By Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
As originally published in Texas Border Business newsprint edition December 2018
Rene Capistran President and CEO of Noble Texas Builders and Noble Charities Foundation led the successful fund-raising fishing tournament that took place on October 12 and 13, 2018 at Louie’s Back Yard in South Padre Island.
Dozens of subcontractors participated in helping students achieve their dreams through education.
According to Rene, the 2nd Annual Fishing Tournament was established for Noble Charities Foundation to raise money for scholarships for kids in the Rio Grande Valley.
He said, “Every penny that we raise goes back into the community. Our construction company, Noble Texas Builders, manages the accounts. Therefore, we have no overhead, we’re able to realize 100% back into the community.”
Last year, students from UTRGV benefited through a $25,000 scholarship, and South Texas College also got a $25,000 scholarship. All funds are coming from Noble Charities Foundation.
Rene pointed out that they also have helped K to 12 schools in the area. “If we find a school that has good initiatives, that can provide opportunities for creative learning for our students, and really help them continue their education, we are there for them.”
He explained, “I’m not saying that every child has to go and get a 4-year degree, we’re saying every child should get some type of technical training, and if possible, a 4-year degree. Heck, a doctor’s degree.”
For years, Rene has participated in events to raise funds and help children. This is his second year with Noble.
He said that being an owner gives him the independence and the opportunity to look at things differently. As he reflected, “At the end of the day that’s what we’re all trying to do, to make this place a better place to live.”
Noble Charities Foundation is a seven-member board that includes Rene as chairman. Most of the board members are from the Rio Grande Valley except one who lives in Dallas. “He’s a former Super Bowl champion from the Dallas Cowboys, Tony Hill.”
Rene said that Hill couldn’t make it to this fishing tournament because it’s football season. “He’s a commentator for the National Football League (NFL). But for the other events that we have had in the area, he comes down here, helps us raise money, and advocates for the community.”
The board is composed by members of the community that care to make a difference, and they are Brad Wiesehan, Vice Chairman; Sabina Garcia, Secretary; Dr. Asim Zamir, Linda Guerrero Deicla, and Celine Rodriguez Schulz.
Celine told Texas Border Business that what makes it so much fun is that all board members have the same vision, and that is to raise money for all the initiatives that they set aside.
Alfredo Garcia, the director of operations for Texas Noble Builders, had something to say too. “We had a lot more participants compared to last year; 65 boats registered for the fishing tournament.”
He also said, “It’s good to just get with everybody to show appreciation to all our vendors and suppliers, but also a way to give back to the community.”
Last year, during the first annual tournament, they raised approximately $24,000. Alfredo said, “This year we more than doubled by raising over $50,000.”
The fishing tournament is indeed a great way to mingle with many of the coworkers of the company and more. “It’s exciting because we get to invite people that we work with, so we had our subcontractors, suppliers, architects, engineers, and friends from the industry.”
Texas Border Business participated in the two days of activities and realized that this is an important event because aside of the intended purpose of raising funds for scholarships, guests get to share a few drinks, eat barbecue, and participate in a live auction, plus enjoy door prizes. “More importantly,” Rene said, “we give them a heck of a show with the impressive fireworks display over the bay on the second night of the event.”
Rene was excited, but what really counts is that every single participant contributed to the future of one more child.
Putting together an event of this magnitude it’s a lot of work, or like Rene says, “it doesn’t happen by itself.” A project like this needs people to make it happen. One of them is Sabina Garcia, she is a nurse who works with Sigma; she also donates her time as the secretary for Noble Charities Foundation. “Yes, we have great people, and they’re very organized, everybody just does their part, and it all comes together.”
Her experience as a board member has been “really nice.” “Our mission is to help educate, and help the community, and that has been great, raising money for them.” “Knowing that this is going to help kids to improve their lives and hopefully go to college.” Sabina is the wife of Alfredo Garcia.
Rene concluded, “I want to thank the community, thank everybody here at Louie’s Back Yard, it was a great staff. More importantly, our team members really put this together. As you saw last night, this doesn’t happen by accident, and I couldn’t be happier for everyone in our company that really stepped up to make this a reality.”
