Los Fresnos Chamber Hosts Awards Banquet

Manuel Almanza Receives the Dora Romero Award for 2013

On Thursday, November 7, 2013, The Los Fresnos Chamber of Commerce held the Annual Awards Community Banquet. This year’s theme “Safari” flowed throughout the evening. Guests entered the foyer of the community center through a jungle of lush green tropical plants which were provided by Giverny Gardens– setting a safari atmosphere for the banquet. Tables and chairs were covered in eloquent black satin cloths with various animal print runners atop the tables. Each table was decorated with beautiful tall arrangements matching it’s designated table runner. Live music was provided by The Alley Catz who played a variety of music; including, country western, oldies, tejano and special requests. The banquet was catered by Julia’s restaurant which provided a gourmet meal of pork loin stuffed with spinach and mushrooms, roasted baby potatoes, french style green beans and a spring mixed salad accompanied by raspberry vinaigrette. The artistically and delicious safari themed caked was provided by Tapia’s Café. The three tiered animal print cake was accented with various safari animals.

Master of ceremonies was Los Fresnos’ own Dr. Jackie Kyger who entertained guests throughout the night while also presenting awards to this year recipients. The invocation was lead by Rev. Filiberto Pereira of Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries. Mayor Polo Narvaez gave a warm welcome to all those attending the banquet. Executive Director, Debra Badeaux, again welcomed everyone present and informed those attending that the chamber is targeting plumbers, carpenter, roofers, chair and table rentals and other small businesses providing services for membership in the chamber. She also informed guests that the proceeds from this year and future years’ Annual Awards Banquet will go towards helping to fund the Community Thanksgiving Meal provided to families in need.

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The Most Outstanding Non–Profit Organization for 2013 Award given to Rio Life Christian Center was accepted by Pastor Rick De La Rosa. Receiving the Outstanding Student Group Award was the L.F.C.I.S.D. High School Hosa Group under the direction of Dr. Kim Ellis and Aurora Brito.The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Dora Romero Award. Past recipients have been Don Badeaux, Angelita Garcia, Ann Meyn, Feliberto Pereira, Tony Rivas and Gonzolo Salazar, The 2013 nominees for the award were Manuel Almanza, Jesus Amaya, Angelita Garcia, Frank Garcia and Joe and Mary Jaramillo, and Mark Milum, all of whom were praiseworthy, hard working volunteers who gave of their time, talents and resources to help the people and community of Los Fresnos . The 2013 recipient of the Dora Romero Award was Mr. Manuel Almanza. Assisting in presenting the award were Irene Romero and Edna Romero, daughters of Mrs. Romero.

The night included door prizes and games. Prizes were: a dinner for two, provided by Julia’s Restaurant, a wrap it kit provided by Mariam Cano and set of nails provided by Geneva Cadena from Angelic Nails.

The Los Fresnos Chamber of Commerce would like to thank table sponsors: IBC Bank, Los Fresnos C.I.S.D., the City of Los Fresnos and Rodeo Dental. Thanks are also given to Giverny Gardens for loan of the plants and to The Flower Gallery for the beautiful and eloquent decorations. Also, the chamber would like to thank all those who volunteered in helping to prepare for the banquet and clean up afterwards.