HARLINGEN — Texas plus philanthropy equals Texanthropy.
That’s what Cecilia Abbott, First Lady of Texas, spoke about yesterday morning at the 7th Annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast.
The full house event at the Harlingen Community Center at 201 E. Madison Ave. attracted numerous community leaders including Mayor Chris Boswell, Cameron County Sheriff Omar Lucio and Harlingen school Superintendent Art Cavazos.
“It’s always nice when you have someone like the First Lady speak to the community,” said School Board member Eladio Jaimez.
“Her message of volunteerism is powerful,” he said. “I think being able to hear that message from the First Lady is great for the community.”
Breakfast tacos, pastries and coffee were served to hundreds of community members who attended the event. Boswell presented a carved wooden cross to Abbot, wife of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. She spoke strongly about the character of Texans.
“As First Lady of Texas, my priority is motivating and encouraging Texans to help each other through volunteerism and service,” she said. “Texans are generous by nature and that compassion is the foundation of our success.”
She emphasized the importance of the foster care system, pointing out that 30,000 children are in that system.
“I believe that children are a gift from the Lord,” she said. “We need to strengthen our foster care system. It’s not a job that the state government can do alone.”
City Commissioner Victor Leal appreciated her speech.
“I’ve met the First Lady once before,” he said. “I think her presentation was great. I believe her message. We need to come together in government to take care of things.”
Coming together was a message many took to heart.
“I am so glad the community could come together to do things for all the people in our lives,” said Hilda Gathright, director of the LeMoyne Gardens unit of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Harlingen.
The event raised $1,000, which was delivered to Wayne Lowry, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of the Rio Grande Valley. He said it would be used to turn houses into homes for those in need.
