2013 Annual Luncheon A Great Success!


On October 23rd, 2013 AVANCE-Austin held its most successful Annual Luncheon to-date!

Guests enjoy lunch at The Driskill

This year, we honored Austin City Council Member Laura Morrison for her work in supporting education and community revitalization, and recognized Former State Representative Mark Strama for his promotion of quality early childhood education for the most disadvantaged in our community. The most heartfelt part of the afternoon, however, was AVANCE mother Brenda Martinez’s speech about how the program has transformed her family’s life.

(Left to Right) Board member Barbara Rush, Chairman John Donisi, AISD Trustee Gina Hinojosa, & Nuria Zaragoza with Honored Guest,
Council Member Laura Morrison

 

“I know you don’t know me, but you have given me and my family a better chance in life,” she stated.

“There are so many more families who need this service,” continued Brenda. “Now after AVANCE I tell my children I love them.  If nobody tells you, how do you know?  No one ever told me that they loved me and that I was doing okay.”

Click Here to Listen to Brenda’s Full Testimonial!

Both Morrison and Strama gave compelling speeches regarding the importance of programs such as AVANCE in breaking the barriers of poverty and becoming the great equalizer of opportunities.

AVANCE Staff & 1999 Graduate, Nancy Ramirez (center), with longtime supporters, Beverly & Balie Griffith

AVANCE would like to thank all our supporters for making this Luncheon, and our work, possible. Special gratitude also goes out to Leslie Montoya, our MC from Univision, for shedding light on the impact of early childhood education in our community.