THE
PAN AMERICAN
T h e S t u d e n t N e w s p a p e r o f T h e U n i v e r s i t y o f Te x a s - P a n A m e r i c a n
September 21, 2006
Restaurant fund-raising for St. Jude’s
SGA gives yearly update
By LEZETTE VILLARREAL The Pan American
Onydia Garza/The Pan American PROGRESS - Argelia Barrera, Student Government Association president, highlighted the organization’s successes to a crowd of about 150 on Wednesday evening at the 2nd Annual State of the Student Body Address held in the Student Union Theater.
When was the last time you helped save a life by eating a cheeseburger? If it’s been a while, you have a chance to do so on Sept. 25 at Chili’s Bar and Grill. On that day, every Chili’s restaurant across the country will donate all profits from alcoholic beverage and food purchases to St. Jude’s Research Hospital. “The goal for Chili’s Bar & Grill is to raise more than $50 million in the next 10 years,” said Chad Newman, manager of Chili’s in Edinburg. “Chili’s Bar and Grill has high hopes to exceed that amount.” In 2005, over 900 U.S. Chili’s were encouraged to participate in the donation program, and the program raised over $3 million for the children’s hospital. Over 20 percent of Texas children are uninsured, according to the Children’s Defense Fund. However, at St. Jude’s Research Hospital, every family is welcomed with open arms, regardless of their ability to pay. However, the donations don’t stop on Sept. 25. Chili’s has several other
See CHILDREN page 11
Survey: Hidalgo County ranks No. 1 on list of poorest in U.S. By JAVIER CAVAZOS The Pan American Jamie Guerra never had it easy growing up. “There were times I can remember not having electricity or hot water,” said Guerra, a senior public relations major. “It was tough as a kid having to worry about something like that.” Guerra, like many other Valley residents, has experienced life in poverty and desperation. “I grew up always being poor,” said Guerra. “There were days when my dad
couldn’t even give me a dollar for lunch at school.” According to recent U.S. census data, Hidalgo County continues to lead the nation as the poorest county with a population above 250,000. For some Valley residents, basic amenities like utilities, air conditioning and heat cannot always be afforded. “Poverty has to be ended if the area is to see continued growth,” said state representative Aaron Pena, who represents the Edinburg area. “We have seen the region grow in size and
economic strength, but we have to make an effort to stop the cycle of poverty. Everyone has to deal with the effects of poverty, from prices for goods to government funding for schools, hospitals and other projects.” Pena added that the only way to end the cycle of poverty is by showing children the importance of education. “A degree gives you more earning potential, and by strengthening our workforce we can help fight lower salaries,” he said. “Programs that place
See HIDALGO page 11
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A&E
Sports
Locals organize event for International Day of Peace
UTPA professors show off their special skills
Women’s soccer kicks into high gear
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