Every year at the Annual Business Meeting, the National
Board and the Chapter representatives vote on the upcoming year’s budget. The
treasurer stands at the front of the room, reviews the proposed budget and
everyone votes yay or nay. It’s standard procedure and usually not that
exciting. This year was different. Jesse Martinez, our National Treasurer
(picture on the left), proposed budgeting $5,000 for scholarships to deserving
students across the country. Quietly, Rose Pruneda (our former National
President) raised her hand and announced that she would personally pledge $250
towards the Scholarship Fund. Irma Trevino from the Rio Grande Valley Chapter
also raised her hand, “I’ll pledge $200.” Carmen Dominguez from the Utah
Chapter quickly followed with “I’ll pledge $200.” More hands shot up, so many
that Sergio couldn’t take notes fast enough. What an amazing moment. In a
matter of 3 minutes, over $1,700 additional donations were raised for scholarships!
It was invigorating and truly a demonstration of how the HIRE familia comes
together for great causes. Please share this story with your chapter. If you or
your chapter would like to pledge to the HIRE Scholarship Fund, email Jesse
Martinez.
Pledges during the ABM: Colorado
Chapter $ 100, Rose
Pruneda $ 250, Irma Trevino $200, Lara Castillo $ 100, Paula Victoria $ 100, Teresa Dominguez $ 100, Oregon
Chapter $ 100, Utah
Chapter $ 200, Melinda
Estrada, past National HIRE president $100, South
Florida chapter $ 100, Jesse
Martinez, HIRE National treasurer $ 200.