We are overwhelmed by the success of Hands & Hearts, a champagne brunch and auction to benefit La Posada Providencia. The event was held on Saturday, January 28 at the Texas State Technical College Cultural Arts Center. There were nearly 200 people in attendance this year. We credit the success of the event to our many friends and partners who contributed their time, talents and treasure over the last several months.

We were honored to have Velma De Los Santos serve as our emcee. The morning began with a welcome from Program Director Zita Telkamp, CDP followed by a prayer composed and led by La Posada Board Member Rev. Ryan Pederson. Entertainment was provided by local musician Carlos Canas, and the youth choir, In Bloom.

One of the highlights of the program was hearing “Karim’s” story. The story was printed in the event book and read to the audience by Karim. He was born in Ghana, West Africa and was persecuted for his political beliefs. After hiding for two years, his family and others from his village were able to raise enough money for Karim to travel to Mexico. Once he reached the U.S. border in Hildalgo, Texas, Karim pleaded with Immigration officials for political asylum. He served four months in detention before he was released to La Posada, where Karim continues learning English and working on his GED. He achieved his English reading proficiency with the help of his tutor, Margie Myers. She proudly looked on as Karim confidently read his story.

This year, the brunch featured two new activities. The Wishing Wall was created especially for the event by current client, Michael, and was painted by high school volunteers Missy Lovegren and Hannah Salinas. The wall was decorated with colorful labels listing “wish” items representing everyday shelter needs and volunteer opportunities. Michael also built the lattice wall that held a “boutique” of 30 purses for attendees to purchase for $25 each. Each purse contained a gift certificate and one contained a grand prize of $100. The Wishing Wall sold out!

There were also two drawings held that morning. Together, the 50/50 drawing and the drawing for a heart-shaped diamond necklace, donated by Plaza De Oro y Diamantes, raised nearly $600. All the auction proceeds, ticket and ad sales and sponsorships will go to support our general fund. The event closed with a prayer composed and led by La Posada Client Mentor, Sister Thérèse Cunningham, SHSp.

This success would not have been possible without the efforts of so many dedicated people. We are grateful to our committee members, volunteers, donors, solicitors, advertisers, sponsors and bidders. Because of you, Hands & Hearts received an increase in total donations to help La Posada clients this year. Thank you!