The Laredo Area Community Foundation (LACF) and The Laredo Morning Times are once again collaborating to honor the outstanding volunteers of Laredo and surrounding areas. Fifteen non-profit organizations have submitted their nominee for Volunteer of the Year. These individuals will vie for the local Jefferson Award to represent the Laredo area at the 2024 national awards ceremony hosted by Multiplying Good, a national organization dedicated to cultivating greatness through community service.
The International Bank of Commerce will host a dinner honoring the nominees and their agencies on Oct. 18 at the IBC Annex Ballroom at 6 p.m. The Laredo area Jefferson nominee will be announced at that time.
“Our community is blessed with many unsung heroes who give generously of their time and talent. This annual recognition not only serves to thank them, but also to inspire others to do the same,” said Tina Cerda, President of the LACF.
The awards were established in 1972 by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. The 2023 Laredo Jefferson Award winner winner is Joe Arciniega, who was honored with other nominees at a gala in New York City on Oct. 4. He was one of 25 national finalists from more than 1,000 nominees for the Community Impact award.
“Representing my community and advocating for Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers at the Jefferson Awards Gala is truly one of my greatest moments in so many years of volunteering,” said Arciniega, adding, “I will treasure this recognition always, and relish the opportunity to advocate for this cause.”
Bill Green, publisher of The Laredo Morning Times said, “The true heroes in our community are those who give so generously of their time, talent, and treasure from the pure goodness of their hearts. They make Laredo a unique and distinct community.”
Founded in 2004, the Laredo Area Community Foundation manages nearly $17 million in donor assets designated for disbursement to non-profit organizations. To date they have disbursed more than $6 million to area charities and scholarships. These funds come from 120 donor accounts that are committed to ensuring these proceeds benefit our area for generations to come. The LACF has partnered with The Laredo Morning Times since 2013 to recognize the community’s outstanding volunteers.
