3rd Annual Dinner & Fundraiser feat. Richard Castro - a "Thank You" Letter from our CEO
3rd Annual Dinner & Fundraiser feat. Richard Castro - a "Thank You" Letter from our CEO
July 1, 2016
Dear El Paso Stakeholder,
Thank you for making our 3rd Annual Dinner & Fundraiser a complete success! I am humbled by the generosity of individuals and businesses that are investing in the lives of El Pasoans. The evening provided an opportunity for staff and board to interact with El Paso stakeholders, share the accomplishments of our innovative workforce model, and garner additional support to further our mission. Two of our very own graduates, Kristie Reyes, RN @ The Hospitals at Providence, and Zahori Estrada, RN @ Good Samaritan Society, gave passionate testimonies sharing their barriers to education and employment and the role Project ARRIBA played in moving them from poverty to living wage careers. Rev. Dr. Ed Roden-Lucero, Vice-Chair, detailed the important and ongoing work of EPISO and Border Interfaith, as Martha Rochford, Chairwoman, appealed to the business community for continued private investments. Richard Castro of Castro Enterprises, Inc. and 2015 El Pasoan of the Year gave a heart-felt keynote speech that proved inspirational and the Airway Marriott venue was ideal.
The recently launched Jim R. Phillips Endowment Fund was presented by Wells Fargo representative Christine Gallegos, Regional Banking District Manager, to the 195 guests in attendance. The fund was established by a generous investment of $10,000 by Wells Fargo to carry on the legacy of Mr. Phillips to empower El Pasoans to do more and be more. Mrs. Nita Phillips, Jim Phillips’ surviving spouse, accepted a plaque in memory of her late husband and in appreciation of her generous investment of $5,000 towards the fund. El Paso stakeholders rallied behind Mr. Phillips legacy by investing over $25,000 in the fund during the event. I wish to extend a heartfelt thank you to WestStar Bank, the Gifford Foundation, Castro Enterprises, and Economy Cash & Carry for their significant investments.
I couldn’t be more excited to share with you the outcome of our 3rd Annual Fundraiser. Between our 3rd Annual Fundraiser and the Jim R. Phillips Endowment Fund, $78,615 has been raised this year to further the job training efforts of low-income El Pasoans pursuing long-term training for high-demand careers.
These achievements would not have been possible without a Board of Directors who stand passionately behind our mission and a great T.E.A.M. to execute the plan.
Sincerely,
Roman Ortiz
Chief Executive Officer
