The United Way Board of Directors announced Tyler Stone, RIOCO Partners and United Way Board Member, as the 2022 South Texas Hero. Board Members surprised Stone with the Award in late February, while surrounded by his family, including his lovely wife, Jennifer. Their children, ages 6 to 11, were particularly delighted and proud of their father's honor. The South Texas Hero Award is presented to an individual that demonstrates commitment and leadership in the community, through extraordinary engagement in year-round service projects.

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The United Way Board of Directors proudly recognized United Way of South Texas volunteers, Company Supporters and Pillar Club Members at the 2023 Awards Ceremony on March 3rd. The Top 10 Contributing Companies represent organizations with a deep understanding of United Way's impact on diverse social service needs in our area. The following Top 10 Companies were recognized: 1) H-E-B Stores & H-E-B RSC 2) Hidalgo County 3) City of McAllen 4) IBC Bank 5) Vantage Bank Texas 6) Target Stores 7) GE Aerospace 8) AEP Texas 9) Superior Health Plan 10) International Paper. These ten companies raised $795,695, representing 37% of the overall 2022 campaign.

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Golden Apple Awards were presented to Outstanding School Districts, with the Top 5 Campaign Results. The 2022 Top 5 Districts and Campaign Coordinators were: #1) McAllen ISD; Ann Vega #2) Edinburg C.I.S.D.; Alonzo Barbosa #3) PSJA I.S.D.; Dr. Ruben Borrego #4) La Joya I.S.D.; Marissa Saenz #5) Mission C.I.S.D.; Sylvia Cruz. The United Way Board of Directors expresses their gratitude to all Superintendents, District Campaign Coordinators, Principals, Directors, Professional Staff and School District Employees in Hidalgo and Starr Counties.

Olivia Gomez, Deputy Chief of Staff-Hidalgo County Precinct 2, was recognized as the 2022 Campaign Coordinator of the Year at the 2023 Awards Ceremony. She has been an exceptional advocate for the United Way, taking time to volunteer and recruit others to participate in programs such as the Back-to-School "In Style" Shopping Spree. With the support of Judge Richard Cortez, Commissioner Eduardo "Eddie" Cantu, all Precinct Commissioners, Directors and other leadership, she coordinated the most successful United Way Campaign for Hidalgo County. Hidalgo County Employees raised the bar and increased pledges by 20 percent, earning them the #2 Top Company Award, with a total of $91,851 in pledges.

The United Way Board of Directors recognized Linda Gonzalez and Javier Zamora from City of McAllen - Public Works as the 2022 Loaned Executives of the Year. Loaned Executive volunteers are "loaned" to the United Way by their companies for the duration of United Way's annual Campaign. They assist United Way in raising funds to support Partner Agencies and United Way Programs that impact over 185,000 residents throughout Hidalgo and Starr Counties. Loaned Executives are passionate and committed to serving their community.

United Way of South Texas thanks the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program volunteers, as we approach the last weeks of the 2023 income tax filing season. This tax season, more than 100 IRS-trained and certified volunteers prepared taxes at no cost for families and individuals in Hidalgo and Starr Counties. Limited appointments are available until April 14th. Call us at 956-686-6331 to schedule your appointment today.

The Rio Grande Valley State Employee Charitable Campaign (SECC) held an Awards Recognition Event in early March. United Way of South Texas manages the SECC throughout the RGV. Hope Noble, retired TDCJ, and Carmen Amaya, TX Department of Public Safety, served as the 2022 SECC Co-Chairs. The RGV-SECC Local Committee is represented by the following volunteers: Nina Barrientes, UTRGV; Georgina Marr, STC; Valerie Gonzalez, TX Department of Transportation; Estela Olguin, TX Department of Criminal Justice; and Gisenia Abad, TX Office of the Attorney General. The Shining Star Award (highest percent increase) was presented to the TX Department of Transportation and the Lone Star Award (highest contributions overall) was presented to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Thank you to all the SECC Coordinators, volunteers and supporters.