Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
In a heartwarming display of generosity, Dip-It by Pilar has significantly contributed to the Mission Boys and Girls Club, donating $10,000 to support its programs and initiatives. This act of giving back, celebrated by the local community and its leaders, represents more than just a financial contribution—it symbolizes the deep-rooted commitment of local businesses to the welfare of their city.
Richard Hernandez, the President of the Mission Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), is at the heart of this celebration. Having led the organization for two years, Hernandez firmly believes in the power of community and the importance of businesses playing an active role in giving back. During a recent interview, he expressed his excitement about the donation: “We’re very excited when we partner with the community to help them establish their business. One of the things that we ask from them is to be good neighbors and give back to the community that helps them get started.”
Dip It by Pilar, a Mission-based manufacturer of plant-based dips, donated $5,000 to the organization after receiving a matching $5,000 donation from Mission EDC, resulting in a combined donation of $10,000. Scooter’s Coffee, which opened its first location in Mission in October 2023, also donated $1,000. The $10,000 donation from Dip It by Pilar demonstrates the attitude of promoting local businesses. Founded by Pilar Gonzalez, the company has grown from a small business venture into a successful brand, aided by support from the Mission Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and its Ruby Red Ventures program. This program is designed to nurture innovative small businesses in the City of Mission by providing resources and guidance. Thanks to this support, Gonzalez expanded her company, now selling its products in hundreds of H-E-B and Spec’s stores across Texas.
Pilar Gonzalez’s journey with Dip-It by Pilar began with a simple idea and a passion for creating delicious, unique dips. With determination and the right support, Gonzalez’s business flourished. She participated in the Ruby Red Ventures program, where she was awarded twice and gained thousands in funding. Her success was further cemented when she secured $15,000 and a second-place finish in H-E-B’s Primo Picks Quest for Texas Best food product competition in 2014.
Reflecting on her journey, Gonzalez shared her belief in the importance of community and support networks. “To reach my full potential and achieve my goals, I needed to surround myself with people who could help elevate my business and take it to the next level,” she explained. This sense of gratitude and a desire to give back inspired Gonzalez to donate to the Boys and Girls Club.
The Mission Boys and Girls Club is a cornerstone of the community, providing a safe and nurturing environment for thousands of school-aged children. The club offers a variety of programs, including sports, arts and crafts, and computer training, all aimed at fostering growth and learning in a supportive setting.
Richard Hernandez, who previously served as the president of the Boys and Girls Club of Mission, Texas, for six years, spoke about the club’s impact on the community. “We try to provide a safe environment so they can grow and learn through sports, arts and crafts, and more. After school, they can come to the Boys and Girls Clubs, where people will help them with their homework and keep them safe,” Hernandez noted.
The donation from Dip-It by Pilar will help sustain these vital programs, ensuring that the club remains a haven and a place of growth for young people in Mission.
The partnership between Dip-It by Pilar, MEDC, and the Mission Boys and Girls Club models how businesses can thrive with the right support and, in turn, support their communities. While at the Boys and Girls Club, Hernandez witnessed the leadership of the late mayor Beto Salinas facilitating a merger with the city, making the Boys and Girls Club the first in Texas to be integrated directly with a city government. This integration became a model for other cities, such as Pharr, Edinburg, Harlingen, and Weslaco, demonstrating how collaboration can benefit organizations and the community.
The success stories from MEDC’s Ruby Red Ventures program, including that of Pilar Gonzalez, illustrate the potential for small businesses to drive economic growth and job creation while also contributing to the social fabric of their communities. By nurturing innovative ideas and providing the necessary support, MEDC has helped businesses like Dip-It by Pilar reach new heights, proving that local economic development goes hand in hand with community development.
As the community of Mission, Texas gathers to celebrate this generous donation, there is a palpable sense of optimism for the future. Hernandez expressed his gratitude to the citizens of Mission, highlighting the city’s rich history and culture. “They live in a great community rich in history and culture, and we are very proud to be part of this city,” he said.
