By Joel Langton
The 830 Times
Supporters of Sacred Heart Catholic School gathered at the Enchanted Garden for the school’s fifth annual Taste of the Border Wine and Dine fundraiser, an evening organizers described as filled with food, music and community generosity.
Live entertainment featured DJ Sergio Diaz, local singer George Calderon and special guest recording artist David Kauffman.
Dr. Julie Ricks, who holds a doctorate in education, said the event reflects the way the community supports the school.
“It’s such a humbling feeling because our community comes together to donate so much for our school,” Ricks said. “Starting with the venue — the Peterson family, Dan and Edith, donated it to us. The beer and wine was donated, and the Ramada Inn of Del Rio helped us host our out-of-town guests. It’s just such a neat feeling this small-town community gives you. You don’t get it anywhere else.”
Ricks said the evening represented more than fundraising, describing it as an expression of support for the school’s mission.
“I can already predict the evening just by having these people here,” she said. “It’s that feeling of love, and I’m constantly telling students our school is about love — we know He is present.”
Numerous supporters stepped up and donated prizes, including William Beckmann, a former student who recently signed a recording contract with Warner Music Nashville, who donated a package that included a collection of signed memorabilia.
Many of the classes made art projects for the event, and another group of alumni donated various items. There were a number of auction items presented that were sold via a silent auction and a live auction with Del Rio’s Oscar San Miguel.
At the end of the night, Ricks said it was a record-setting evening for Sacred Heart. “Preliminary numbers show it was a record-breaking year for us. We’ll be sharing official results with our school community soon,” Ricks said.
However, Ricks said it wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for the contributions of Maria Jose Carrillo, the Parent Teacher Club President. “She did so much to make this event a beautiful success,” Ricks said. “There are so many who worked hard to make this happen but it seemed like every time I turned around, she was doing something else great!”
Funds raised during the event will go directly back into the school, she said.
“We’re able to continue to upgrade technology, put money into security and also take care of our teachers,” Ricks said. “If it wasn’t for our teachers, we wouldn’t be able to do it.”
