On Thursday, April 24, 2008 three community businesses announced their commitment and contributions as partners in education to the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation at Insights Science Museum beginning at 6:30 p.m.

The announcements included the mention of the commitment of over $100,000 made by El Paso Electric, Hunt Family Foundation and Las Palmas-Del Sol HealthCare, to support the education goals of deserving high school students through the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation for the next five years.

“The education of the youth of our community is the responsibility of not only the parents and families who raise our kids, but also it is responsibility of our business community,” said Patty Holland-Branch, Chairwoman of the Step Up and Aim High Committee and Owner of Facilities Connection.  

Las Palmas & Del Sol Healthcare made official their support to the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation by presenting a check of $10,000 for Title Sponsorship to the Gary Del Palacio Golf Tournament, which will take place on October 27, 2008 at the prestigious El Paso Country Club.  Hank Hernadez, CEO of Las Palmas Medical Center made the presentation of the check. 

“We are true believers of the mission and the great results that the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has delivered. By sponsoring the Gary Del Palacio Golf Tournament, we are honoring the memory of a great citizen of El Paso and helping local students achieve their professional goals through education,” said Hernandez.  

The announcement also included the commitment by El Paso Electric and the Hunt Family Foundation to contribute $50,000 each for the next five years to the annual Holiday Afternoon with the El Paso Symphony Orchestra Concert. 

The concert, part of the Step Up and Aim High program is to collect funds to provide as scholarships to deserving area high school students and also to provide the community with an enjoyable holiday concert for the whole family.  Marcus Hunt of Hunt Family Foundation presented a check for $50,000 and Hector Gutierrez of El Paso Electric presented a check for $50,000 on behalf of the electric company.

“This is the responsible thing to do,” said Hector Gutierrez of El Paso Electric.  “We are interested in maximizing the educational opportunities for the men and women in our public schools.  We want our area students to go to college and obtain the tools that only knowledge can provide.  We want to be a part of that, long-term commitment and we hope that other business leaders can do the same,” added Gutierrez.

During the event, Gutierrez also announce the donation of $5,000 on behalf El Paso Electric to the El Paso Insights Museum. 

The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation is committed to increase the rate of college and university degrees among El Paso students.  Through the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation outstanding students from the border area are commended for their academic achievements and to encourage them to further their education in order to have a bright and successful future. 

In the past thirteen years over 250 students have benefited from a scholarship awarded by the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce education foundation.  Each year the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce education foundation awards ten scholarships to local students.

In partnership with the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation, the Step Up and Aim High Program join forces to seek support from other viable community entities in accomplishing their collective objectives of educating the youth of today for a brighter tomorrow for them and the community as whole.

“We are blessed that we live in a community that is growing.  In order to continue the growth of our community and businesses, we need an educated workforce that can continue to support the growth. It starts now, we need to provide the tools to our youth now,” added Holland-Branch.