvation Army, United Way of South Texas, United Parcel Services (UPS), Vantage Bank Texas, Walmart Stores, Walmart Market Stores, Sam’s Clubs, Wells Fargo Corporation, Weslaco I.S.D. and other individual donors.
The United Way Board of Directors thanks all supporters and volunteers, including 19 Loaned Executives, who are assisting with the campaign. The Board also invites the community to join the 400 New Donors and Fans Team and donate today to support critical services in the areas of Health, Education, Financial Stability and Safety Net. Our 400 New Donors and Fans will help commemorate United Way of South Texas’ 40 years of impact in Hidalgo and Starr Counties. If you are interested in contributing to United Way’s 2021 Campaign, please call the office at 956-686-6331.