Texas Border Business
PHARR – Continuing their efforts of giving back to the community, members of the PSJA Education Foundation raised more than $275,000 during the 6th Annual Fundraiser Concert held Sept. 20 at the Pharr Events Center. All proceeds benefit students and teachers from Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD.
First founded in 2013, the PSJA Education Foundation, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization, has helped enhance educational opportunities for the youth and families of the tri-city area thanks to sponsorships and donations from PSJA Alumni, local businesses and PSJA ISD staff members through payroll deduction.
“We would like to thank Everyone that sponsored, donated, bid on, volunteered and attended our 6th Annual PSJA Education Foundation Fundraiser,” said PSJA Education Foundation President Jesus “Jesse” Vela, Jr. “Thanks to you, more students will receive scholarships to support their education and more Teachers will be able to receive mini-grants to do creative projects with our kids!”
This concert is the organization’s main fundraiser of the year, which collects funds through sponsorships for student scholarships and teacher grants. Held in remembrance of former President Joel “Joey” Gonzalez who passed away earlier this year, the fundraiser was the most successful to date thanks to the generous contributions of nearly 330 local and regional sponsors.
With the continuing support from the community, the annual concert has helped the Foundation award over $1 million dollars to students and teachers in PSJA ISD.
For the 2017-18 school year, the Foundation broke its own record, awarding $375,000 through its efforts. A total of 145 scholarships were awarded to PSJA ISD graduating seniors, totaling $320,000 and $40,000 were distributed to teachers through 26 mini-grants.
