Hispanic Heritage Awards Gala

I had the best time this evening at the Omni Ballroom at the Colonnade this evening. I haven't had an event there in some time. This is a perfect location for those looking for sites away from downtown. The premiums and food and bev minimums for downtown location are easily 25% higher than other hotels like the Omni....but...I am posting as a guest and not an event planner.

So many wonderful people were honored tonight and monies were raised for young people in need of college scholarships. My new friends, Tino and Millie Duran, founder / owner / publisher of La Prensa have raised more than 1.6 million dollars for local scholarship recipients. The best part of event planning is these large fundraising galas. I was fortunate to be a guest of Dr. Kent Hamilton who owns the White Pearl Medical Spa. Dr. Hamilton is very generous and recently supported us over at the Rape Crisis Center. Our table was incredible, of course our host, Dr. Kent Hamilton, Judge Michael Mery (a long time friend of mine), Pascual Gonzales of Northside ISD, Judge Peter Sakai, Larry Ricketts (candidate for Bexar Co. Sheriff), and Chico Rodriguez. Randy Beamer, my favorite local anchorman was hilarious and kept it fun.

Tino and Millie are great people who have done so much for our community. I recommend you go out and buy La Prensa to show your support. It's been awhile since I read it, so I will be out looking for next week's addition real soon. pics coming soon.


Speaking of fundraisers, Eva Longoria's local non-profit, Eva's Heroes is hosting their first golf tournament. As I have said many times, I support so many community activities, but hers is dear to my heart. There are so many children with developmental disabilities and a large void in our community for them to have inclusive activities with their developing peers. My previous bride, Christianne Perkins-Garcia is the Executive Director of Eva's Heroes and although the fundraiser is a sell out, I know they could still use a donation. Click here to visit the website with contact information and to learn why the organization is called Eva's Heroes. I'll try to come back tomorrow and give a report. I am looking forward to meeting again comedian George Lopez. I know I will be laughing the entire time. He is a great entertainer.

Lastly, GO! Spurs! GO! I will be starting off the season right and trying to attend every single game. I can't even spell or pronounce our opponent tomorrow... the Cowboys and the Spurs, what a great year we are having!

Partner for Change photos

Lynn Blanco, President / CEO, Peter Holt and Governor Rick Perry

The DARK side of weddings

"Woman gets prison for crashing weddings, stealing credit cards"
The Associated Press


SAN ANTONIO — A 31-year-old San Antonio woman was sentenced Friday to a year in federal prison for crashing weddings and stealing credit cards from the wedding participants while the couple said their vows. Robin Neafie pleaded guilty to federal access device charges in April and was sentenced in U.S. District Court on Friday.
Prosecutors said she found weddings by looking through newspaper announcements or local church listings and then showing up well-dressed for an event. While the ceremony was going on, authorities said she rifled through wallets and purses left unattended by wedding party members. Prosecutors said Neafie continued the scheme for four years before being caught in June 2006 after victims reported unauthorized charges.

Remember my post from last year? This girl came to one of our weddings we coordinated. She showed up about 2 minutes after it started. She said she was late, meeting her uncle who was already inside. She knew the bride and groom's name. The church coordinator showed her to the bathroom where she could change. The door to the bridal room was supposed to be locked - it wasn't....and she stole from my bride, Karen. Karen went on WOAI after returning from her Honeymoon. A policewoman who is a member of the church saw the report and started investigating and they caught her at the same church about a month later. Good work Karen. Very eery, when they flashed the perp's mug on the TV.