Kudos to the Lone Star Republicans for their successful school supplies drive this evening. Between 120 and 140 people attended and over 100 children received bags of school supplies.
There were a few elected officials, candidates and general political hanger-ons (me) in attendance but most of the crowd was from the neighborhood. Family Court Judges Lynn Bradshaw-Hull, Analia Wilkerson, and Denise Pratt explained various aspects of the family courts. Harris County Republican Party Chair Jared Woodfill was there – I say a lot of stuff about Jared but one thing I respect about him is his kind-heartedness and willingness to lend at hand at these events.
MC and organizer Tom Zakes deserves a lot of credit for taking on this challenge and increasing the visibility of Republicans in the area. He moved to the area a couple of years ago and has been working hard ever since building his precinct and doing “outreach” the right way.
The rest is in the pictures.
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UPDATE 8-9-13 9:10 am: So, you think it’s fun to be a “blogger” and tell people about various events around town, do you? Here are a couple of comments from Facebook – I guess that I didn’t give credit to everyone in the room. I’ll let you make of this what you want:
From Facebook page of Republican Hispanic Citizens in Action:
Berna Mac It was a great event…and I enjoyed myself very much…all items were mostly gone and and what was left I mention toAnthony Magdaleno to speak with the Latino Learning Center about doing one for them too the following weekend…we will buy things again….its in his hands. But guess what…go read what has been not said about us at all. I am shell shock.
From BJP group on Facebook:
Berna Mac David, maybe you were not aware of it but it was 3 organizations that contributed to the cost of supplies and working it. The Downtown Pachyderm, The Lone Star Republicans and the RHCIA also. We purchase over $250.00 and on top of that collect at ourmeeting last night and gave that donation also to Tom. Tom recognized us as being a sposonred also…maybe you did not hear that or realize why I was up front…and I brought Dorothy Olmos on stage to give her the recognition she deserved for also helping from last year and this time again. That bothers me when recognition is not given appropriately its due to all groups. ALL! We, my board President Anthony Magdaleno was there and he assisted, my Vice President Tony Garza was there and assisted, and several of our members were there too. I was definetely there. Good night.
Chris Daniel says
small correction: Analia Wilkerson is a County Criminal Court Judge (misdemeanor).
Rhymes W. Right says
Even though I couldn't make it due to a family situation, I want to thank everyone who helped out. This event was just a couple blocks from the school where I teach, and many of this kids are future students of mine — and as I've said many times, I teach the best kids in the world.
Tom Zakes says
Thanks for the kind words. This event would not have been possible without the work of numerous volunteers.
As long as I don’t have to pay by the word in a post, I would like to say the following (which I have also put on facebook)
Thank you to the co-sponsors of the event, the Lone Star Republicans and the Republican Hispanic Citizens in Action
Thank you to the people who took part in the program:
Oscar and Andrea – Pledge to the American Flag
Andres and Angel – Pledge to the Texas Flag
Judge Lynn Bradshaw Hull
Judge Analia Wilkerson
Judge Denise Pratt
Judge Meca Walker
Commissioner Jack Morman’s representative
Melanie Flowers
Anthony Magdaleno
Jared Woodfill
Bernadette MacLeroy
Dorothy Olmos
A very special thank you to our donors
Ann Lee
Downtown Houston Pachyderm Club
All Seasons Home Repair
Jane Bock
Judge Denise Pratt
Judge Lynn Bradshaw-Hull
Judge Katharine Cabaniss
Judge Analia Wilkerson
Sophia Mafrige, attorney at law
Association for Hispanic Fine Arts
Doug Weiskopf
and double thanks to the many volunteers:
Tony Garza
Marj Stewart
Cameron Jones
Anthony Magdaleno
Jesse Morales
Dorothy Olmos
Doug Weiskopf
Ramon Jones
Sophia Mafrige
Debbie Sjolander
I know I left some out, and may have spelled some names wrong.
Foolme says
It’s really sad that such a wonderful event gets spoiled by someone that thinks they need special recognition. Does one’s donation of their time and gifts always have to be measured in dollars? It’s really childish when someone has to kill the spirit of giving and help because they think that they had to be praised above the event itself…….
Tom Zakes says
Happy to say, we'll be back next year.