3rd Annual Dia de los Muertos Fundraiser

McAllen, Texas- The Hidalgo County chapter of Texas Democratic Women is holding our 3^rd Annual Dia de los Muertos Fundraiser. The fundraiser will take place Tuesday, November 1, 2011from 7 pm to 9 pm at Ponchos Mexican Restaurant located at 808 North Cage Boulevard just south of Expressway 83 in Pharr, Texas.

The Hidalgo County chapter of Texas Democratic Women’s annual event honors democratic women who continue to inspire even after their passing. It is to celebrate their life and honor their memory. The 2011 honorees are Alicia Garza, Barbara Jordan and Geraldine Ferraro. Alters representing their lives will be on exhibit.

Alicia Garza is quoted as saying, “Life isn’t just about living; it’s about giving and helping others!” Alicia Garza worked as an educator for the La Joya Independent School District for 39 years. Alicia truly believed that everyone deserved a chance to get a good education and prosper because of it. She proudly served with the American Red Cross, United Way, and La Joya Lion’s Club.  She was a founder and secretary for the La Joya I. S. D. Crimestoppers Board.  She was a city commissioner and mayor pro-tem for the city of Sullivan City.  Ms. Garza was also a board member for the La Joya Area Federal Credit Union. As a registered organ donor in death, she continued to give by donating her tissue and bone to others in need. She was a true role model.  There is no doubt that her beliefs and her desire to help others will serve as an incentive to many, especially when they feel no one cares. One person referred to her as the "Poor man's voice."  

Barbara Jordan was born and reared in Houston, Texas. She was the first African-American elected to the Texas Senate in 1966 after reconstruction and the first Southern black woman elected to theU.S. House of Representatives in 1973. She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, among numerous other honors. On her death in 1996 she became the first African-American woman to be interred in the Texas State Cemetery.

Geraldine Ferraro, a Democrat was the first female Vice Presidential candidate to represent a major American political party. She served in Congress for six years and as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations for three years. She passed away on March 26, 2011 after living with cancer for the last 12 years of her life.

Donations go to further the mission of the Hidalgo County chapter of Texas Democratic Women. HCTDW members work to promote increased representation of women in party and governmental institutions. HCTDW members promote legislative, executive, and judicial policies that enhance equitable representation of women in party and government affairs. The members of Hidalgo County chapter of Texas Democratic Women provide training and other support for Democrats working in party organizations, campaigns and/or seeking public office.

Donations and sponsorships are appreciated. For tickets contact: Alexia Solis, Fundraising Chair (956) 400-9541, Leslie Gower (956) 624-5978 or Rosalie Weisfeld (956) 793-5814 or emailrweisfeld@rgv.rr.com. This event will be “Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, and Working towards the Future”.