Freddy Fender Humanitarian Award
San Benito, TX]––The Freddy Fender Humanitarian Award Selection Committee today announced the nominees for the 2008 Awards Ceremony to take place on South Padre Island, Saturday, March 29, 2008. At a brief noon-time ceremony hosted by San Benito Mayor Joe Hernandez, Honorary Chairman of the 2008 Selection Committee, the 2008 Award nominees were announced. “The individuals nominated for the award are really fine people and worthy of such an honor. I feel humbled to be a part of the ceremonies. I know Freddy would be really happy with the way so many people are getting recognition for their good work, “remarked Mayor Hernandez. “Freddy was very humble about receiving awards but he always spoke about how there were so many people in the world more deserving than him. In closing, the Mayor stated, “This is really going to be a great event, and I hope everyone will come out to see the nominees receive this distinguished award.”
This year’s first humanitarian award goes to Dr. Juan Sánchez, a native of Brownsville. Dr. Sánchez has gained National prominence as Chief Executive Officer of the Southwest Key Programs which is headquartered in Austin.
“Our other nominee is likewise a noted person with roots in education. Mr. Tom Torkelson, CEO and Co-founder of the Idea Public Schools headquartered in Weslaco, is also a 2008 recipient of the award,” stated Mayor Hernandez.
The South Padre Island Convention and Visitors Bureau spokesperson, Dan Quandt echoed the sentiments of Mayor Hernandez, “How can you miss with Louie’s Backyard, South Padre Island, a great awards ceremony and a Tex-Mex Legends concert! We’ve got a winner.”
“We are very happy to have been chosen to host the 2008 event for South Texas. We look forward to growing the event each year and offer a quality Ceremony on our beautiful island. Hopefully we can entice some folks to spend the weekend with us. The date is after Spring Break, so the Island won’t be as crowded and it’s a perfect time.”
