(Edinburg), (January 31st, 2012) – The Edinburg Rotary Club and the Service Over Self Foundation will host the 10^th Annual CajunFest  Feb 11, 2012 6:00 pm the Echo Hotel and Conference Center in Edinburg .

.

CajunFest is the Rotary Club of Edinburg’s biggest fundraiser of the year. Revenues from CajunFest support various humanitarian, educational, and cultural exchange programs at both the local and international levels. Local programs supported by Edinburg Rotary include the Rio Grande Valley Food Bank, the Boys and Girls Club of Edinburg, Pony League Baseball, Edinburg Chamber of Commerce Building Campaign, UT-Pan American Scholarships, Student Exchange, Group Study Exchange, The Edinburg Texas Scholars Program, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, Hunters for the Hungry (RGV Food Bank), Comfort House, Rotary Four-Way Test Speech Contest, and the Dustin M. Sekula Memorial Library. International Programs target improvement of developing countries’ infrastructure, education, and health services. Edinburg Rotary’s assistance to the General Hospital of Reynosa, MX and Casa Amparo a girls orphanage. The Rotary Foundation’s world-wide efforts include the literacy and numeracy programs designed to educate those in developing countries to ensure that capable human resources are available for sustainable economic development.

Among the most important of the International Projects is PolioPlus (http://www.rotary.org/foundation/polioplus/index.html), which seeks to eradicate the polio virus from the world. In addition, Rotary Foundation Educational Programs (http://www.rotary.org/foundation/programs.html) provide funding for 1,200 students to study abroad each year. Grants are also awarded to university teachers to teach in developing counties and for exchanges of business and professional people to visit overseas to learn about others’ cultures and lifestyles.

Our goal for CajunFest is to raise $100,000.00 which will fund a number of very important community service projects.  Our co-sponsor, the Edinburg Rotary Club’s non-profit “Service Over Self” Foundation, is a 501 (c) 3 organization.

Edinburg Rotary club is a diverse group of professional leaders whose main objective is service — in the community, in the workplace, and throughout the world.  Rotarians develop community service projects that address many of today’s most critical issues, such as children at risk, poverty and hunger, the environment, illiteracy, and violence. They also support programs for youth, educational opportunities and international exchanges for students, teachers, and other professionals, and vocational and career development. The Rotary motto is Service Above Self. For Tickets or information contact the Echo Hotel and Conference Center at 956-383-3823 or JP English 956-383-6289.

This popular and affordable class fills quickly and is limited to 12 slots. You are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible. Features and benefits of the class include:

Experienced Instructor- This class will be taught by Robert Gilbert, Assistant Professor of Graphic Design at the University of Texas Pan American. Apple computers will be used for the class.

Job Shadowing Opportunity - Explore the career of graphic design by spending time with a professional designer from Gateway Printing & Office Supply.  Learn from the talented team of artists and technicians who use the latest software and hardware to ensure quality professional printed pieces.

Access to quality After School Program- from 4 pm to 8 pm with no wrap-around fee; • fitness and arts activities; • healthy snacks and hot meals; • open gym; • field trips; • friendly, trained staff; • great location in one of the valley’s finest Boys & Girls Club facilities; • winter and spring break availability from 7:30am – 5:00pm.

Registration & membership forms are available for download at www.edinburgkids.com; in-person at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV The Legacy Center, 702 Cullen Street (Rogers & N. Expway 281) Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; or by calling 956.383.2582.

The Boys & Girls Club has played an integral role in the Edinburg community for 41 years, providing daily programs and services to over 16,000 young people.  During the School year the Club is open Monday – Friday, 3:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. and during the summer the hours are 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  The Club has moved its main site and administration to its new building the Legacy Center located at 702 Cullen Street (Rogers and 281). The Club offers programs that emphasize character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, and sport, fitness and recreation. If you would like to learn more about our joining the Club, about how to join our team of professionals, or about our youth development programs call 956.383.2582 or visit our website www.edinburgkids.com.  If you would like to make a contribution please contact Sabrina Walker-Hernandez, Chief Professional Officer at 956.383.2582 or email swalker@edinburgkids.com or you can text “CLUB” to 20222 to donate $5.00.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Edinburg is a proud partner of the City of Edinburg and a United Way of South Texas Agency.

The top three finalists, third place Loren Haskins, second place Adrianita Salas, and the Youth of the Year Edwin Padilla are presented with their scholarship check by Carlos & Sister Guerra “Steak” In Your Community Honorees and Beverly Land, Chief Volunteer Officer for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV. Each Youth of the Year will receive $1,000.00, $500.00 and $250.00 respectively.

Pictured are the Youth of Year Judges and Candidates for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV. Candidates (seated) – Edwin Padilla, Janice Montemayor, Amsi de Leon, Estafana Salas, Adrianita Salas, Allyson Goytia, and Loren Haskins. Judges (Standing) Chris Brasher-Bar-B-Cutie/Rescue EMS & Board Member, Dr. Pablo Tagle – Chiropractic Wellness and Spa Center, Thelma Garcia- First National Bank & Board Member, Tina Solis- First National Bank & Board Member, Elias Longoria-Lone Star National Bank & Edinburg City Council Member, Sonny Hinojosa- Hidalgo County Drainage District #1, Ella de la Rosa- MVEC & Board member (moderator), Cris Fuentes- JcPenney-Edinburg, Eddie Villanueva – Hidalgo County Courthouse & Board Member, Frank Lara- CrossFit RocKKore & Board Member, Millie Smith- First National Bank & Board Member, Dennis Wade- Valley Town Crier, and Todd Miller – First National Bank & Board Member.

Edwin Padilla was selected Youth of the Year for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV at the Annual “Steak” In Your Community on January 14, 2012.  Along with the title, Padilla will also receive a $1,000 scholarship, courtesy of the Annual Golf Classic chaired by Eden Guerra.

Padilla is among hundreds of local youth across the country recognized by Boys & Girls Club of America (BGCA) for his sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community.

Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. The title recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as personal challenges and obstacles overcome. This program was founded over 61 years ago through the generosity of the Reader’s Digest Foundation.

Padilla has been involved in the Boys and Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV for the past five years. He is currently a senior at Johnny G. Economedes High School and a current member of the Upward Bound Club.

The top three finalists were third place Loren Haskins, second place Adrianita Salas, and the Youth of the Year Edwin Padilla.  Each will receive a scholarship in the amount of $1,000.00, $500.00 and $250.00 respectively.

“I’m so excited that this year we had 7 outstanding recipients, that each had a very impactful presentation, that showed how much the club helps young people move closer to their future dreams and aspirations.  I commend Edwin for so eloquently sharing his journey and I’m excited that he now, with the help of this scholarship will reach his educational destination,” said Sabrina Walker-Hernandez, Chief Professional Officer, Boys & Girls Clubs of Edinburg RGV.

Judges in the Youth of the Year Competition included Sonny Hinojosa- Hidalgo County Drainage District #1, Dennis Wade- Valley Town Crier, Todd Miller – First National Bank & Board Member, Chris Brasher-Bar-B-Cutie/Rescue EMS & Board Member, Millie Smith- First National Bank & Board Member, Elias Longoria-Lone Star National Bank & Edinburg Council Member, Tina Solis- First National Bank & Board Member, Thelma Garcia- First National Bank & Board Member, Eddie Villanueva – Hidalgo County Courthouse & Board Member , Cris Fuentes- JcPenney-Edinburg, Dr. Pablo Tagle – Chiropractic Wellness and Spa Center and Frank Lara- CrossFit RocKKore & Board Member.

The Boys & Girls Club has played an integral role in the Edinburg community for 41 years, providing daily programs and services to over 16,000 young people.  During the School year the Club is open Monday – Friday, 3:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. and during the summer the hours are 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  The Club has moved its main site and administration to its new building the Legacy Center located at 702 Cullen Street (Rogers and 281). The Club offers programs that emphasize character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, and sport, fitness and recreation. If you would like to learn more about our joining the Club, about how to join our team of professionals, or about our programs call 956.383.2582 or visit our website www.edinburgkids.com.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Edinburg Rio Grande Valley is a proud City of Edinburg partner and a United Way of South Texas Agency.

Allyson comes from a neighborhood where most of the kids are familiar with having a single parent. Many kids don’t have a place to go to afterschool but not Allyson she has the Boys and Girls Club. She has been a member of the Club for six years. Allyson says she feels appreciated at the Club and now as a teen she will continue coming to the Club to help out as many younger members as she can.

Adrianita doesn’t want to become just another statistic of teenage single mothers like her oldest sister is. She has seen her sister and her mother struggle financially and be unable to get an education which is why Adrianita works hard in school and in everything she does. She’s in band, JV soccer, AVID and volunteers her time to the Club where she is an essential piece of the teen program.

Loren has been dreaming of the day he will go off to college, graduate, earn a degree and be the difference this community needs.  He has helped others throughout his life, because to Loren helping others is what life is all about.  His good moral character began at an early age, when he would take care of his 2 grandmothers while his parents struggle to take care of the finances.  Being a part of the club he had the chance to mentor younger kids and was able to relate to their learning difficulties as Loren had growing up with undiagnosed ADD.

Janice doesn’t give into peer pressure which she credits her mother for. Seeing her mom struggle, having to raise 4 kids by herself because her father was sent to prison over 10 years ago, she stays positive for her younger brothers and sisters.  She is the oldest and she takes care of the home while her mother struggles to work 2 jobs.  Janice is the role model to her brothers and sisters, and this keeps her focused on staying out of trouble and succeeding in school.

Struggling financially was the only thing he has ever known.  Edwin never had the essential needs such as food, clothing, nor the commodities.  Losing his home has always been his fear, and he blames it on the lack of education his parents have.  Due to his struggles he has set high standards for himself, and the dedication to get a job at the age of 17 to help support his family and to prepare for the college expenses he will face.

“Estefana has already become a true success story” said her mentor.  From being saved from her drug-addict biological parents as an infant, to losing the first mother-figure she ever knew to a heart attack at the young age of 5.  She now stays at home on her spare time to care for her elderly step-father.  Aside from her school, she doesn’t live a normal teenage life.  Her only escape is the Club.