EN FUEGO! RENAISSANCE CANCER FOUNDATION DOES IT AGAIN

Photography by: Rosie Sauceda

The Renaissance Cancer Foundation, a non-profit organization affiliated with DHR Health, is excited to announce the success of its Ritmo en Fuego gala. The grand event took place Friday, December 15, 2023, at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance. Hundreds of guests enjoyed a cocktail reception, catered buffet, and silent auction. The multi-talented Republic of the Music band from California headlined the live musical entertainment.

Platinum sponsors for the gala included Bert Ogden Auto Group, DHR Health, Lone Star National Bank, Millenium Copier Systems and Supplies, Luby’s Culinary Services, Dale Linebarger and Family, and Juan and Diana Peña.

The Renaissance Cancer Foundation raised $479,073 to help underserved cancer patients in the Hidalgo, Cameron, Starr, and Willacy Counties.

EDINBURG’S COZY HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS: A RECAP OF HEARTWARMING CELEBRATIONS

In a charming start to the season, Edinburg locals enjoyed the tranquil magic of the Lighting of the Tree. The Edinburg Christmas Market opened its doors for early shoppers, offering a quaint array of Christmas goodies and photo moments with Santa. The holiday fun continued on December 1, 2023, with the Night of Lights Parade beginning at Richard R. Flores Stadium. Winding through Closner Boulevard, it wrapped up at W. McIntyre Street, offering a simple yet delightful spectacle of lighted floats, illuminated marching bands, and dazzling pageant winners. Spectators found the perfect spots along the route to savor the festivities, and the Christmas Market was also open on parade night. Both events, with no entry fee, encapsulated the simple joys of the season, leaving the community of Edinburg with heartwarming memories.

EDINBURG CHAMBER: CELEBRATING GROWTH AND PARTNERSHIPS IN 2023

The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce hosted a holiday appreciation brunch for its 600+ members and the esteemed leaders of the City of Edinburg. This event was a tribute to the Chamber’s remarkable growth and the enduring partnerships cultivated throughout 2023. For those interested in discovering more about the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce and its mission to support local businesses, promote economic development, and strengthen community ties, please visit their website at www.edinburg.com.

Health

JoAnn Lopez Posas District Healthcare Director Raymondville ISD

Education

Irma S. Peña Executive Director Hidalgo County Head Start

Government Morgan LaMantia Texas Senator District 27

Entrepreneur

Rhonda Salinas Franchise Owner HotWorx BloBar Gardenia Salon

RGV HISPANIC CHAMBER: UGLY SWEATERS AND GENEROUS HEARTS

Photography by: Tiffany Miranda

The Annual Ugly Sweater Christmas Mixer hosted by The RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (RGVHCC) happened on December 4th and was a festive triumph. Attendees embraced the holiday spirit with outrageously unattractive sweaters, savored holiday treats, and were able to network with other members of The RGVHCC. Thank you to those who participated in the Toy Drive for Operation Christmas RGV, spreading joy to children in need. Your generosity truly made a difference! If you or your Small Business is interested in joining the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, contact Memberships Director Cissy Saenz at cissy@rgvhcc.com | 956-928-0060

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IT MIGHT BE UGLY, BUT IT SURE IS NICE

The American Advertising Federation Rio Grande Valley Chapter held its 2nd annual “Keep it Ugly” Bowling Tournament on December 6th at Flamingo Bowl in McAllen. This fun event brings together the RGV advertising community to help a local non-profit. Over $5,000 was raised and donated to Mujeres Unidas women’s shelter this year. Participants also contributed unwrapped gifts, bringing joy to the children and women at Mujeres Unidas at Christmas.

Generous sponsors included Alphagraphics, South Texas College, SOCIALIFE Magazine, CBS/NBC, Colaire, Coldwell Banker, Ipro Uniforms, Pollux-Castor, Brand Boosters, KRGV, and Aim Media Texas.

To learn more about the American Advertising Federation RGV, visit http://aaf-rgv.org.

First Latina Ceo Named At South Texas Health System Mcallen

South Texas Health System McAllen welcomes Emma Maria

Montes-Ewing as its Chief Executive Officer

Inher role as Chief Executive Officer at South Texas Health System McAllen, Emma Maria Montes-Ewing will be responsible for leading the facility’s 1,100-plus staff members in the delivery of quality, compassionate care to patients in the Rio Grande Valley. Montes-Ewing, who brings more than 20 years of healthcare leadership experience, becomes the first Latina CEO at South Texas Health System’s largest acute care facility.

Throughout her career, she has helped build high-performing teams, develop service lines, increase revenue in competitive markets, and build healthy organizational cultures. Additionally, Montes-Ewing has demonstrated strengths in attracting talent, driving overall performance, and championing a high-quality patient experience.

“It is a privilege to have been selected to lead STHS McAllen, and I look forward to working closely with staff and physicians at the facility to continue to provide nationally recognized healthcare at the highest level to the residents of the City of McAllen and its surrounding communities,” says Montes-Ewing. “As an integrated network of care, South Texas Health System has a strong reputation in the community, and I’m honored and excited to usher in a new era of leadership at STHS McAllen to ensure the hospital continues to serve patients, their families, and the community with quality, compassionate care.”

STHS McAllen has proudly served Valley residents since 1919. The full-service acute care facility — home to a Level 1 Trauma Center, Comprehensive Stroke Center, and Level III neonatal intensive care unit — opened its doors at its current location in 1985 after spending more than 50 years in downtown McAllen as McAllen Municipal Hospital, McAllen General Hospital, and McAllen Methodist Hospital.

“With her wealth of experience in a market similar to the Rio Grande Valley, her stellar track record built over two decades of leadership in healthcare, and her demonstrated commitment to quality, compassionate care, Emma will lead STHS McAllen into the future,” says Chuck Stark, Regional Vice President, South Texas Health System. “We look forward to working with Emma, who has the skill set necessary to build on STHS McAllen’s track record of clinical excellence and lead the facility forward.”

Physicians are independent practitioners who, with limited exceptions, are not employees or agents of South Texas Health System. The System shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations, and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website.

VSO’S ‘A TOUCH OF FROST’ WOWS MCALLEN

Photography by: Rosie Sauceda

The Valley Symphony Orchestra’s annual “A Touch of Frost” program, presented by Frost Bank, was an enormous success, officially selling out the McAllen Performing Arts Center on December 1st and bringing festive cheer to the start of the holiday season. Joined by the 60-person VSO Chorale, the spirited crowd was treated to a wide variety of favorites, including Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas,” Biebl’s “Ave Maria,” and selections from John Williams’ Home Alone soundtrack, including “Somewhere in My Memory.”