September 11, 2016
The 3rd Annual Fiestas Patrias Gala
The Chapter’s 3rd Annual Fiestas Patria Gala was held at The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center.
Members of Houston’s and The Woodlands’ city governments, community advocates and activists, and corporate executives from both Mexico and the U.S. attend this black tie event each year to support the U.S.-Mexico Chamber of Commerce.
Over three hundred attendees began the evening with a tequila tasting reception and a silent auction benefiting Manos Que Sanan, a Monterrey children’s organization.
After the patrons were assembled for dinner, Carlos Gutierrez and former Consul Monica Gonzalez gave the El Grito, followed by singing of the U.S. and Mexico national anthems, performed by Mexico’s opera star, Diana Muñoz.
Guests were treated to a gourmet Mexican flair dinner, delicately prepared by Chef John Brazie of The Woodlands Resort.
Prior to the award ceremony videos of the five selected organizations, filmed by our own Andrea Gomez who also served as the evening’s emcee, were shown to the audience to introduce them to the organizations.
The Viva Mexico Awards were given in five categories:
• Best Organizations of
Houston: Houston First
• Best Organizations
Promoting Business
Between Houston and
Mexico: Houston Airport
System
• Best Organizations Doing
Business with Mexico:
Uptown Real Estate
• Best Organizations Doing
Business to Support
Relations with Mexico:
St. Thomas University
• Best Organization Doing
Houston: Houston First
• Best Organizations
Promoting Business
Between Houston and
Mexico: Houston Airport
System
• Best Organizations Doing
Business with Mexico:
Uptown Real Estate
• Best Organizations Doing
Business to Support
Relations with Mexico:
St. Thomas University
• Best Organization Doing
Business in The Woodlands:
Spirit of Texas Bank
Spirit of Texas Bank
In closing, United Airlines CEO Oscar Muñoz delivered a message of gratitude as the airline celebrates its fiftieth anniversary of service between the two countries.
After dinner, guests continued to enjoy the evening with dancing to the sounds of Farra 8 until late into the night.
Thanks to our sponsors. We gratefully acknowledge the support of our Platinum Sponsors, United Airlines and Houston First Corporation, and premier sponsor, MD Anderson.
The 2017 Fiestas Patrias Gala will be held on September 9 at The Woodlands Resort so mark your calendars. United Airlines will again be a Platinum Sponsor.
