Social Confidential

By Roberto Hugo González

In a heartwarming display of Christmas spirit, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers basketball players and coaching staff visited DHR Health in Edinburg on December 3, 2024, to spread holiday cheer to patients needing extra joy this season. The event, which took place at DHR Health’s main hospital, was memorable for both the Vipers and the patients they visited.

As the holiday season approaches, the Vipers are well-known for their commitment to giving back to the community, and this visit was no exception. The players and coaches took time out of their busy schedules to visit patients, bringing smiles, holiday cheer, and a special surprise: exclusive Vipers gifts. The thoughtful gesture aimed to brighten the spirits of those facing difficult times in the hospital during the festive season.

Patients of all ages were thrilled to receive their Vipers-themed gifts, which ranged from stuffed plush pillows to Vipers beanies. This created a sense of connection and excitement with the basketball team. For many, the visit was a welcome distraction from their daily routines, and the interaction with the Vipers players boosted positivity and comfort.

The visit was about more than giving gifts; it was also about making personal connections. Players and staff chatted with patients, offering words of encouragement and support. The holiday season can be especially tough for individuals in the hospital, and the Vipers’ presence helped lift spirits and create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

The DHR Health visit is just one of many efforts by the Vipers organization to give back to the Rio Grande Valley community. This holiday gift distribution exemplified the team’s commitment to spreading kindness and making a positive impact beyond the basketball court.

DHR Health, a leading healthcare provider in the region, also expressed their gratitude for the Vipers’ visit. The hospital staff and administrators shared that the event helped create a positive environment, benefiting both patients and healthcare workers during a time of year that can often feel overwhelming.

The visit reminded the Vipers of the power of sports to unite people and the importance of giving back to the community that supports them. The team’s generosity and dedication to making a difference reflect the season’s spirit.

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Social Confidential

Special To Texas Border Business

Hidalgo County Judge Cortez spoke eloquently during a meeting where leaders met to find a solution. He said, “We have a disproportionate percentage of people in poverty in Hidalgo County when you compare it to the percentage of Texas or the United States as a whole.” He continued, “We have created a prosperity task force to look into the complex issues of poverty.”

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Social Confidential

EDINBURG, Texas– The city of Edinburg is excited to announce its partnership with the Army Partnership for Youth Success (PaYS) Program, making it the first Rio Grande Valley municipality to sign on and participate in the distinctive program.Through the PaYS Program, PaYS soldiers are guaranteed a job interview with five PaYS partners of their choice after completing their training or first term of service.

Soldiers who participate are able to gain valuable leadership skills, as well as technical skills and experience, while simultaneously easing back into civilian life after serving in the U.S. Army.

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Social Confidential

By Roberto Hugo Gonzalez

Edwards Abstract and Title Co. has consistently been the innovator in the title insurance industry in the South Texas region.

Dr. Ted Jones, PhD the chief economist and senior vice president for Stewart Title based in Houston, gave an outstanding presentation. He drives Stewart’s ongoing financial analysis and applied real estate research.

Edwards Abstract and Title Co.’s principles and core values have been grounded on making a positive impact in the lives of others, whether in the lives of its own employees, the community, customers and the real estate industry in general.

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Social Confidential

Marsha Green, VP of Marketing for Bert Ogden Group, celebrated her birthday on February 20, 2020. Mr. Robert and Janet Vackar, principals of the auto group, participated in this celebration. Also, management and friends joined, making this day an exceptional day for Marsha. They all agree on the following message: “On your special day, we wish you good luck. We hope this beautiful day will fill up your heart with joy and blessings. Have a fantastic birthday, celebrate happiness on every day of your life. Happy Birthday!! Photos By Roberto Hugo Gonzalez Social Confidential.

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Social Confidential

By Roberto Hugo Gonzalez

On a beautiful winter night, The Renaissance Cancer Foundation Gala presented on December 8, 2019 Big Swing & The Ballroom Blasters performing Music with Soul’.

Larry Safir, Chairman of the Renaissance Cancer Foundation said, “We’re very pleased to announce the generous support of our sponsors and patrons that tonight’s gala has raised just under 395,000. We’re very, very proud of all of you. We couldn’t be more grateful.

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The only school that teaches, trains, and prepares you with 100% hands on training!

It is the most complete training for any students dreaming to be a professional welder.

Students start from the first day of class taking advantage of their wide range of classes:

• Stick welding
• Heliarc Welding
• Structural welding
• Flux Core Welding
• Stainless steel welding
• Up-hill pipe welding
• Down-hill pipe welding
• Combination welding

South Texas Welding School is setting shop in a 15,000 sq. ft. building at the Edinburg Industrial Park.

The city of Edinburg and the Edinburg Economic Development were part of the effort to bring a succesfull welding school to the industrial park of Edinburg. Social Confidential Photos by Roberto Hugo Gonzalez

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Social Confidential

The City of Edinburg celebrated the first Real Estate Symposium on October 16, 2019. The event became an outstanding event, especially for REALTORS, developers, and investors. 

Thirteen speakers from department heads to sponsors had a unique opportunity to educate attendees on the latest site developments, road projects, drainage projects, parks and splash pad, commercial plazas, safety buildings, and so much more.

Ruben Ramirez, the new Economic Development officer master of ceremonies and gifted speaker, shared everything that Edinburg offers. He also said that the Real Estate Symposium event was a team effort.

Also, he said, that it was made possible by Mayor Richard Molina, Mayor Pro-Tem David Torres, Jorge Salinas, City Councilmember, Juan Guerra City Manager, and the entire city staff. 

The Real Estate Symposium took place at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance, located at 118 Paseo del Prado Ave, Edinburg, Texas 78539. Socialconfidential.com

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What a great party it was for Janet Vackar’s birthday. Mr. Bob Vackar and the Bert Ogden executives gathered as a family to honor and wish her a “Happy Birthday, Janet!” The celebration took place at the original Bert Ogden dealership, now the Volvo dealership.

The Tootsie Roll decorations became a unique attraction. Why? Yes! You guessed it, Janet loves Tootsie Rolls, and they were in abundance. The cake also came disguised as a Tootsie Roll, and it was delicious. Social Confidential. Photos by Roberto Hugo Gonzalez

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Social Confidential

By Roberto Hugo Gonzalez

What a grand celebration, The Valley Alliance of Mentors for Opportunities and Scholarships (VAMOS), celebrated its 22nd annual celebration. On July 16th, 2018, 85 students were awarded a total of $1.4 million for the four-year renewable scholarships. The scholars were selected from Starr, Cameron and Hidalgo Counties to attend the university of their choice. Some of those students will be attending top-notch universities such as UTRGV and Dartmouth University. VAMOS recipients are attending any university from Texas or the United States.

For students to join the VAMOS train is simple. Typically, VAMOS awards $10-20,000 scholarships and the application opens December 1st and closes on April 1st of every year. The second phase is done by the scholarship committee that goes through thousands of applications and selects the students that they find are well deserving of the VAMOS scholarship. The third phase is to pair scholars with a mentor specifically within their major. That explains the reason why VAMOS graduation rate is at 96%.

The program is simple, and this is how it works: VAMOS provides funds for a four-year college degree. If the student is the recipient for $20,000, that means they will get $5,000 per year. However, there is a requirement, aside from students delivering a minimum of 2.75 GPA, they also need to give back to their communities. Recipients provide a minimum of 40 hours of community service per year as a requirement and to keep in good standing with the program. VAMOS board stresses that giving back to the community is paramount to the success of the program and the student.

According to Sonia Falcon, former VAMOS president for twelve years, once they graduate, VAMOS scholars come back to the Valley to open up businesses such as Dr. Melissa Uriegas, a 2005 VAMOS scholar, who operates her practice, Uriegas Dentistry. Thanks to VAMOS and Dr. Uriegas, who kept her end of the bargain, she got the necessary funds to get her education.

On August 10, 2018, this reporter attended the open house and ribbon cutting ceremony of Uriegas Dentistry. At this event, I spoke to Daisy Martinez, the executive director of VAMOS. She was excited to see Melissa Uriegas celebrating such an essential function of her professional career.

“I came on board in 2016, and so we received a phone call, and it was from Melissa saying, “Hey, I was a VAMOS scholar, and I’d like to give back,” Daisy told Texas Border Business. “Dr. Uriegas regularly attends to VAMOS events and in some occasions has been a guest speaker of our holiday party, and it’s great to see her giving back to the community,” Daisy said.

Johnny Oliva is the VAMOS president; he is considered another mover and shaker of this community. He works along with 13 hard-working board members; one of them is Alonzo Cantu. He is one of the principal founders of this great organization that is helping young people to get educated. Daisy said that this is the hardest working board that she has ever had the privilege to collaborate with. “They strive year-round to find donors and to find sponsors to give back to VAMOS.” She said, “We’re grateful of our sponsors, and that is why we’re able to award so much in scholarships.” In past years, VAMOS has awarded a million dollars per year, but this year it was $1.4 million. Daisy said, “the additional $400,000 came from Alonzo Cantu scholarship for the University of Houston.”

The VAMOS 22nd Annual Scholarship Banquet took place at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance, 85 students with parents and additional family participated with joy and pride.

VAMOS is now an integral part of the Rio Grande Valley. A large number of students are graduating debt-free, and that’s huge for the families because it’s one less financial burden on them and the students can achieve their dreams by acquiring post-secondary education. According to Daisy, the board’s goal is always to award more money in scholarships and they feel that it is attainable. VAMOS has developed an excellent reputation that even national organization are starting to notice.

Recently the VAMOS organization received the “Hispanic Scholarship Fund Community Partner of the Year” award, this was in April 2018, where the Hispanic Scholarship Fund recognized VAMOS for their hard work.

The hardest part of this program is to be part of the reviewing committee. They are in charge of reading all applications. This year, 1,200 students applied for scholarships, there was only $1.4 million; it was just enough for 85 scholars.

The scholarship committee is comprised of ten to fifteen people that always give up their evenings to read the petitions. Daisy said, “There are tears and smiles as you read applications and get a feel for each one of them.”

VAMOS is a nonprofit organization and relies heavily on donations. One of the annual fundraisers is the golf tournament, which is always a success. VAMOS golf tournament for 2019 is on March 2nd, at the Palm View Golf Course, this event brings most of the funding needed for scholarships.

Since 1997 VAMOS has awarded over $20 million, and they have fundraised close to $25 million. Their priority is making sure that all the funds go towards scholarships, and for the students to receive a post-secondary education. So, keep an eye on VAMOS, if they call for a donation, please have your wallet open. Their idea and vision to get as many young people as possible educated, rocks!

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