Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
Rio Bank, committed to community engagement and support, is again at the lead of a charitable cause as it announces the much-anticipated 32nd Black Robe Reception. This event, set to take place in December, is dedicated to supporting the invaluable work of the Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas’ Rio Grande Valley (RGV) branch.
The Children’s Bereavement Center RGV provides a sanctuary for healing and offers hope to children and families who have experienced the profound loss of a loved one. With a mission to foster recovery and resilience, the center offers peer support groups, and individual counseling, and utilizes expressive arts to help children articulate their grief in a nurturing environment.
The upcoming Black Robe Gala, hosted by Rio Bank, is not just a celebratory gathering but a commendable initiative to honor the judicial system while simultaneously benefiting the bereaved children of the community. The event’s unique entry requirement—an unwrapped toy instead of a monetary fee—captures the spirit of giving and reflects a commitment to bringing joy to children during the holiday season.
The gala, a tribute to Rio Bank’s community approach, was introduced by a bank representative who expressed immense pride in sharing their space for such a noble cause. They emphasized the bank’s honor in supporting the Children’s Bereavement Center RGV, acknowledging the vital services it provides to the valley area.
Following this introduction, Pete Espinosa, who was handed the podium, further elaborated on the significance of the Black Robe Gala. He explained the event’s tradition of honoring the judicial system and shared insights into the selection of the Children’s Bereavement Center RGV as this year’s beneficiary. The decision, born from a series of meetings with committee members and influenced by the long-standing relationship with Ernest Espinoza, the Executive Director of the Rio Grande Valley, a key figure in local nonprofit work, was driven by a shared vision to support the community’s youth.
Espinoza, taking the stage, thanked the attendees and detailed the services of the center, highlighting its non-reliance on insurance, which allows it to serve all children and families in need. He provided a touching reminder of the center’s reach and the ongoing need within the community, emphasizing that while significant strides have been made, much work remains to be done to support the tens of thousands still in need.
The Black Robe Gala not only serves as a fundraising event but also as a platform to raise awareness of the center’s services and the impact of community support. With the heartwarming tradition of providing Christmas gifts to children, the gala encapsulates the essence of community spirit and the joy of giving.
In closing the ceremony, a representative from Rio Bank underscored the bank’s philosophy of service and reiterated their dedication to serving as a community bank with a service heart.
The event’s noble cause has been met with enthusiasm, and the bank encourages the wider community to partake in the gala, visit the center, or reach out for more information. For those interested in supporting the Children’s Bereavement Center RGV, contact can be made at (956) 368-4065 or through the center’s website at cbc-rgv.org.
The Black Robe Gala promises to be a night of sincere tribute and generous giving, reflecting the Rio Grande Valley’s collective spirit of compassion and the community’s resolve to support its youngest members in their time of greatest need.
