Win Winter Texan of the Year

our Winter Texans have in our community every year.”

I n February, Welcome Home RGV put a call out for Winter Texan of the Year nominations. The award was created, says owner Kristi Collier, “To recognize the impact

THANK YOU TO OUR 2021-2022

Sponsors

SPONSORS t seems like only yesterday we were celebrating the long-awaited return of so many of our friends. Now, here we are bidding you farewell and safe travels. All of us at Welcome Home RGV look forward to your return. Plans are

The criteria: a person or couple who epitomizes what it means to be a Winter Texan by supporting their community, inspiring others, or living South Texas life to the fullest.

Nominations came in from RV parks and resorts across the Rio Grande Valley, including Casa del Valley, Leisure Valley Ranch, Park

JOHN AND JOYCE CROSE

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Center RV Park, Pharr South, FunN-Sun, Alamo Palms, Greengage Grove, Sunshine Estates, Llano Grande, Trophy Gardens, Tropic Winds, Adobe Wells, and Victoria Palms.

The entries touted selfless acts of volunteerism, fundraising, and entertaining--numerous wonderful examples of Winter Texans making life a little better for others.

At Victoria Palms RV Resort in Donna, a small campaign began to take hold to nominate one couple in particular--John and Joyce Crose.

The Croses founded the “Padeux Social Club,” a group dedicated to having fun with a purpose.

“Everything we do is geared towards kids,” says John.

Four years ago, they began raising funds to send local children to summer camp. They expanded support to local individuals and families in need, including a woman and child escaping a domestic violence situation, a Donna police investigator whose family lost their house to a fire, and a single mother struggling to provide for her children.

“The kindness of the great people in the RGV is why we love it here,” said Tom Hiles, one of the Victoria Palms residents who nominated the Croses, “John and Joyce Crose of the Padeux Social Club are a perfect example.”

The Croses were announced as the winners of the first Winter Texan of the Year award March 1. They were presented with a certificate, flowers, and goodie bags filled with Winter Texan gear, including thermal cups embossed with “Winter Texan of the Year.”

In addition to the recognition, the couple won tickets to

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Publisher Kristi Collier kristi@welcomehomergv.com

Administration

Amie Gray agray@welcomehomergv.com

Colette Brookins colie@welcomehomergv.com

Brandi Gatlin brandi@welcomehomergv.com

Event Manager

Anne Marie Martin events@welcomehomergv.com

Business Development

Leigh Woolridge leigh@welcomehomergv.com

Chris Leadbetter chris@welcomehomergv.com

Travel Division

Kristy Meyer travel@welcomehomergv.com

Sarah Denzer sarah@welcomehomergv.com

Accounting

Anna Talbert accounting@welcomehomergv.com

Editor Chris Ardis news@welcomehomergv.com

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Content Creator / Photographer

Eryn Reddell Wingert eryn@welcomehomergv.com

Promotional Division

Elizabeth Seal elizabeth@welcomehomergv.com

Cristi Klostermann promotions@welcomehomergv.com

Sabina Adames sabina@welcomehomergv.com

Activity Coordinator

Fran Adams fran@welcomehomergv.com

We Winter Texans!

Calendar Submissions!

For more information on submitting your events and activities, please email: calendar@welcomehomergv.com The deadline for submission is Fridays at 5:00pm. • • • •

Weekly e-Blasts

Kristi’s e-Blasts are sent weekly October - March to our subscribers. Find out what’s happening across the Valley. These e-Blasts include helpful links and fliers for “Featured Events.” Sign up today at: info@welcomehomergv.com • • •

Follow Us on Social Media!

Welcome Home RGV has several ways to join the action on social media. Our WHRGV Facebook page is dedicated to community events and information that will appeal to people of all ages. Our Winter Texan page is more specific to our Winter Texan target market.

www.facebook.com @whrgv @wintertexan www.youtube.com Find on YouTube Channel “Welcome Home Rio Grande Valley” www.instagram.com @welcomehomergv @wintertexans www.twitter.com @welcomehomergv 219 W.

Welcome Home RGV’s 2023-24 season events.

Upon accepting, the Croses humbly thanked the residents of Victoria Palms for their support. “We couldn’t do any of it without our friends,” Joyce said after the presentation, as people lined up to offer congratulations.

The following Saturday, the Croses were back at it, serving up pastalaya to over a hundred ticketholders, hosting games like Drinko and enjoying a poolside performance by CanAm.

This season, the Croses hosted four events, with another planned for late March. In total, this year, John estimates they’ve raised over $5,000. “We’re going to continue having fun helping people.” •