From left to right: Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr. and La Posada Providencia’s 2014 Champions: Jesus Tomas and Nora Belinda Garcia; Ana Schulz; Sister Zita Telkamp, CDP; Paula Olivarez; Sister Margaret Mertens, CDP; Leticia Eads; Deborah Grayson. Champions not pictured: Elaine Adams; Sister Josephe Marie Flynn, SSND; Justin & Alma Rock; Sister Ana Lydia Sonera-Matos, CDP – Family & Friends; and Gil and Teresa Weyhaupt.
As we have featured these past few months, La Posada Providencia launched a campaign titled Champions for a New Beginning to raise awareness and funding for the immigrant and asylee population the shelter serves.
A Champion is an individual who supports the mission and purpose of La Posada by pledging to raise $1,000 to meet the needs of the hundreds of homeless migrants served by the shelter. Champions had from June 25 to October 11 to meet their fundraising goal. Champions who successfully met their goal were to be awarded with an invitation to the Champions Gala – an exclusive evening event hosted by Texas State Senator Eddie Lucio Jr.
Midway through the campaign period, La Posada hosted a book presentation at the Harlingen Cultural Arts Center. The presentation featured author and School Sister of Notre Dame Josephe Marie Flynn, who described her battle to save a friend from deportation and death as portrayed in her book, “Rescuing Regina.” A commentary on local immigration issues followed with ProBAR attorney Nicole Gamble speaking.
The three-month campaign came to a successful conclusion with the Champions raising more than $18,000. On Saturday, Oct. 18, Sen. Lucio Jr. graciously hosted the Champions Gala at his home. Champions were treated to evening cocktails and dinner with an award presentation following. Champions received certificates acknowledging their achievement.
A permanent plaque listing the 2014 Champions will be installed at La Posada in the coming weeks. In addition to Sen. Lucio Jr. generously opening his home for the gala, he presented La Posada board members and staff with a certificate of excellence in recognition of their dedicated service to the shelter. Board members were also presented with a Texas flag flown over the state capital in recognition of their service to La Posada. Board Chair Elaine Adams was presented with a gavel in recognition of astounding community service. The Senator concluded by presenting a permanent gavel for use by La Posada’s board.
La Posada gratefully recognizes the following 2014 Champions:
Elaine Adams; Leticia Eads; Sister Josephe Marie Flynn, SSND; Jesus Tomas and Nora Belinda Garcia; Deborah Grayson; Senator Eddie Lucio Jr.; Sister Margaret Mertens, CDP; Paula Olivarez; Justin & Alma Rock; Sister Ana Lydia Sonera-Matos, CDP – Family & Friends; Ana G. Schulz; Sister Zita Telkamp, CDP; Gil and Teresa Weyhaupt.
La Posada Providencia’s Board of Directors, staff and clients, wish to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all of our Champions and those who supported them! Thank you.