Easter Seals Honors Humanitarians of the Year

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Easterseals Rio Grande Valley Honors Humanitarians of the Year

By Dr. Kimberly Selber Photography by Bronson delRio

Since 1978 Easterseals Rio Grande Valley has recognized exceptional people for their commitment to helping those most in need with their “Humanitarian of the Year” award. Easterseals RGV is honoring Carlos Melguizo and Saul Sanchez, co-owners of Carats and community superheroes, this year.

“Carlos and Saul represent the best in community partners, they serve as champions for the Easterseals mission, and they understand the important role our programs have in the community,” said Pattie

Rosenlund, Easterseals

RGV Executive Director.

“When asked, they are there; even better, they create opportunities to partner and support

Easterseals and the families we serve.”

For over a decade, Melguizo and Sanchez have dedicated their support to Easterseals; Carlos has tirelessly served on the board since 2014. “When I started on the board,” stated Melguizo, “I volunteered to bring in local and new artists to paint ostrich eggs for our annual fundraiser. It grew from there.”

Their commitment goes well beyond the boardroom, remarked Rosenlund. “They always go way beyond the scope of work - adding another event to support an event further!” The couple hosts numerous events at their boutique, Carats, in McAllen, where proceeds go to support the non-profit further. “During the COVID lockdown, while stores were closed, Easterseals’ children’s needs did not shut down,” said Melguizo. “We had to be creative. I found some high end designer shoe duster bags in a closet, and I had masks made. Our clients bought them out! Everything was donated, and all of the proceeds went to Easterseals. That felt great.” While Easterseals is part of a national network, its mission and operations are independent—what’s raised stays. “Easterseals is our number one charity to support,” said Melguizo, “everything that is raised stays here in the RGV.”

Beyond fundraising, Melguizo and Sanchez are passionate about the Easterseals mission of connecting families in need with the services Easterseals offers. “We have seen the impact that Easterseals has. We know it works. Our Goddaughter has benefitted tremendously from Easterseals,” said Sanchez, who is also a board member for Palm Valley Animal Society. “We don’t have children, only our fur babies— Lucila, Guido, and Archie the cat. This is our way of helping children.”

This is not the first time Easterseals has recognized the couple. In 2017, they were selected as the “Perfect Pair” event champions. “We want to be an example for the business community to be involved and to make a difference,” said Sanchez.

Melguizo and Sanchez will be honored at the Easterseals Annual Dinner and Ostrich Egg Auction on October 27, 2022, at the McAllen Convention Center.