United Way of South Texas held its annual Campaign Kick-off Event on September 16th and welcomed over 120 representatives from school districts, corporations, non-profit agencies, municipalities and other businesses. Campaign Co-Chairs, Elvira Alonzo, City of McAllen, Gerardo Paz, South Texas Federal Credit Union and UW Board Member, Robert Rossell, JPMorgan Chase Bank, discussed United Way’s community impact with CEOs, superintendents, Hidalgo County Commissioners and other representatives. They also extended their gratitude to the event sponsors, AT&T and Reserva Coffee Roasters.
Leadership from the following organizations commented on their commitment to United Way’s mission: GE Aviation, Walmart, Vantage Bank Texas, HEB – Retail Support Center, Frost Bank, Target Stores, IBC Bank, Reserva Coffee Roasters, Edinburg C.I.S.D., Boys & Girls Club of Pharr, Starr County, City of McAllen, City of Mission, Sharyland I.S.D., McAllen I.S.D., Hidalgo County, Mission C.I.S.D., City of Rio Grande City, Children’s Advocacy Center, Region One ESC, Boys & Girls Club of McAllen and the City of Mercedes.
“When I opened up my own business, I reflected on what I had learned from large corporations like GE Aviation, and I wanted to promote that for small businesses in Hidalgo & Starr Counties,” UW Board Member, Michelle Quiroz, Reserva Coffee Roasters said. “If you are a small business I welcome you to find out about United Way, I can sit down one-on-one and discuss the benefits and how we distribute the funds so you can learn how to be a part of this organization, community solutions and Live United.”
Elvira Alonzo, Campaign Co-Chair, City of McAllen, announced that Pacesetter Companies had already pledged over $800,000 or 36% of the 2022 Campaign Goal of $2,225,000.00. 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 2022 Pacesetter Companies include the following: Aurora House Foundation, Boys and Girls Club of Pharr/San Juan, Children’s Advocacy Center, City of Mercedes, City of Mission, Community Council of the RGV, Edcouch-Elsa I.S.D., Edinburg C.I.S.D., Exxon, Fox Packaging, Frost Bank, Greater State Bank, H-E-B and H-E-B RSC, International Paper Co. Edinburg, International Paper Co. McAllen, La Joya I.S.D., Lone Star National Bank, Magic Valley Electric Cooperation, McAllen I.S.D., Mercedes I.S.D., Mission C.I.S.D., Montalvo Insurance, Monte Alto I.S.D., PSJA I.S.D., Palmer Drug Abuse Program, Rio Grande City Grulla I.S.D., Roma I.S.D., Security Service Federal Credit Union, Serving Children & Adults in Need, Sharyland I.S.D., South Texas I.S.D., Starr County, Starr County Memorial Hospital, Target Stores, Texas Gas Service, Texas Regional Bank, The Salvation Army, United Way of South Texas, Valley Trophies, Valley View I.S.D., Vantage Bank Texas, Walmart Stores, Walmart Market Stores, Sam’s Clubs, Wells Fargo Corporation, Walmart Stores, Weslaco I.S.D. and other individual donors.
“The reason I love working with United Way is because they have the same philosophy as McAllen I.S.D., they are about mobilizing communities through financial stability, education and health,” UW Board Member, Dr. J.A. Gonzalez, Superintendent of McAllen I.S.D. said. “We have won the Golden Apple Award three years in a row, and we are in pace to get it for the fourth year. That’s the award I am proudest of because we are given the opportunity to give back to the community thanks to United Way.”
The United Way Board of Directors thanks all supporters and volunteers, including 22 Loaned Executives, who are assisting with the campaign. The Board also invites the community to join the 700 New Donors and Fans Team and donate today to support critical services in the areas of Health, Education, Financial Stability and Safety Net. If you are interested in contributing to United Way’s 2022 Campaign, please call the office at 956-686-6331.