LAREDO, TX January 7, 2021 - Laredo Crime Stoppers officially announces the cancellation of the annual Menudo Bowl that would have taken place later this month at the Laredo International Fair Grounds with due regard to the safety and health of the community. The decision comes as a result of the coronavirus level the city/county is currently in and the travel concern and other circumstances make it impossible for the organization to hold a large-scale fundraising event physically and will faithfully follow the City’s directions to uphold the community health a priority.
After careful and thorough consideration, the Laredo Crime Stoppers board member of directors has canceled the Menudo Bowl events that were tentatively set for later this month. LCS is committed to doing its part to help protect staff, attendees, and participants. No registration had taken place to wait to see if the event would still take place.
“We are devastated to share this news with you. “The show must go on rain or shine” is in us, this is the first time since 1994 that our Menudo Bowl will not go on as anticipated. We will continue to work hard to bring an even more fantastic event for the next time. Though it’s true that our event can’t take place in the way we planned, we continue to strive toward our purpose- helping keep our community safe.” Colleen Rodriguez, Executive Director said.
“The organization is exploring options to reschedule the event if the opportunity permits but meanwhile are looking at other options to go virtual or smaller even if it’s just for this year and/or the next.” Rodriguez, said. The organization prides in working to have a large event with an array of events happening simultaneously for the enjoyment of the community young to young at heart with events that include roping, trail ride, motorcycle run, wrestling, music, dance, and the famous Menudo tasting competition.
Chantell Liles, Board Chair says, " We were hopeful things would turn around for the best and we'd announce the event would go on. We have a couple of things planned and hope to get everyne's support."
The Menudo Bowl in large part contributes to the annual operational budget of the organization averaging $75,000 through a combined fundraising effort on this day alone.
In spite of COVID, the calls received in 2020, surpassed the year before with calls coming into the only 24/7 anonymous hotline 1,003, through those calls 97 individuals were arrested, 82 cases cleared, and 57 rewards were approved to tipsters for payout in a total amount of $39,650.
Laredo Crime Stoppers ask that the community continue to support their crime-fighting efforts by donating via laredocrimestoppers.org or by calling at (956) 724-1876. Donations made by individuals and businesses are tax deductible and go toward the reward to tipsters and the operations of the organization to bring more awareness to the community and go a long way.
Laredo Crime Stoppers is committed to working together with law enforcement, media, and the community to ensure a safe community to work, live, and play.
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