Executive Directors and representatives of several partner agencies at the United Way Campaign Kick-off Event: (pictured left to right) Danella Hughes, American Red Cross; Marie Flores, Community Council of the RGV, Maggie Pena, The Salvation Army; Victoria Medina, Children's Advocacy Center; Allie Zamora, Girls Scouts of Greater South Texas; Ernest Espinoza, Boy Scouts Rio Grande Council; Dalinda Alcantar, Boys and Girls Club of McAllen; Belinda F. Simons, Su Casa de Esperanza; Sandra Garza, Serving Children and Adults in Need (SCAN); Nadia Ochoa, Palmer Drug Abuse Program (PDAP); Nelda Hernandez, Women Together Foundation; Ventura Hinojosa, Starr County Victims of Domestic Violence.
In September, United Way of South Texas welcomed over 175 volunteers and supporters to its 2017 Campaign Kick-off event. Board Members recognized Pacesetter Companies, Loaned Executives and Agencies that delivered programs and services supported by United Way. The event also featured Juanita Borrego, Parent and Migrant Director at Edcouch-Elsa I.S.D, who spoke about the impact of United Way programs for students, particularly on how United Way's Education Council grants (administered in eight school districts) help meet students' basic and emergency needs so they can graduate.
Through Borrego's stories and through client testimonials, all those in attendance were reminded of the WHY behind United Way's annual campaign to support programs that benefit the health, education, financial stability and safety net of more than 265,000 residents in Hidalgo and Starr Counties.
Contributions from United Way supporters and volunteers
make it possible for United Way to fund these programs.
Pacesetter companies have already helped United
Way reach almost 45 percent of its 2017 campaign goal
of $2,500,000. These companies represent corporations,
municipalities, school districts and individuals who run
their employee campaigns or make their corporate pledge
during the first month of the campaign. Their CEOs and
Campaign Coordinators lead the efforts at their workplaces.
The 2017 Pacesetter Companies include AT&T/
CWA, BBVA Compass Corp., Boys and Girls Club of
Edinburg, Boys and Girls Club of Pharr, City of Edinburg,
City of McAllen, City of Mission, Community
Council of the RGV, Edcouch-Elsa I.S.D., Edinburg
C.I.S.D., Girls Scouts of Greater South TX, Goodwill
Industries, H-E-B & H-E-B Distribution Center, IBC, La
Joya I.S.D., Macy's, 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, Region One ESC, Roma I.S.D., Sam's Club,
Serving Children & Adults in Need, Sharyland I.S.D.,
South Texas I.S.D., Starr County, Starr County Memorial
Hospital, Su Casa de Esperanza, Target Stores, United
Way of South Texas, United Parcel Service (UPS), Valley
View I.S.D., Walmart Stores, Walmart Market, Wells
Fargo and Weslaco I.S.D.
The United Way Board extends their deepest appreciation to everyone who invests in United Way and its mission to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community to advance the common good.
Please call 686-6331 or visit us at www.unitedwayofsotx.org or www.voluntersotx.org, if you are interested in getting your company involved with the 2017 Campaign or in volunteering today.
If you would like to support our programs with a monetary donation, you may mail a check to United Way of South Texas at P.O. Box 187, McAllen, TX 78505-0187.