United Way of South Texas Celebrates the Opening of their “First Home”
United Way of South Texas Board Members, staff, volunteers and community leaders gathered at a V.I.P. Grand Opening Ceremony and Ribbon Cutting event in January. Adrian Villarreal, IBC, 2013 Board Chairman and Thelma Garza, United Way President, thanked Steve Ahlenius, McAllen Chamber of Commerce and guests for their support of this unprecedented event. In March of this year, United Way of South Texas will celebrate 35 years of excellent community service. For approximately twenty-seven years, the organization was housed by JP Morgan Chase, then they leased office space for a number of years. In August, 2013, staff moved into a building that will serve as their official “home” for decades to come. A Facilities Committee lead the drive and include Steve Ahlenius, McAllen Chamber of Commerce, Joe Vera, III, City of Hidalgo, Adrian Villarreal, IBC, Dr. Marla Guerra, South Texas I.S.D., Ruben Plata, Texas National Bank, Jim Deuser, Ismael Moran and Chris Martinez, AT&T.
The Board expresses its deepest gratitude to the following organizations and individuals, who helped turn this dream into reality: Loring Cook Foundation,Collins Foundation, City of McAllen, City of Mission, AEP Texas Foundation, Wells Fargo, Max & Alma Siporin Endowment, City of Roma, McAllen Chamber of Commerce, Thelma Garza & Manolo Garibay, Strake Foundation and an Anonymous donor. Their names will be the first to be proudly featured on the “Advancing the Common Good” Wall. Individuals are encouraged to make their monetary investment to United Way of South Texas’ Capital Drive Today. Levels of giving:
Benefactors – up to $50,000
Visionary – $20,000 – $49,999 investment
Advocate – $5,000 – $19,999
In addition, other individuals and businesses have also made contributions towards the Capital Campaign and their names will be displayed on the “Advancing the Common Good” Path or walkway that leads up to the entrance of the building. Their levels of giving range from $300 to $2,000. The Board thanks these donors: Wilson Construction, Jim & Joys Deuser, Lilly & Jim Killelea, Wayne & Alma Ortega-Johnson, Adrian Villarreal, Hector Aldape, BodyBrite, Jenise Diaz, Chris Julian, Ruben Plata, Michelle Zamora, Annabelle & George Montalvo, Steve Ahlenius, Joe Vera III and a memorial in Memory of Michael Huckabee. Employee donations are not being used for the building.
The building will be used by staff, volunteers, companies, non-profit agencies, federal and state entities that are supporters of United Way of South Texas. Three offices will be available for eligible and Board approved non-profit agencies that are commencing work in the community. Their services will address one of United Way’s focus areas, Education, Health or Financial Stability. In addition, the building’s conference room may be converted into a disaster command center and used by the county, municipalities or partner agencies. The goal is to assist these organizations in their efforts to serve the community, if their facilities are compromised during a natural disaster.
The Capital Drive has kicked-off and United Way of South Texas is inviting all citizens, corporations, small businesses and private firms to consider making an investment to support the community’s new United Way home. United Way funds over 25 non-profit agencies and administers critical programs that serve over 240,000 residents in Hidalgo & Starr County. Please make your call today and speak to Thelma or Lilly at 956-686-6331 about your charitable contribution. We are making history and you can leave your mark.