UNITED WAY OF SOUTH TEXAS CELEBRATES 45 YEARS OF COMMUNITY IMPACT AT 2026 AWARDS CEREMONY

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April 10, 2026

Event Highlights

The United Way of South Texas Board of Directors welcomed over 200 community leaders, partners, and supporters to the 2026 Awards Ceremony at the Mission Event Center on April 1. The event marked the organization’s 45th anniversary, celebrating decades of impact in advancing Youth Opportunities, Financial Security, Healthy Communities, and Community Resiliency for families across South Texas.

A key moment was the 20th anniversary of the South Texas Heroes program, which honors individuals for service, compassion, and leadership. The 2025 South Texas Hero, the late Larry Gonzalez of PlainsCapital Bank, was recognized posthumously. His family accepted the award, and his son shared moving remarks about his father’s legacy and community impact.

Gerardo Paz, UW Past Board Chairman, emphasized the power of collective action: “When we come together with a shared vision, real change happens. By supporting education, health, financial stability, and essential services, we continue building a stronger, healthier, and more resilient community for everyone.”

Awards and Recognitions

• Top 10 Supporting Companies: Honored for their investment and collaboration in expanding access to critical resources in Hidalgo and Starr Counties.
• Local School Districts: Recognized for fostering a culture of service and philanthropy among students, staff, and families.
• Spirit Awards: Presented to organizations with per capita donations of $250 or more.
• Century Club Awards: Awarded to donors exceeding $100, highlighting sustained commitment to community impact.

About United Way of South Texas

United Way of South Texas invests in programs addressing critical needs in Healthy Communities, Youth Opportunities, Financial Security, and Community Resiliency. Through partnerships with 21+ local nonprofits, the organization supports services reaching over 180,500 residents, including:

• Emergency shelter
• Family violence counseling
• Character-building programs
• Infant stimulation classes

Community members can support United Way’s work through tax-deductible donations mailed to United Way of South Texas, P.O. Box 187, McAllen, TX 78505-0187 or by visiting www.unitedwayofsotx.org.