Texas Border Business
By Amanda Sotelo
Since the inception of the South Texas College Foundation last year, it has given back nearly $500,000 to students in scholarships and funds to help create a college-going culture, especially among first-generation students, thanks to community sponsors and donors.
With its second annual Foundation Gala coming up on October 16, the nonprofit organization is once again, on the hunt for sponsors and donors at all levels, to help make this year’s event a success.
“This is our signature event, where we bring donors, philanthropists and community leaders together to raise funds for the betterment of our students,” said STC Vice President of Institutional Advancement and External Affairs Rodney Rodriguez, Ph.D. “Our sponsors and donors play a vital role in giving our students the opportunity of a higher education. All proceeds we get from this event are nonrestricted and go toward student scholarships and funds that help make students’ dreams a reality.”
This year’s gala will be hosted at the McAllen Convention Center and will provide a fine-dining experience and silent auction that consists of home décor from locally-owned boutiques, brand-name gifts, luxury experiences such as a dinner and wine for 12 or a South Padre Island vacation.
Nadia De La Garza, STC director of Fundraising and Foundation, said the success the STC Foundation has seen is a huge accomplishment for a newly established foundation and she credits this to dedicated donors.
“We are extremely proud of the amount we have been able to raise and award within the first year,” said De La Garza. “This accomplishment has been possible because of the support we receive from our community. Every donation or sponsorship is invaluable to our college and our students. They are changing lives.”
It is the community support from sponsors and donors like ERO Architects and Lone Star National Bank, who recently sponsored tables for this year’s gala, that De La Garza and the Foundation are thankful for.
Brian Godinez, chief executive officer and principal of ERO Architects, said the company’s $10,000 sponsorship came from the respect they have for STC.
“For years, I have admired the economic surge that South Texas College has provided our region. The college provides educational fulfillment of hopes, dreams and possibilities for countless families and individuals,” said Godinez. “These are neighbors, friends and colleagues of our firm and our communities. We are grateful for STC’s continued success and appreciate that we can be a part of this journey.”
Lone Star National Bank Executive Vice President and Director of Community Relations Julian Alvarez has committed to a $5,000 sponsorship and shares the same sentiment.
“Lone Star National Bank is inspired to give back and support educational foundations like STC, because of its deep commitment to community development and the belief that education is a key driver of social and economic progress,” said Alvarez. “This commitment aligns with our broader mission of fostering growth and prosperity, and by investing in education, Lone Star National Bank aims to empower individuals with the tools and opportunities needed to achieve financial stability and success.”
Most recently, STC’s Foundation had the opportunity to present students with funds to attend a leadership conference in Austin, fund new freezers and refrigerators for STC’s Student Food Pantry and establish a new free education initiative – the Valley Promise Program.
The STC Foundation is led by a board of pillars in the community that include Chair Bonnie Gonzalez, Vice Chair Garry Gurwitz, and Directors Adel Feliz, Sam Vale, Laura Warren, Alonzo Cantu and Jim Collins, who are focused on fundraising to move the Rio Grande Valley forward through education.
“We are working hard to ensure that our students have access to everything they need to successfully get a higher education, graduate and find successful careers,” said Foundation Chair Gonzalez. “We’re excited for our upcoming gala because this is where we get to showcase what we do, celebrate our community partners and recognize how everyone’s contribution makes an impact.”
The STC Foundation Gala is set for October 16, 2024, at 6 p.m. at the McAllen Convention Center.
Executive, Diamond, Platinum and Gold sponsorships available. For more information or to become a sponsor, visit https://www.southtexascollege.edu/foundation/gala/.
