The De Leon family mingled with family and friends during the celebration
Texas Border Business –
By Roberto Hugo Gonzalez,
It was Letty Gonzalez, the president of the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce who proudly announced that Memorial Event Center was having a big grand opening at a new facility packed with friends, family and guests. “And isn’t this a beautiful place!” she announced.
She acknowledged the fact that Leon and Velma Sue de Leon, the owners of Memorial Event Center in Edinburg, have been faithful supporters of communities in the Rio Grande Valley. It was Father Chris Santangelo, who blessed the premises.
City of Edinburg Mayor Pro Tem, Richard Molina said during the ceremony, “To show you what these people have done for the community represents the turnout that we have today. They’re like family to me, they’re our own family: Velma, Leon, Jacob and Jason.”
He continued, “They’re pillars of the community that are leading by example. They’re involved heavily in the chamber; you see them at all the events. Sometimes I’m afraid they’re going to run against me, but… they do an excellent job at what they do. I tell people here at the council two things: We recruit people and we recruit businesses into the City of Edinburg, and we have a great business here and it’s going to bless this community.”
Other City officials were also present, councilmen David Torres, J.R. Betancourt and Homer Jasso, Jr. and from the EEDC, Ellie Torres – EEDC Board Secretary/Treasurer.
As the ceremony advanced, guests were enjoying food and refreshments provided by the De Leon Family as part of the celebration of Memorial Event Center. Marti Martin the Chairman of the Edinburg Chamber and the representative of Real Value Realty said, “Leon, Velma, Jacob, Jason, you really are a good family, but I’ll get choked up if I start saying this so I’m going to hand it over to Michael Williamson.” Marti was brief in his comments but he said enough that it really describes the De Leon family.
PlainsCapital Bank Market President Michael Williamson, also a member of the Edinburg Chamber’s board said, “Marty, thank you very much. I just have one thing to say, Richard Molina, if Velma or Leon ever do run for office you are in trouble my friend.”
He continued, “I have been part of the Edinburg community for several years. I married a local girl here in Edinburg. I went away and then we came back to the City of Edinburg, when I joined First National Bank and now Capital Bank, has always welcomed me with open arms and no one has done this more than the De Leon family. And I sincerely appreciate that, I recognize your efforts, I recognize what you have done today and that it didn’t happen overnight. I applaud you for your dedication, your love for what you do, and your sacrifice. When you see these folks here, they’re a perfect example of what we all should try to replicate. Congratulations!”
When Velma Sue de Leon was announced, guests gave her a strong round of applause. It was her turn at the podium to address the guests in unity celebrating this great day. “On behalf of my father, Mr. Chano Garza, who happens to be the proprietor of this land we’re standing on, my late mother Consuelo Garza, my husband Leon de Leon, our family and our entire staff, thank you very much for joining us today on this very very special occasion.” She said, “As many of you know, and many of you here know that my parents operated the Triple City Ballroom in San Juan for over 25 years. They established it in the 70’s, they operated throughout the 80’s and 90’s. And in 2001, my parents leased that facility to a bingo company, so it currently operates as Triple City Bingo. The Triple City Ballroom was a popular venue which has hosted many weddings, quinceañeras, anniversaries, birthday parties, civic events, and they even had public dances there.”
While Velma Sue was at the podium, her husband Leon and their two sons Jacob and Jason stood behind her, her father Chano Garza was also quietly listening to her message. “So, needless to say, our family brings a bit of experience to the table for this project that we’re undertaking today.” She continued, “I’m very proud of my parents for the 25 plus years in which they operated a very successful business. My father, Chano Garza, the socialite that all of you know him to be, was responsible for public relations of the Triple City Ballroom and he continues to be that same PR person to this date. So, thank you very much for all your support. My mother, on the other hand, the late Consuelo Garza, was a backbone for Triple City Ballroom and I would be remiss if I didn’t honor her today by stating that she continues to guide me directly in the operation of the business as well as in my personal life.”
She also acknowledged her in-laws. “I know my mother-in-law, Mrs. Amparo De Leon, is here somewhere. My father-in-law, the late Manuel De Leon Sr. and Leon’s brothers and sister who have always been very supportive of everything we undertake. It’s through these life experiences that our parents brought us through their guidance, their direction, their prayers and their blessings, that we open the doors to Memorial Event Center.”
Memorial Event Center is a special event facility, with a capacity for 300 guests designed for a variety of functions. It has state-of-the-art capabilities to accommodate even the most sophisticated events. And adjacent to the banquet room, there’s a bigger courtyard with a fountain, which can be used to host smaller events that overflow from the banquet room.
It also includes an elegant bar and lounge area, a fully equipped kitchen, and features an in-house flower shop to service the needs of our entire community for any special occasion.
Velma Sue and her husband, Leon, are well known throughout the Rio Grande Valley and recognized as good businesspeople, but above all for their philanthropic work. They’ve learned as they were growing up of the importance of giving back to the community. They are also known to always thank those that make it possible for them to embrace new ventures.
“It’s only appropriate that I recognize the individuals who are responsible for this very beautiful outcome.,” Velma Sue said.
During this segment she recognized and thanked their architect Chris, their contractor Bill Vela. Also she mentioned Alfredo Montanaro, the banker. “We want to thank the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, all the great wonderful folks. Thank you for organizing and coordinating this beautiful event. We know you’ve always supported us and the City of Edinburg. We want to thank the City of Edinburg. Thank you Mr. Molina for your kind words and to the city. The Alamo Chamber of Commerce, the McAllen Chamber of Commerce, and the Mission Chamber of Commerce.”
The ribbon cutting ceremony for Memorial Event Center took place on Thursday, March 31, 2016 from 5:00 PM-7:30 PM. Memorial Event Center is located at 208 E. Canton, Edinburg, Texas, tel. 956-380-1416
“Enjoy your evening, stay with us, we’re going to be here for a while and I can’t thank you enough for your attendance. God bless all of you,” Velma Sue finalized. TBB
