The Del Rio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce held their Annual Holiday Gala and Business Awards Banquet on Friday December 5th. Over 200 guests and various dignitaries attended the so-called Grand Mixer of the Year! The Magical Holiday theme by Happy Balloons created a beautiful atmosphere for recognizing business member achievements, for their contributions in expanding, being innovative, growing or investing in their businesses to create jobs, and active support and participation in the community, and the Hispanic Chamber. TAMACC Executive Director Pauline Anton from Austin Texas assisted with the Business Awards presentation Business Awards were presented as follows:
Recently we had the pleasure and honor of attending a very special event honoring Adela Velarde Perez better known as “La Adelita” who is buried at the San Felipe Cemetery.
Adelita made famous by the corrido (song) which became the Mexican Revolution war song would live (after the revolution) in this community with her husband Colonel Villegas at 309 W. Rodriguez. Adelita joined the revolution at the tender age of 13, eventually becoming a nurse. Consul Santana hosted the event which included a discussion with famous Coahuila Mexico journalist Otto Schober and author Jose Alberto Galindo, who created the special presentation on La Adelita. Also present was Dr. Velma Villegas, granddaughter and various other family members. The Mexican Consulate and the Brown Plaza Association (under the leadership of Joe and Tina Martinez) are in the process of working towards establishing the burial site as a historical site. The event began at the burial site and later continued at BBVA Compass Bank for the discussion and refreshments. Many locals that attended the event noted that although they had heard the song “La Adelita”, many were unaware of her true historical significance or that she was buried in this community. As stated in our mission statement, DRHCC is proud to help promote awareness and preservation of the Hispanic heritage. AL CERVANTES - DRHCC PARLIAMENTARIAN Excitement and anticipation is growing as we look forward to the DHRCC Hispanic Heritage Fair and Claim to Fame Cook-off: “A Multicultural Celebration” Title Sponsor – HEB. September 27, 2014 is the date for this year’s fun and festivities which kick off at the Val Verde County Fairgrounds with a Loteria Family 5K Family Fun Run bright and early at 8 a.m. by Event Sponsor Walmart and co-hosted by the City of Del Rio to help raise funds for A Pet’s Wish.
To encourage family participation in a healthy and fun event, a child under 12 yrs may register free of charge on their parent’s registration. Shortly after is the 11 a.m. Parade which assembles at Ogden and So. Main and travels north to the Fairgrounds. Casa de La Cultura judges will be stationed at Star Park. No entry fee however we encourage you, especially our business community, to decorate your float, entry, car in any of the various ethnic cultures that have come through Mexico, other Latin American countries, and even other States to make Texas and Del Rio their home. 1st, 2nd, 3rd, place trophies donated by the professionals at Real Estate Solutions will be awarded later onstage. After the huge ABRASAZO opening ceremonies at the Fairgrounds, we will have entertainment all day featuring Texas State Champion Escaramusas, Lienzo Cuatro Palmas Charro Exhibition, local talent, food and vendor booths decorated in a cultural theme, a mini art gallery, Sergio DJ Diaz rocking the tunes, and later in the evening, Grupo Zcandalo and don’t forget the Claim to Fame Cook-off where the locals will compete for bragging rights and cash/trophy prizes, in preparing the best Menudo, Beans, or Beef fajitas. Plans are also being finalized for the Pizza Eating Contest sponsored by Mr. Gattis to also help raise funds for A Pets Wish. Shop and save in Del Rio and thank the following business community for helping us to bring this event free of charge to you. Visit our website for parade, food/vendor, and cook-off applications. Our sponsors this year include: Our Patron Title Sponsor: HEB, 5K Loteria Event Sponsor- Walmart, Compadre Sponsors City of Del Rio, Silver Eagle Distributors, Texas Community Bank, Brown Auto Center. Amigo: Border Federal Credit Union, IBC, Del Rio Ford and our Charro (in-kind) sponsors: Rio Grande College, KDLK/KLTO, Casa de la Cultura, Texas Farm Bureau, Sergio DJ Diaz, RR Waste Solutions, Consulado Mexicano, Val Verde Co. Commissioner’s Court, VV County Sheriff’s Office, KWMC, and Signs Now, Real Estate Professionals, Money Concepts and West Central Net.
On February 25, 2014, Ms. Cynthia de Luna, President & C.E.O. of the Housing Authority of the City of Del Rio, hosted an Open House ceremony for a Public Housing Homeownership Recipient. This program was initiated by the Housing Authority in 1996 and will strive to continue to realize the American Dream for other residents of Public Housing. This memorable occasion was made possible by the contributions of our local Home Depot Store; Border Federal Credit Union; and the assistance of F.A. Construction, Westex Roofing, J.C. Cabinet Shop, O.K. Painting, J. Bosquez Construction, Amistad Consulting, Meza Heating & Air Conditioning, Chuy’s Electric, V & M Construction and staff of the Housing Authority. Also guests present were, members of the Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, Honorable Mayor Robert “Bobby” Fernandez, the Del Rio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; the Del Rio Chamber of Commerce and members of the various Resident Councils. The mission of the Del Rio Housing Authority (DRHA) is to provide safe, decent, affordable and sanitary housing to the low and mixed income families of the City of Del Rio. DRHA was established on January 20, 1940 by a three member Board. The late Don Arturo Gonzalez, as President of LULAC Council #18, went door to door to obtain information from households about income, number of children, and education. Mr. Gonzalez was instrumental in getting the first federal grant to establish the DRHA. Mr. Gonzalez was also DRHA’s first Executive Director. Today, DRHA with over 50 years of experience, consists of several programs, assisting over 1,500 families. The programs are: Public Housing, Housing Choice Voucher, Moderate Rehabilitation, USDA-Farm Labor Housing, State Funds, and the management of Section 202 Housing for the elderly. Other programs include the Home Ownership Program, Capital Fund Program, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), Amy Young Barrier Removal Program, after school tutoring, scholarships and the Family Self-sufficiency Program which provides services to residents to assist them in their goals and empowering them to become self sufficient. At the present time, applications are being accepted at the various DRHA properties or sites. For additional information, please stop by the Del Rio Housing Authority located at 207 N. Bedell St. or call (830) 774-6506. Ms. Dora Alcala, Business Awards Chair then recognized each of the honorees: Volunteer of the Year Al Cervantes, community leader and former DRHCC Chair, Businessman of the Year Polo Del Rio, Ramada Inn of Del Rio, Businesswoman of the Year Elena Garcia, Walmart of Del Rio, Small Business of the Year Country Place Living, Business of the Year Silver Eagle Distributors and Entrepreneur of the Year, Juan Vicuña, The Spot. These individuals and businesses not only helped their businesses grow and prosper, they support community events/organizations, and helped further the mission of the Del Rio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. The noted guest speaker, Mr. Ignacio Urrabazo, a native of Del Rio, and introduced by Ms. Alcala as the next door neighbor from the barrio, described challenges facing the business community as a result of government regulation and noted it is vital to “get off the bench and get in the game.” Mr. Urrabazo, Chairman of the Texas Banking Association, outlined what specific role the Chamber, elected officials and business community and must take for economic growth and development. Mr. Urrabazo stated members of the Chamber must set goals high and don’t compromise, be strong leaders, be risk takers, have mental strength, have moral strength (business ethics), have financial strength and create internal capital. Specifically, spend less than what you make, invest wisely in your life and business, and think three times before spending your money. In addition, special guest, Hector V. Berreto, Board Director of the United States Chamber of Commerce, noted the importance of staying the course in order to accomplish your business and personal goals. The featured entertainer, Leslie Lugo, sponsored in memory of the late Antonio E. Gutierrez and the late Ida Gutierrez, followed with a phenomenal voice and performance. DRHCC recognizes the hard work by Paulo Pacheco, Event Chair and the Gala Committees and most especially thanks all who attended this year’s Holiday Gala and Business Awards Banquet. From the Vice Chair Sponsorships, a Charreada, the ABRASAZO opening ceremonies, fiesta themed vendor booths, and entertainment are all taking shape in celebration of Hispanic Heritage and Fiesta de Amistad month. Save the date for Saturday October 5, 2013. Events begin at 11 am with a Fiesta Fun Ride led by the Lienzo Cuatro Palmas Charro Association from Ogden / So. Main St , north to Val Verde County Fairgrounds. Entries must be fiesta-themed but no entry fee is being charged. Daylong entertainment at the Fairgrounds is FREE to the public. Join us for the Charreada, Lions Cheer Dance, Poncho’s Mexican Restaurant Super Burrito Celebrity Challenge where our local dignitaries will take on the challenge of who will have bragging rights to the TITLE and help raise funds for the Battered Women’s Shelter. Challengers include State Representative Poncho Nevárez, Mayor Bobby Fernández, Judge Laura Allen, Sheriff Joe Frank Martinez, BFCU- CEO Maria Martinez, Councilwoman Liz Elizalde, and a couple of surprise dignitaries. Fiesta themed vendor booths will serve delicious antojitos and bring unique arts and crafts. Rio Grande College will have free childrens games and provide information on some of the new degree programs available. Don’t forget the CLAIM TO FAME Cook-OFF. This event is being promoted statewide to bring tourism – heads in beds--- to our area. Join us in the fun. Call DRHCC 830-488-7422 or send us an email at Hispanic.chamber@drhcc.org. What will YOU be riding in the DRHCC Fiesta FUN Ride? |
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