March 9, 2025 • 47 mins
El Paso TX Chapter, The Links, Incorporated: Avemaria Smart-President and Audrina Bovan-Chair of Health & Human Services Facet. Talking about their upcoming Black Family Wellness Expo. eptxlinksinc.org
The El Paso Community Foundation announcing The Classroom Fund. Application deadline March 17. Theclassroomfund.org Instagram: ElPasoCF
Rough Riders MC: President "Jack N Box: and SAA "Drop_Itt" talking about their 22nd Annual Veteran (Motorcycle) Run
FB: Hueco Chapter Rough Riders Motorcycle Club
The El Paso Community Foundation announcing The Classroom Fund. Application deadline March 17. Theclassroomfund.org Instagram: ElPasoCF
Rough Riders MC: President "Jack N Box: and SAA "Drop_Itt" talking about their 22nd Annual Veteran (Motorcycle) Run
FB: Hueco Chapter Rough Riders Motorcycle Club
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome to El Paso Public Forum, a weekly half hour
public affairs presentation of iHeartRadio El Paso for over twenty years,
featuring local news and interviews of interest to our listeners
in West Texas and southern New Mexico. All views and
opinions expressed on this program are those of the host
and guest, and not necessarily those of iHeartRadio Management and
now El Paso Public Forum.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
Welcome to the Alpaso Public Forum.
Speaker 3 (00:23):
I'm our host, Amber Banda, and today we have two
members from the al Paso Community Foundation talking about a
little treat for the teachers. We have Eric Pearson, President
and CEO of the al Paso Community Foundation.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
Eric, thank you for being here with me today.
Speaker 4 (00:39):
Thank you, of course.
Speaker 3 (00:40):
And then we have Stephanie o'tero, VP of Operations for
the al Paso Community Foundation.
Speaker 2 (00:45):
Stephanie, thank you for being here with me today as well.
Thank you.
Speaker 3 (00:48):
So today we're going to be talking about the Classroom Fund,
something I've already shared with my teacher friends. So the
Classroom Fund application is open. So who would like to
go for to talk about what the classroom fund is
all start?
Speaker 5 (01:04):
So, what it is is, it's an opportunity for teachers
to apply for things that hit their classroom instead of
you know, big grand things of supportive administration, we want
to support teachers on the front lines. And it all
started in the twenty eleven state legislature. There was a
twenty nine billion dollar deficit in the state of Texas
(01:25):
and five point five billion dollars going out of education,
and so I went there with a group of funders
and one of.
Speaker 4 (01:31):
The representatives said, Hey, you guys are going to bail
us out.
Speaker 5 (01:35):
And I thought, well, that's not going to happen because
all of the foundations in Texas, private, public, community whatever,
had about five million dollars in total assets. So we
could have just, you know, thrown all of our money
at them and walked away and you know, tried to
support a broken system. But then I came back and
(01:56):
a good friend of mine, she ended up marrying me
many years later, but a good friend of mine called
me up and said, hey, I'd like to start a
scholarship fund for teachers. And she had been hit up
by so and so for one hundred bucks to do
something in their classroom. And we had a bunch of
teachers on staff and on our board, and so I
got everybody together and said, Okay, what did you spend
(02:19):
because you know, teachers make a ton of money, so
what did you spend out of your own pocket to
improve your classroom?
Speaker 4 (02:25):
And they all came up with like, well, I probably
spent about one thousand dollars a year.
Speaker 5 (02:29):
So we came up with the Classroom Fund and the
first year we partnered with Prices Give Them five Fund
and some media partners actually iHeartRadio when it was back
in the clear channel days, and KBIA ABC seven, and
we had about seven hundred grant requests and they were
for all kinds of different things, and so we came
(02:50):
up with a system to judge them that was based
on the number of students served, the costs for student,
and was there some innovation involved because it would be
easy for a teacher to write a how to spend
a thousand dollars? Right, So then we took away all
the name references, all the location references because you know,
all passes of small towns when we're reviewing, and we
wanted to be very clinical and just look at it
(03:11):
on those criteria and not.
Speaker 4 (03:12):
Any names or who you know or whatever it is.
Speaker 5 (03:14):
And so we and we had several grant reviewers look
at those grants, and then I called my good friend
Stephanie o'tero, who were our kids are the same age.
She's kind of like Mom of the Year every year,
and I said, hey, would you like to help us
with a shopping spree for teachers? And she said, teachers
(03:36):
support teachers absolutely, And so I'll let her take it
from here because the first Classroom Fund were you.
Speaker 4 (03:42):
Working at the fundation at that time?
Speaker 5 (03:43):
Stephanie, yes, part time, part time, yeah, doing the shopping spree,
So take it from there.
Speaker 6 (03:48):
Sure, yeah, So it's available for teachers, counselors, librarians, and coaches.
As Eric mentioned, we really want to support those individuals
that are the most host the highest factor for success
for students in the classrooms, right and we want to make.
Speaker 7 (04:06):
Sure that if they have cool new.
Speaker 6 (04:08):
Innovative ideas, that they have the resources needed to do
those innovative ideas. Probably one of the most favorite things
every year is the Classroom Fund reception. We invite the
teachers and we choose between fifty and fifty five a year,
and we invite them to come down to the Foundation
and we give them adult food and beverages, have a
(04:31):
fun evening interact with teachers across the nine school districts
in our region.
Speaker 4 (04:36):
And all those first names.
Speaker 7 (04:38):
Yes, we call them.
Speaker 6 (04:39):
By their first names, and we have all their materials
because we know that teachers are overworked and under resource,
so we didn't want them to have to deal with
calling vendors and get any items, so we actually do
all the shopping for them. And so after they've enjoyed
their food and drinks in the company, we create a
line of cars outside the foundation offices. We have volunteers
(05:01):
who come in and they load up all of the
materials that the teachers are requested into their cars and
we sort of, you know, send them off to the sunset,
wishing them good luck on the school year that.
Speaker 4 (05:14):
Is about to come.
Speaker 6 (05:15):
It is absolutely one of the most wonderful few hours.
Speaker 2 (05:19):
Their gratitude.
Speaker 6 (05:21):
You know, people think a thousand dollars isn't a lot,
but for teachers, it's huge and it can make a
difference in so many kids' lives because a lot of
the items aren't consumable. There are things that can be
used over and over. If a teacher has an average
classroom of twenty five times a thirty year career look
how many students that they're impacting over that time. So
(05:41):
we've also tried to make sure that the application process
for teachers is not overwhelming. People hear the word grant
and they're like, oh, I don't know how to write
a grant.
Speaker 2 (05:50):
We simplified it. They send us.
Speaker 6 (05:52):
Their wish list, which is probably the most fun part
of them doing the application is coming up with their
wish list. Then they tell us how many students to serve,
what is the need? And then we ask them how
they're going to measure success. And we're not looking for
some statistical report or fancy data. What we're asking for
is how do you think the kids will respond? And
(06:13):
one of the examples I always share is that there
was a teacher who said that they saw many of
the students feeling uncomfortable presenting in front of their class,
and presenting is an important job skill no matter what
field you go into, being able to speak in public.
And so he asked for a microphone and a speaker.
And so when the kids got up to do their
class presentations, he set up kind of a stage. They
(06:35):
had the microphone, well they kind of put First of all,
the microphone had this physical barrier between the other students themselves.
Plus it was fun to speak into a microphone.
Speaker 2 (06:44):
And hear their voice projected.
Speaker 6 (06:45):
And so his measurement of success was that it got
to the point when he asked the kids who wants
to present that day, instead of no one raising their hand,
everyone raised their hand. The beautiful example of how a
small invest and an innovative investment made a difference in
a ton of kids' lives.
Speaker 4 (07:04):
Well, I mean, you guys are so impressive.
Speaker 3 (07:06):
You answered all the questions I was gonna ask, I
was gonna ask for examples, and then you said that
instead of them getting the money, receiving the school receiving it,
or them receiving it personally, they actually submit a wish
list and that is part of this reception. So when
I saw reception in June, I thought, Okay, they're going
to go and they're gonna say who won, and then
you know who was granted the money and then they leave.
But this is actually when they receive their items. That
(07:28):
is so cool.
Speaker 2 (07:29):
And if you're just joining us.
Speaker 3 (07:30):
We have Stephanie o'teroll, VP of Operations for the al
Pasco Community Foundation, as well as Eric Pearson, President and
CEO of the l Pasco Community Foundation, talking about the
Classroom Fund. Applications right now are open, but the deadline
is March seventeenth.
Speaker 2 (07:46):
That is money. That is the money that Saint Patrick's day. Eric,
what did you tell them?
Speaker 4 (07:50):
You gotta wear green to get some green.
Speaker 2 (07:52):
Wear green to get some greed.
Speaker 3 (07:53):
And then the winners will be notified late April this
year and then they'll have the reception in June. I
want to thank you both for being here with me today,
and Eric, I'll ask you first, is there anything else
that you would like to tell the listening audience.
Speaker 4 (08:05):
No, we just think it's a wonderful thing.
Speaker 5 (08:06):
It started completely from the community for the community and
just teachers. So you know, these these grants are for
the school, but they're for your classroom. So it's just
you and your principal who are in and on the grant.
And so you know, if you get started now, you
can come up with all kinds of really really fun
and interesting things.
Speaker 4 (08:24):
And we have given probably more than.
Speaker 5 (08:27):
Half a million dollars in the last several years for
one thousand dollars of time for teachers.
Speaker 2 (08:32):
So I love that.
Speaker 3 (08:32):
Like I said, I used to be a sub and
I would spend a little bit of my own money,
but it's you know, talking with other teachers. It's also
they don't like having to ask parents.
Speaker 2 (08:42):
Hey, we're running out of kleenex, we're running out of.
Speaker 3 (08:43):
Glue and this, and you know, because parents also sometimes
they don't have the funds to be able to buy
that for the classroom, you know, or sometimes they're their.
Speaker 2 (08:51):
Own kids, so it's an extra.
Speaker 3 (08:53):
That's another benefit of not having to ask the parents
and everyone else for something that, you know, they can
just focus.
Speaker 2 (09:01):
On learning, and not only that the basic things.
Speaker 3 (09:04):
That the classroom needs, they can also focus on being
creative with the kids.
Speaker 2 (09:07):
Like you said with the microphone. I think that is
so cool. And Stephanie is there.
Speaker 4 (09:11):
I tell you my favorite story about that.
Speaker 5 (09:13):
So we had one we had one grant and I
told you, we take all all the all the references
from schools.
Speaker 4 (09:18):
And names out of it, so it's very very blind.
Speaker 5 (09:21):
And we saw this grant that was requesting like feminine
hygiene and deodorant and razors, and we're.
Speaker 4 (09:27):
Like, what is that about? And you read the narrative
and it's it's a bunch.
Speaker 5 (09:31):
Of special education students, kids with special needs, who are
becoming young adults and so they're starting to have you know,
smells and and they're just trying to learn how to
how to become more self sufficient in their homes.
Speaker 4 (09:47):
And so we started out like what is this about?
And then everyone was just crying.
Speaker 5 (09:50):
At the end of it was just it's a beautiful
thing to really, you know, hear teachers who are in
touch with students.
Speaker 4 (09:57):
And trying to help them on firsthand.
Speaker 2 (10:00):
Well, I love that.
Speaker 3 (10:00):
And again, this is a grant for teachers pre k
through high school, so you think you know all of
those ages and everything that they're going through. And I mean, yeah,
most of the teachers that I have worked with because
I've subved elementary, middle and high school, they love the
students and they see these students as struggles with things
outside of school that's enduring their ability to learn and
reach their full capability.
Speaker 2 (10:21):
So that is just.
Speaker 3 (10:23):
You know, to give people an idea of what you
can actually spend these funds on.
Speaker 2 (10:26):
I love that. And Stephanie, is there anything else that
you would like to tell the listening audience.
Speaker 6 (10:31):
I just think that it's a beautiful way to not
only provide innovative materials and resources, for classrooms that impact students,
but to celebrate teachers, librarians, counselors and coaches for all
that they do. And they really are at the core
of what the next generation of Elpasoin's looks like. And
I love that we have this beautiful way that we
(10:52):
can both support them and celebrate them.
Speaker 4 (10:54):
Perfect.
Speaker 3 (10:54):
So if you want more information, you can go to
the Classroom Fund dot org, or you can find the
the El Paso Community Foundation on Instagram el Paso CF.
There's more information there, not only on the teachers the
Classroom Fund, but the al Paso Community Foundation themselves. Thank
you again so much for being here with me today,
both of you.
Speaker 8 (11:13):
Thank you.
Speaker 2 (11:18):
Welcome to the al Paso Public Forum.
Speaker 3 (11:20):
I am your host, Amber Banda, and today we have
two members from the al Paso Texas Chapter The Links Incorporated.
I have Avid Maria Smart, president of the al Paso
Texas Chapter The Links Incorporated.
Speaker 2 (11:35):
Avid Madia, thank you so much for being here with
me today.
Speaker 9 (11:37):
Thank you Amber for inviting us, of course.
Speaker 3 (11:39):
And I have Audrina Bovin, Chair of the Health and
Human Services FACET for the El Paso Texas Chapter The
Links Incorporated.
Speaker 2 (11:47):
Audrina, thank you for being here with me today as well.
Speaker 10 (11:49):
Thank you for having us Amber definitely.
Speaker 2 (11:51):
So, Avid Madia, I'm going to start with you.
Speaker 3 (11:54):
We're going to talk about al Paso, Texas Chapter the
Links Incorporated. What is this organization and what does it
do for the community.
Speaker 10 (12:02):
Okay, the al.
Speaker 9 (12:03):
Paso, Texas Chapter of the Links Incorporated is one of
over two hundred and ninety nine chapters in our primary
organization called The Links Incorporated. We are a local chapter
and the organization itself is comprised of over two hundred
(12:23):
and ninety nine chapter throughout the United States and also
internationally based. We have over seventeen thousand professional women African
American descent and we've been doing this for many years
since nineteen forty six, and annually we accrue over a
million volunteer hours. So we're an organization based on friendship
(12:45):
and service and we provide this to the community wherever
we're located. We identify a need and then we follow through.
In the Alpasso we were a local version of the
Big Picture and so part of how we go about
doing it we have five facet group they're identify specific group.
(13:05):
We focus on national trends and services, we focus on
international trends and services. We focus on services to youth,
as the term says specific group for youth. We focus
on the arts and bringing that venue or that opportunity
to our community, and we also focus on health and
(13:26):
human services, of which Audrina represents today. Basically, we were
starting here in OPASSED since nineteen seventy seven, so we're
over a forty five years base. We're a small chapter
and we're growing and we help with many things, primarily
on STEM steam, science, technology, engineering, art and the new
(13:48):
edited letter is art. What we do is encourage our
youth to get engaged to their own creative energy and
find things that they think is part of them that
will help them to identify few pursuit. So we don't
wait until you're like in high school or maybe another level.
We start as early as a six year old and
(14:08):
we help them do that enjoyable time, creative time. If
there's a national issue of such as homelessness, human trafficking,
as far as let's say we.
Speaker 4 (14:21):
Want to help with.
Speaker 9 (14:23):
Voting is one of our very powerful method We use
the French facet to come together with community and other
organization to bring that to our community so they can
have that resource We also partner with other organizations to
help bring in more folks to get them engaged in
all the various activities that we do. The Black family
(14:46):
wellness is one of the main impact that we do
on a national basis. So every chapter has this challenge
to bring it to their own community. And today we
get this opportunity to share what we plan to do
and we thank you for that.
Speaker 2 (15:01):
Excellent of course, excellent answer.
Speaker 3 (15:03):
So, Ava Media, this organization is focused on African American women.
I'm going to ask both of you the same question,
But Avia Media, I'm going to start with you. What
unique challenges or difficulties do you see face African American
women and how does this organization help with those challenges.
Speaker 9 (15:23):
We find that as professional women helping to bring this
thoughts and plans to the community, we have the resources,
so most of us are already educated in their own career,
but we want to give back. But as a community,
I see the challenge with African American has to do
with healthcare disparities related to diabetes, heart disease, chronic kidney disease,
(15:50):
also issues with taking care of their family and this
economic time. And also another main thing is that the
mental health related issues that could occur from trying to
be a parent, whether you're single or merit, and just
dealing with what's going on and the society right now.
(16:13):
We also focus on bringing awareness so important to topics
like human trafficking, which is a very predominant problem that's
occurring in communities throughout the United States and even globally,
so we find those as priority ways to help to educate.
We want moms to know what to watch out for,
(16:36):
how to coach their kids, and also to ensure that
the schools that they're going to and wherever they connect,
they're also aware of these awareness signs. So that was
that's a very tough item. And the other thing is
we also want to assist historically black colleges to make
sure to tap into their college students that they're informed
(16:57):
these ways to monitor or is mental health related or
human trafficking or any way we can help them to
be better prepared for what's going on in their community
in their specific pority.
Speaker 4 (17:09):
I hope I answer.
Speaker 2 (17:10):
Question yes, very good.
Speaker 4 (17:11):
Thank you. Gina.
Speaker 3 (17:13):
You are the chair of the Health and Human Services
facet for the al Paso, Texas chapter the Leaks Incorporated.
Speaker 2 (17:19):
What does that entail.
Speaker 11 (17:21):
So our big focus is on health and wellness in
our community. Like Ave link sorry, like Ave was saying,
we definitely want to get resources out to people.
Speaker 7 (17:31):
That's our biggest thing.
Speaker 11 (17:32):
We are at a place where we can help others
in our community, and we know historically African Americans Hispanics,
they don't reach seek the type of care they should
be getting because they're afraid. Right, there's a lot of
fear they're not going to listen to me, they're not
going to treat me well. So we definitely want to
(17:53):
get out there and show them that there are services
that you can have. There's a lot of services in
our community that are helpful and beneficial, but there's a
lot of people that are very scared to seek out
this help. So, especially with our Black Family Wellness Expo,
we want to have different services, doctors of all different
backgrounds so that people can feel comfortable and also learn
(18:16):
that there are these services they can get. Just because
they are a minority doesn't mean that they don't deserve
the same type of health care that everybody else does.
So it's really important for us to get out there
that there are lots of resources for people and we
want to help them see what these resources are and
help them feel comfortable and empowered to use these resources
that are available.
Speaker 3 (18:36):
So before we get into the event, I wanted to
talk a little bit about You mentioned that there's a
fear of minorities going to see healthcare.
Speaker 2 (18:47):
What kind of fears would those be?
Speaker 11 (18:49):
So I'm a medical professional, I'm an inspectitioner, so I
see it a lot.
Speaker 10 (18:53):
In the hospitals.
Speaker 11 (18:55):
We get patients that never sought care because they were
afraid for multiple reasons. Financial is usually the biggest one,
you know, we see it all the time. Patients don't
come to the hospital because they're afraid they're going to
get a bill. Patients can't afford medications, so are they
going to pay rent or are they going to take
their heart blood pressure medications. A lot of people don't
(19:20):
have insurance. There are a lot of services available to people,
but they just don't know, so they just don't go.
So we're getting patients that are coming into the hospital very,
very sick, and we're trying to help take care of
fifty years of being untreated. So then patients they don't
do well, and then there's also that fear. Well, I'm
just going to go to the hospital and die because
(19:42):
they because they get very sick. They're very sick at
this point usually, or they feel like, no, I can't
go to the hospital because they're going.
Speaker 10 (19:49):
To find something wrong with me on purpose, you know.
Speaker 11 (19:52):
Yeah, there's a lot of fear, and I see it
every day and I will ask questions and patients kind
of look at me, and I'll tell them, look, I'm
not here to judg you. I'm here to help you
in any way I can, and I need to know
this information so I can better help you.
Speaker 10 (20:06):
And the good thing is we.
Speaker 11 (20:07):
Have our case managers on social workers that help get
them set up with resources outside of the hospital. But
it's still we still see it every day, and we
want the people in our community to know that there
are services they can use that can help They don't
have to be afraid. They can come to the hospital
and hopefully see people that look like them that can
help them, because there tends to be that fear of
(20:29):
when you don't have somebody that looks like you taking
care of you, there's a lack of trust. So it's
nice to be able to show them that there are
those resources and people that look like them that can
help them get better.
Speaker 3 (20:42):
Definitely. If you are just tuning in again, I have
aved Madia Smart. She is the president for the al
Paso Texas chapter the Links Incorporated, as well as Audrina Boven,
chair of the Health and Human Services facet for the
al Paso Texas chapter the Links Incorporated. So all of
that called do in this great event, the Black Family
(21:03):
Wellness Expo happening March fifteenth. You're talking about resources people
having this fear. Here they can explore and get information
without that fear and take charge of their health, like
you know, everyone should have the right to. So Audrina,
can you tell us a little bit more about this
Black Family Wellness Expo.
Speaker 11 (21:20):
Absolutely, so we're very excited for our Black Family Wellness Expo.
Our local event is actually part of the Links Incorporated
nationwide Black Family Wellness Expos that will be happening all
across the country on March fifteenth. So there will be
hundreds of these expos going on in different cities across
the country.
Speaker 7 (21:39):
So we're really excited to be a part of this
and our.
Speaker 11 (21:43):
Goal we would like to reduce health and economic disparities.
We also want to help save and improve lives for
the people in our community.
Speaker 10 (21:51):
That is the most important.
Speaker 11 (21:53):
Thing because there's not like we were talking about, there's
a lot of fear. They don't know a lot about
the resources they have, So we want to bring that
awareness so we can help the impact on the quality
of people's lives in our community.
Speaker 7 (22:06):
Really excited.
Speaker 11 (22:07):
This expo is for the entire family, kids to adult seniors.
Some of the issues that we will be addressing at
our Black Family Wellness Expo. We will have financial health,
sexual health, mental health awareness and resources. Kidney doctor will
be there to talk about kidney disease, dental health, The
(22:27):
Alzheimer's Association is going to be there. We have information
for caregivers. Caregiver burnout is real. We see it a lot,
so we will have a care companion company that will
help give information on respite care. Respite cares when you're
a caregiver and you want to have a break so
you have somebody else help take care.
Speaker 10 (22:49):
Of your loved one.
Speaker 7 (22:50):
So all different types of resources.
Speaker 10 (22:52):
We're also going to have a farmer's.
Speaker 11 (22:53):
Market that will be there, so we're really excited to
have the farmers market join us. Yeah, we went to
the farmer's market last Saturday. They had lots of fresh
fruit and great things for our community. And that's very
important too, the nutrition aspect of it, making sure that
we have the availability to get those fresh fruits and
veggies and we're not just getting going to the fast
(23:17):
food restaurant. So it's important for people to know where
to go for these things because they happen all over
our city, but just not a lot of people see them.
Speaker 7 (23:24):
So we're really excited to have that.
Speaker 11 (23:27):
We're going to have a mariachi group they'll be going
on first, a band that will be going on, and
then we're going to have a DJ. We're going to
have performances from a local dance studio, pro Toge, so really.
Speaker 10 (23:39):
Excited to see them perform.
Speaker 11 (23:42):
Proaction is going to have a CPR demonstration for us,
because you know, CPR very important.
Speaker 7 (23:49):
We always tell people just.
Speaker 11 (23:51):
Follow what you see on the radio or the TV
if you can just help somebody and start doing compressions
that can significantly help save their lives.
Speaker 7 (23:59):
So a lot of great vendors that will be with us.
Speaker 11 (24:02):
We will also be having a giveaway for a one
hundred dollars Walmart gift card drawing, so we're really excited.
We know that our community a family could definitely use.
Speaker 7 (24:12):
That right now with all.
Speaker 3 (24:13):
The prices, it might buy you a few carton of
eggs right now, but it's still helps exactly.
Speaker 11 (24:17):
So really excited we're going to have prices throughout and
just really wanting to bring this information to our community.
That's our biggest goal, getting that education out there.
Speaker 3 (24:28):
So again, Black Family Wellness Expo at Bassett Place March fifteenth,
that's a Saturday from twelve to four pm, open to
the public, free to the public. Now with the name
Black Family Wellness Expo, is this only for people who
are of African American descent.
Speaker 2 (24:44):
Or is it open to the public. I know that's
going to be someone's question.
Speaker 9 (24:49):
Yes, I just want to add please good to everyone
in the community, people of color.
Speaker 4 (24:56):
We are blended all over.
Speaker 9 (24:57):
So the fact that our organization centrally started by African
American women is why that part stands true. And that's
the need that was addressed and continue to be addressed.
But as a community, we are diverse and we are welcome.
And I hope I didn't interject for my dear sister.
And the other reason too, I think this is so
important is that as a culture, black people are thirty
(25:21):
percent more likely to have heart disease.
Speaker 4 (25:24):
But I'm thinking also with the fact that we are a.
Speaker 9 (25:26):
Blended population, that that also runs over into other cultures.
So we need to make sure everyone has the knowledge
and the opportunity along with the healthy options for food
and vegetable to help them on their journey.
Speaker 2 (25:41):
Okay, I love it.
Speaker 3 (25:42):
And if you've never tasted a fresh fruit or vegetable,
it is so different from buying something in the store.
Speaker 4 (25:48):
So I'm excited to go and.
Speaker 3 (25:49):
Just buy some fresh fruits and vegetables and you know
our dreamapp. Is there anything else that you would like
to tell the listening audience.
Speaker 11 (25:58):
I want to thank you for having us on and
I just really want to get this information out for
the public. Being a nurse practitioner, this is very near
and dear to my heart because I see this every
single day. I see people struggle every single day and
if we can just help a little bit, if we
can give them that resource.
Speaker 10 (26:17):
The parents that need help with.
Speaker 11 (26:18):
Their kiddos, the older adult who's struggling to take care
of their parent with Alzheimer's dementia, to know that you
have resources and there's a place to go to help
alleviate that stress.
Speaker 10 (26:31):
That's the best thing that we can do.
Speaker 11 (26:33):
So I'm so looking forward to our event and I'm
looking forward to having a great turnout from our community.
And if you see us, please feel free to stop
and ask questions. We'll be there talking more about our
organization and talking about our steam. Our Steam program we
do have monthly at a local library, so we'll be
giving information.
Speaker 7 (26:54):
It's free.
Speaker 11 (26:55):
We serve lunch to the kiddos, school age children, so
we will have a table within so that children can
join or Currently we're working on something called doctor Me
where we're actually going over everybody system and teaching students.
So we've had physicians come and help us, respiratory therap
business practitioners, they're the actually the ones coming and teaching
(27:18):
the classes. Because we also want our minority children to
know you.
Speaker 10 (27:22):
Can do anything.
Speaker 11 (27:24):
You can look like us, and you can be a doctor,
you can be a nurse practitioner, because they don't often
see that, so it's so important for us. Representation is
so important. It's important to adults, it's important to children.
So we like to show them that you can do anything.
And that's why like Ave Maria was saying, with our
steam program, we're starting young. We want them to start
(27:46):
young so they know what they want to do when
they get older and they can decide what they want
to do, but also knowing that there are options for them.
Speaker 2 (27:52):
I love that.
Speaker 3 (27:53):
And Ave Madia, is there anything else that you would
like to tell the listening audience.
Speaker 9 (27:57):
I just want to say, as a nurse many years
and my younger version of the nurse with an excelling
Nurse Practitioner title, it's a pleasure to help people to
help themselves because health is our ultimus goal. Because I
think when you're healthy, you can achieve wealth. You can
achieve that because you're feeling good, you're able to take
(28:20):
care of yourself and you're using.
Speaker 2 (28:21):
The resources that provided exactly.
Speaker 9 (28:24):
So thank you again so much, and I'm so proud
of my team member here, my chair and all the
people that will be assisting us to bring this wonderful
opportunity to the community.
Speaker 3 (28:36):
Thank you all are amazing. I'm looking forward to this event.
And again, if you want more information on the al Paso,
Texas chapter, the Links Incorporated you can find them on Instagram.
EP links one nine, seven, seven and There'll be some
links to the event there as well, and ep t
X l I n K S Inc. E p t Xlinksinc.
(28:58):
Dot org for more information. I want to thank you
both for being here with me today and I'm looking
forward to the event.
Speaker 8 (29:03):
Thank you again.
Speaker 3 (29:10):
Welcome back to the Al Paso Public Forum. I am
your host, Amberbanda with iHeart and right now I have
two bikers. They are part of the Rough Riders MC
motorcycle club. I have here Daniel Krotel Jack in the
Box is his road name. We'll explain that a little
bit later. He is the president of rough Riders MC. Daniel,
(29:31):
thank you for being here.
Speaker 4 (29:32):
With me today.
Speaker 8 (29:33):
Well, thank you so much for having me definitely.
Speaker 3 (29:36):
And we are also accompanyed by John Durham aka drop It.
He is the sergeant at arms for rough Riders MC. John,
thank you for being here with me today.
Speaker 8 (29:46):
It's my pleasure. Thank you for having us.
Speaker 3 (29:48):
Of course, so you all are not the first motorcycle
organization I've had on this show, but I always like
to explain road.
Speaker 2 (29:57):
Names to people because you know, they're.
Speaker 3 (29:59):
Jack and the b drop It. I am known by
Amber and I am known by Flex. So I'm going
to ask each of you individually. I start with the
pres Jack in the Box, how did you get your name?
Speaker 2 (30:09):
Why that name?
Speaker 12 (30:10):
Well, when I was when I first started out, I
was known for drinking a lot of red bulls, and
I was very cool, calm and collective. But when the
red bulls came out, you know, I would pop out
of nowhere and I would kind of be all.
Speaker 8 (30:29):
Over the place.
Speaker 12 (30:30):
And so that's, you know, kind of the history you
know behind that name right there, nothing too.
Speaker 8 (30:37):
Crazy about it.
Speaker 12 (30:38):
Just one minute I'm calm, the next it's out of nowhere.
Speaker 3 (30:42):
So some names are given, some names you kind of
get them your own. Mostly they're given Was that given
to you? Or did you name yourself? Jack in the Box?
Speaker 8 (30:48):
That was given to me?
Speaker 2 (30:51):
I love me? Parson was a red bull and John
drop it with two tea's.
Speaker 3 (30:57):
I'm very interested in how you got that name, because
when I think drop it, I think drop it like
it's hot, Drop a little.
Speaker 2 (31:04):
How did you get your name?
Speaker 13 (31:06):
So so typically in our world, you you you get
your road name either by doing something cool, by doing
something crazy, doing something.
Speaker 8 (31:16):
Stupid, or you know a lot of people by.
Speaker 13 (31:19):
By something that they say a lot, like something catchy
that they say a lot, So I usually like to
leave it mysterious because you know, I've been known to say, like,
drop it when people are talking about something all the time.
If there's arguments, you know, my my thing is just
(31:40):
drop it. Also when we're out doing stuff, you.
Speaker 8 (31:44):
Know, I can drop it.
Speaker 13 (31:47):
But in in our lifestyle, you know, we've never there's
always issues that happen where sometimes you might drop it,
so you never know, I like to leave it a
little bit mysterious.
Speaker 2 (32:00):
Yeah, we're just going to leave it at that. It's
a mystery.
Speaker 3 (32:04):
And so I always love to have biker organizations on here.
Of course, people people that listen to me. No, I'm
part of Guardians of the Children. We're a nonprofit a
little bit different from an MC, but we still follow
a lot of the same protocols.
Speaker 2 (32:17):
So you know, we have our names to flex.
Speaker 4 (32:21):
I just like to lift weights people.
Speaker 2 (32:23):
I was like, oh, it's meant amoun people. I just
like to lift weights.
Speaker 3 (32:25):
My first tattoo was, or one of my first was
a whereas it's a dumbbell.
Speaker 2 (32:28):
So in case.
Speaker 3 (32:29):
Anyone was wondering, but right now, what we're going to
talk about rough riders MC more bikers doing.
Speaker 2 (32:34):
Good in the community.
Speaker 3 (32:35):
And like I tell people, I've been a part of
the nonprofit world for a long time, even before I
got into Guardians of the Children in the biker world.
And y'all, if you say you're going to do something,
you're going to do it. That's that's you know, both
amazing and a little bit scary. But in this case
we're talking about good stuff. So before we get into
this event, which is going to be your twenty second
(32:55):
annual Veterans Run for the Waco chapter, can you tell
us a little bit about your other involvement the rough
Riders m see involvement in the community.
Speaker 13 (33:05):
So here in Opaso since we've been here in Opaso
since two thousand and three two thousand and four time frame,
our main focus is Veterans. We are a five oh
one c three nonprofit organization as a club, as a
whole club, and here in Opaso.
Speaker 10 (33:28):
For our chapter.
Speaker 13 (33:30):
So it's not just something that we do and say
we do, but we actually are a nonprofit organization as
a club and as a chapter. So when we say
we do things, these things, we actually do them, we
account for them, and we actually go to these organizations
(33:51):
during the first part of the year, our annual Veterans Run,
we allocate the funds for different organizations that do a
certain things.
Speaker 8 (34:02):
Later on we can talk.
Speaker 13 (34:04):
Well, so this one, we are donating money towards the
Hospice Passo, Okay, because they do things for veterans during
that the last part of their life cycle.
Speaker 2 (34:21):
That's right, like a separate veterans program.
Speaker 13 (34:24):
Yes, yeah, so that is part of what this event
is going to go towards, or the funds from this event.
Speaker 8 (34:32):
So let's get into.
Speaker 2 (34:33):
Let's get into this event. This event. It's March ninth.
Speaker 3 (34:37):
It's the twenty second, twenty second annual Veterans Run for
the Waco chapter. And like you said, all proceeds support
projects for veterans in the l Paso community. So, can
either one of you explain a run? Because here on
the show, we've had five k's, we've had bicycle events,
but this is not a run where you have to
bring out your ten is shoes.
Speaker 2 (34:58):
What does it mean when by have a run?
Speaker 12 (35:01):
Yeah, so it's not a it's not a physical event
where you have to put on your running shoes and
go run five miles. I don't think any of us
would like to do that. I definitely don't want to
do that. But you know, a run is basically a
big gathering, you know, motorcyclists and motorcycle clubs in the community,
(35:24):
and so usually you can do it at one stop
and have everybody meet there, or you can do you know,
a poker run where there's multiple stops to give a
lot of business to you know, a lot of these
places in I'll pass it because that's what we try
to do is we try to help out other businesses
(35:46):
that are kind of not necessarily struggling, but trying to
get them some exposure as well. So you can have
multiple stops where you know, first stop registration, second stop
you pick a card, third and fourth stop you have
a poker.
Speaker 8 (36:01):
Hand and so at the final stop, you know, high
hand winds or low hand winds. So it's just kind
of a fun way to do certain things.
Speaker 3 (36:09):
Yeah, and with these events, you know, it is obviously
predominantly bikers. But do you need a motorcycle to participate
in this run?
Speaker 8 (36:17):
No, not at all, absolutely not.
Speaker 13 (36:20):
Anybody can show up to the registration and register and
then go to the different points that we have things.
The way we're doing it this time, is like a
scavenger hunt. So you go to the different places and
you find the things that we have positioned hidden if
(36:41):
you will to be found. So it's kind of like
a fun way that we're doing it this year so
that you can actually, you know, do things to find things.
Speaker 12 (36:52):
You can in your car. You know, you don't need
to go on your motorcycle. You can go in your car.
You can walk there. I don't recommend it, but but
you get to these stops. By all means, we want
as many people that are able to come out and
support to come out because we.
Speaker 3 (37:09):
Can get because the main thing, again is the money
that you raised during these runs. Whether you go to
one stop, maybe want to go to the first stop
and then just go straight to the final stop because
we'll talk about a little bit about that in a minute,
because the final stop is where all the meat and
potatoes of it. If you just want to go to
one both go straight to the final stop. I've done
that before. The whole point is to raise funds, raise
(37:30):
awareness for these different projects going on for veterans.
Speaker 2 (37:35):
So and I know that a lot you know, not just.
Speaker 3 (37:40):
In the rough riders, but a lot of the bikers
have a veteran background, and I think, you know, I.
Speaker 2 (37:46):
Believe it was born.
Speaker 3 (37:47):
A lot of the mcs were born because they were
military and they raved that camaraderie and that brotherhood coming
out and that purpose. And so again, if you're a veteran,
you support the military, support veterans. This is an event
for you, whether or not you've ever been near a motorcycle.
Speaker 4 (38:03):
And so if one.
Speaker 3 (38:04):
Of you would like to explain, so how many stops
do you have? And then what is going to happen
at the final stop?
Speaker 8 (38:10):
You want me to do?
Speaker 13 (38:11):
So, we do have three thoughts. We have the registration
in about three stops where we have things that are
up around in these stops to be found. You can
take pictures of at our end stop, which is the
Yard down in Montana. Yeah, we will have some biker games, prizes,
(38:34):
raffle the music music.
Speaker 8 (38:37):
My brother here, his band's going to be playing.
Speaker 2 (38:39):
Who's been Are you in a band?
Speaker 8 (38:43):
Yes?
Speaker 2 (38:43):
Oh cool, that's going to be really neat.
Speaker 3 (38:45):
I don't think I've ever been to a run where
one of the members was online. Our own member, Fender
was in a band, but only played once. It doesn't count.
What kind of music are you guys going to play.
Speaker 12 (38:55):
We play you know, everything from eighties, nineties and two thousands,
rock and roll music, nice alternative, just some god music
to get people feeling good and having a good time.
That it's really you know, our goal is just to
bring people together with music, and so we're fortunate enough
to be able to play at you know, this event,
(39:17):
which it's going to be really fun.
Speaker 2 (39:19):
Are you guys going to feed the people?
Speaker 8 (39:21):
Absolutely, yes we will food.
Speaker 2 (39:24):
Will there be alcohol to purchase?
Speaker 8 (39:26):
The art is going to have the inside and outside
bar open for alcohol purchase.
Speaker 2 (39:33):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (39:33):
So I mean again, even if you're not a biker,
they're going to have biker games.
Speaker 4 (39:37):
I'm a biker.
Speaker 3 (39:38):
I've never participated in any of these games, but they're
fun to witness. The bands are always amazing. It's always
a good time to go and hang with your friends.
And again, if you're a biker, you're familiar with this.
If you're not, I encourage you to come out and
look and see what this world is all about. Like
I said, if you're just someone who wants to support
veterans or wants to support the community period, these events
(40:00):
are for you. It's worth coming to look and donate
and partake and have drinks and eat and again right now,
if you're just tuning in, I have Daniel Kraudell. Jack
in the Box is his road name. We explained that earlier.
If you miss it, you're going to have to click
on the podcast link and rehere. He is the president
of Rough Riders MC, as well as John Durham aka
(40:23):
drop It, Sergeant at Arms for the Rough Riders MC.
And again, I'm so surprised that you all are a
five O one C three nonprofit. I didn't think that
you could be both. I learned something new myself today
and you're having an event March ninth, the twenty second
annual Veterans Run for WACO Chapter. All proceed supporting projects
for veterans in the ol Paso community. Now, what kind
(40:45):
of projects will this be helping or what kind of
projects have has this money gone to in the past.
Speaker 13 (40:52):
So in the past, one of our major benefactors that
we were doing giving.
Speaker 8 (40:58):
Our time, our personal.
Speaker 13 (41:01):
Time, and our proceeds from our past Veterans Runs too
was actually the Ambrosio Veterans Home in the Northeast. We
were we would build projects for them. We actually made
a fountain maybe shooting rains for these guys. We made
like planters for them to make their have their own vegetables.
(41:23):
We had a fountain, full table, card table for them to.
Speaker 12 (41:28):
Have some fun basically instead of being all cooped up.
And you know, this year, my brother drop it. He
was able to kind of get in touch with the
Hospice Help Pass and what they what they do is
we've been in talks with them to basically sponsor their
coffee top, so they're going to be they take all
(41:50):
the veterans and you know, they basically just have a
gathering just where they can have some coffee, enjoy some
good conversation, feed them a little bit, and you know,
kind of just take care of them that way. You know,
make sure that they have a social life as well,
because they know there's no worse feeling than feeling like
you're alone, especially when you're going through something significant like that,
(42:13):
and so I think it's very important that you know,
we make sure, hey, you guys are not alone.
Speaker 8 (42:18):
We are here.
Speaker 12 (42:19):
So that's one of our biggest things that my brother
Jope brought to our table.
Speaker 8 (42:23):
And all of us were absolutely on board.
Speaker 3 (42:25):
Yeah, definitely, I've had Hospice on the on the show
before and again hospice. You're talking about veterans on hospice.
So if you want to support these veterans, which is
you know, this is one of the projects that where
this fund these funds are.
Speaker 2 (42:40):
Going to be allocated to.
Speaker 3 (42:41):
If you go, you go to one stop, you go
to all the stops, you go to the final side.
We just want to go stop. Hey, I can't stay,
but here's money. That is where the money is going towards.
And again, I know that you guys are going to
be using this money for the right reasons. I know
that you are going to be helping these veterans. So
anyone out there, I know that you know people are
wary of well if is my money really going to
go there?
Speaker 2 (43:01):
Yes it is, It really is.
Speaker 3 (43:03):
So and you're going to get some fun music with it.
You're going to you know, be able to help the yard.
Who the yard by the way, a lot of bikers
have their events there because they are very open to
helping the community. So you're going to be helping the yard.
You're going to be helping the community in general. And
if you want more information on Facebook, look up WACO
Chapter HUECO Chapter Rough Rider's Motorcycle Club. You can also
(43:29):
go to the l Passo Motorcycle Coalition Facebook page. Their
flyer will be posted there, and of course on Sunny
ninety nine point nine, ninety six point three, k Hay
Country and Power one oh two point one go look
for us on Instagram or Facebook. Their information will be
posted there as well. Daniel, is there anything else that
you would like to tell the listening audience?
Speaker 2 (43:49):
Or if not, can I just ask you, like, what
does this mean to you?
Speaker 3 (43:54):
Like working with the veterans, Why is it so important
to you?
Speaker 12 (43:57):
Well, first, one thing I do want to say to
everybody body listening is there's going to be a lot
of free prizes to come win. So if you like
free stuff, hey, come out, get some raffle tickets and
you know, hopefully you guys can win some fre stuff.
Speaker 8 (44:10):
We have a lot of cool prizes this year and
it's going to be great.
Speaker 12 (44:13):
But the reason, uh, this is so near near and
dear to my heart is I'm a you know, veteran myself,
just like my brother drop it, and I'm still currently
in the military serving an active duty and I you know,
it's really it's really nice to basically feel like I'm
accomplishing something by helping out other veterans that are you know,
(44:33):
maybe not in the best position, or maybe have lost
it away a little bit, or you know, just feeling
like nobody's out there for that. And this is kind
of what we do, is we bring awareness that hey,
there are bets out here. There's a bunch of homeless bets.
The homos shelters are cool. You know, we feed them,
We you know, try to give them everything we can.
And that's why it's so important that we raise this
(44:54):
money so that we can help as many veterans as
we can. And it's very it's very important to me,
especially coming from a military background. You know, we help
as many as we can, especially where the veterans suicide
rate going up every day, and that's that's why this
is very very important.
Speaker 8 (45:15):
You know, we need help to be able to reach
out to these You.
Speaker 3 (45:19):
See it, you're doing it, you're living it. Thank you
for your service. And John, same question, why is this
so important to you and is there anything else that
you would like to tell the listening audience.
Speaker 13 (45:30):
Well, I retired from the army, so this is important
for me because you know, I am a veteran. I
have been there where I needed help one I needed help.
So now I am in a position where I can
be that that help for someone else. That's my driving
force to be able to be that help for someone else.
Speaker 8 (45:52):
You know.
Speaker 7 (45:52):
My chapter.
Speaker 13 (45:53):
Our chapter does two events a year, our annual Veterans Run,
where we pick an organization every year to help, and
in our Turkey Run, where we're always raising money to
give turkeys to some of the local shelters and then
to veterans. This past year we made sure that a
(46:13):
lot of it went towards veterans, but then we also
still helped some of the shelters that we do and
some of those always go back into the motorcycle community
that go you know, you know where they go because
some of them go to the guardians of the children.
But this past year we were able to help some
of the veterans that were in Veterans' Court and some
of the some of the soldiers that were in the
(46:36):
unit that was on the border. And for this coming year,
I've actually been working with Operation Home Front. We're going
to be able to make a bigger impact of this
coming year. I've been working on this for about six months.
Speaker 3 (46:48):
You make sure to contact me when it's time to
talk about that. I'd love to have you guys back
on again. Thank you both for your service, thank you
for what you're doing for the veteran community, what you're
doing with the biker community. I'm very grateful to have
had you on and thank you both for being here.
Speaker 4 (47:03):
With me today.
Speaker 8 (47:04):
Thank you, thank you for having us.
Speaker 1 (47:06):
You've been listening to El Paso Public Forum, a weekly
public affairs presentation of iHeartRadio El Paso. If you, your
organization or event would like to be featured on an
upcoming program, please email to Epforum at iHeartMedia dot com
or call us at nine one five three five one
five four zero zero. Tune in again next week for
(47:26):
another additional of El Paso Public Forum. The preceding program
was recorded at the studios of iHeartRadio El Paso.
Welcome to El Paso Public Forum, a weekly half hour
public affairs presentation of iHeartRadio El Paso for over twenty years,
featuring local news and interviews of interest to our listeners
in West Texas and southern New Mexico. All views and
opinions expressed on this program are those of the host
and guest, and not necessarily those of iHeartRadio Management and
now El Paso Public Forum.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
Welcome to the Alpaso Public Forum.
Speaker 3 (00:23):
I'm our host, Amber Banda, and today we have two
members from the al Paso Community Foundation talking about a
little treat for the teachers. We have Eric Pearson, President
and CEO of the al Paso Community Foundation.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
Eric, thank you for being here with me today.
Speaker 4 (00:39):
Thank you, of course.
Speaker 3 (00:40):
And then we have Stephanie o'tero, VP of Operations for
the al Paso Community Foundation.
Speaker 2 (00:45):
Stephanie, thank you for being here with me today as well.
Thank you.
Speaker 3 (00:48):
So today we're going to be talking about the Classroom Fund,
something I've already shared with my teacher friends. So the
Classroom Fund application is open. So who would like to
go for to talk about what the classroom fund is
all start?
Speaker 5 (01:04):
So, what it is is, it's an opportunity for teachers
to apply for things that hit their classroom instead of
you know, big grand things of supportive administration, we want
to support teachers on the front lines. And it all
started in the twenty eleven state legislature. There was a
twenty nine billion dollar deficit in the state of Texas
(01:25):
and five point five billion dollars going out of education,
and so I went there with a group of funders
and one of.
Speaker 4 (01:31):
The representatives said, Hey, you guys are going to bail
us out.
Speaker 5 (01:35):
And I thought, well, that's not going to happen because
all of the foundations in Texas, private, public, community whatever,
had about five million dollars in total assets. So we
could have just, you know, thrown all of our money
at them and walked away and you know, tried to
support a broken system. But then I came back and
(01:56):
a good friend of mine, she ended up marrying me
many years later, but a good friend of mine called
me up and said, hey, I'd like to start a
scholarship fund for teachers. And she had been hit up
by so and so for one hundred bucks to do
something in their classroom. And we had a bunch of
teachers on staff and on our board, and so I
got everybody together and said, Okay, what did you spend
(02:19):
because you know, teachers make a ton of money, so
what did you spend out of your own pocket to
improve your classroom?
Speaker 4 (02:25):
And they all came up with like, well, I probably
spent about one thousand dollars a year.
Speaker 5 (02:29):
So we came up with the Classroom Fund and the
first year we partnered with Prices Give Them five Fund
and some media partners actually iHeartRadio when it was back
in the clear channel days, and KBIA ABC seven, and
we had about seven hundred grant requests and they were
for all kinds of different things, and so we came
(02:50):
up with a system to judge them that was based
on the number of students served, the costs for student,
and was there some innovation involved because it would be
easy for a teacher to write a how to spend
a thousand dollars? Right, So then we took away all
the name references, all the location references because you know,
all passes of small towns when we're reviewing, and we
wanted to be very clinical and just look at it
(03:11):
on those criteria and not.
Speaker 4 (03:12):
Any names or who you know or whatever it is.
Speaker 5 (03:14):
And so we and we had several grant reviewers look
at those grants, and then I called my good friend
Stephanie o'tero, who were our kids are the same age.
She's kind of like Mom of the Year every year,
and I said, hey, would you like to help us
with a shopping spree for teachers? And she said, teachers
(03:36):
support teachers absolutely, And so I'll let her take it
from here because the first Classroom Fund were you.
Speaker 4 (03:42):
Working at the fundation at that time?
Speaker 5 (03:43):
Stephanie, yes, part time, part time, yeah, doing the shopping spree,
So take it from there.
Speaker 6 (03:48):
Sure, yeah, So it's available for teachers, counselors, librarians, and coaches.
As Eric mentioned, we really want to support those individuals
that are the most host the highest factor for success
for students in the classrooms, right and we want to make.
Speaker 7 (04:06):
Sure that if they have cool new.
Speaker 6 (04:08):
Innovative ideas, that they have the resources needed to do
those innovative ideas. Probably one of the most favorite things
every year is the Classroom Fund reception. We invite the
teachers and we choose between fifty and fifty five a year,
and we invite them to come down to the Foundation
and we give them adult food and beverages, have a
(04:31):
fun evening interact with teachers across the nine school districts
in our region.
Speaker 4 (04:36):
And all those first names.
Speaker 7 (04:38):
Yes, we call them.
Speaker 6 (04:39):
By their first names, and we have all their materials
because we know that teachers are overworked and under resource,
so we didn't want them to have to deal with
calling vendors and get any items, so we actually do
all the shopping for them. And so after they've enjoyed
their food and drinks in the company, we create a
line of cars outside the foundation offices. We have volunteers
(05:01):
who come in and they load up all of the
materials that the teachers are requested into their cars and
we sort of, you know, send them off to the sunset,
wishing them good luck on the school year that.
Speaker 4 (05:14):
Is about to come.
Speaker 6 (05:15):
It is absolutely one of the most wonderful few hours.
Speaker 2 (05:19):
Their gratitude.
Speaker 6 (05:21):
You know, people think a thousand dollars isn't a lot,
but for teachers, it's huge and it can make a
difference in so many kids' lives because a lot of
the items aren't consumable. There are things that can be
used over and over. If a teacher has an average
classroom of twenty five times a thirty year career look
how many students that they're impacting over that time. So
(05:41):
we've also tried to make sure that the application process
for teachers is not overwhelming. People hear the word grant
and they're like, oh, I don't know how to write
a grant.
Speaker 2 (05:50):
We simplified it. They send us.
Speaker 6 (05:52):
Their wish list, which is probably the most fun part
of them doing the application is coming up with their
wish list. Then they tell us how many students to serve,
what is the need? And then we ask them how
they're going to measure success. And we're not looking for
some statistical report or fancy data. What we're asking for
is how do you think the kids will respond? And
(06:13):
one of the examples I always share is that there
was a teacher who said that they saw many of
the students feeling uncomfortable presenting in front of their class,
and presenting is an important job skill no matter what
field you go into, being able to speak in public.
And so he asked for a microphone and a speaker.
And so when the kids got up to do their
class presentations, he set up kind of a stage. They
(06:35):
had the microphone, well they kind of put First of all,
the microphone had this physical barrier between the other students themselves.
Plus it was fun to speak into a microphone.
Speaker 2 (06:44):
And hear their voice projected.
Speaker 6 (06:45):
And so his measurement of success was that it got
to the point when he asked the kids who wants
to present that day, instead of no one raising their hand,
everyone raised their hand. The beautiful example of how a
small invest and an innovative investment made a difference in
a ton of kids' lives.
Speaker 4 (07:04):
Well, I mean, you guys are so impressive.
Speaker 3 (07:06):
You answered all the questions I was gonna ask, I
was gonna ask for examples, and then you said that
instead of them getting the money, receiving the school receiving it,
or them receiving it personally, they actually submit a wish
list and that is part of this reception. So when
I saw reception in June, I thought, Okay, they're going
to go and they're gonna say who won, and then
you know who was granted the money and then they leave.
But this is actually when they receive their items. That
(07:28):
is so cool.
Speaker 2 (07:29):
And if you're just joining us.
Speaker 3 (07:30):
We have Stephanie o'teroll, VP of Operations for the al
Pasco Community Foundation, as well as Eric Pearson, President and
CEO of the l Pasco Community Foundation, talking about the
Classroom Fund. Applications right now are open, but the deadline
is March seventeenth.
Speaker 2 (07:46):
That is money. That is the money that Saint Patrick's day. Eric,
what did you tell them?
Speaker 4 (07:50):
You gotta wear green to get some green.
Speaker 2 (07:52):
Wear green to get some greed.
Speaker 3 (07:53):
And then the winners will be notified late April this
year and then they'll have the reception in June. I
want to thank you both for being here with me today,
and Eric, I'll ask you first, is there anything else
that you would like to tell the listening audience.
Speaker 4 (08:05):
No, we just think it's a wonderful thing.
Speaker 5 (08:06):
It started completely from the community for the community and
just teachers. So you know, these these grants are for
the school, but they're for your classroom. So it's just
you and your principal who are in and on the grant.
And so you know, if you get started now, you
can come up with all kinds of really really fun
and interesting things.
Speaker 4 (08:24):
And we have given probably more than.
Speaker 5 (08:27):
Half a million dollars in the last several years for
one thousand dollars of time for teachers.
Speaker 2 (08:32):
So I love that.
Speaker 3 (08:32):
Like I said, I used to be a sub and
I would spend a little bit of my own money,
but it's you know, talking with other teachers. It's also
they don't like having to ask parents.
Speaker 2 (08:42):
Hey, we're running out of kleenex, we're running out of.
Speaker 3 (08:43):
Glue and this, and you know, because parents also sometimes
they don't have the funds to be able to buy
that for the classroom, you know, or sometimes they're their.
Speaker 2 (08:51):
Own kids, so it's an extra.
Speaker 3 (08:53):
That's another benefit of not having to ask the parents
and everyone else for something that, you know, they can
just focus.
Speaker 2 (09:01):
On learning, and not only that the basic things.
Speaker 3 (09:04):
That the classroom needs, they can also focus on being
creative with the kids.
Speaker 2 (09:07):
Like you said with the microphone. I think that is
so cool. And Stephanie is there.
Speaker 4 (09:11):
I tell you my favorite story about that.
Speaker 5 (09:13):
So we had one we had one grant and I
told you, we take all all the all the references
from schools.
Speaker 4 (09:18):
And names out of it, so it's very very blind.
Speaker 5 (09:21):
And we saw this grant that was requesting like feminine
hygiene and deodorant and razors, and we're.
Speaker 4 (09:27):
Like, what is that about? And you read the narrative
and it's it's a bunch.
Speaker 5 (09:31):
Of special education students, kids with special needs, who are
becoming young adults and so they're starting to have you know,
smells and and they're just trying to learn how to
how to become more self sufficient in their homes.
Speaker 4 (09:47):
And so we started out like what is this about?
And then everyone was just crying.
Speaker 5 (09:50):
At the end of it was just it's a beautiful
thing to really, you know, hear teachers who are in
touch with students.
Speaker 4 (09:57):
And trying to help them on firsthand.
Speaker 2 (10:00):
Well, I love that.
Speaker 3 (10:00):
And again, this is a grant for teachers pre k
through high school, so you think you know all of
those ages and everything that they're going through. And I mean, yeah,
most of the teachers that I have worked with because
I've subved elementary, middle and high school, they love the
students and they see these students as struggles with things
outside of school that's enduring their ability to learn and
reach their full capability.
Speaker 2 (10:21):
So that is just.
Speaker 3 (10:23):
You know, to give people an idea of what you
can actually spend these funds on.
Speaker 2 (10:26):
I love that. And Stephanie, is there anything else that
you would like to tell the listening audience.
Speaker 6 (10:31):
I just think that it's a beautiful way to not
only provide innovative materials and resources, for classrooms that impact students,
but to celebrate teachers, librarians, counselors and coaches for all
that they do. And they really are at the core
of what the next generation of Elpasoin's looks like. And
I love that we have this beautiful way that we
(10:52):
can both support them and celebrate them.
Speaker 4 (10:54):
Perfect.
Speaker 3 (10:54):
So if you want more information, you can go to
the Classroom Fund dot org, or you can find the
the El Paso Community Foundation on Instagram el Paso CF.
There's more information there, not only on the teachers the
Classroom Fund, but the al Paso Community Foundation themselves. Thank
you again so much for being here with me today,
both of you.
Speaker 8 (11:13):
Thank you.
Speaker 2 (11:18):
Welcome to the al Paso Public Forum.
Speaker 3 (11:20):
I am your host, Amber Banda, and today we have
two members from the al Paso Texas Chapter The Links Incorporated.
I have Avid Maria Smart, president of the al Paso
Texas Chapter The Links Incorporated.
Speaker 2 (11:35):
Avid Madia, thank you so much for being here with
me today.
Speaker 9 (11:37):
Thank you Amber for inviting us, of course.
Speaker 3 (11:39):
And I have Audrina Bovin, Chair of the Health and
Human Services FACET for the El Paso Texas Chapter The
Links Incorporated.
Speaker 2 (11:47):
Audrina, thank you for being here with me today as well.
Speaker 10 (11:49):
Thank you for having us Amber definitely.
Speaker 2 (11:51):
So, Avid Madia, I'm going to start with you.
Speaker 3 (11:54):
We're going to talk about al Paso, Texas Chapter the
Links Incorporated. What is this organization and what does it
do for the community.
Speaker 10 (12:02):
Okay, the al.
Speaker 9 (12:03):
Paso, Texas Chapter of the Links Incorporated is one of
over two hundred and ninety nine chapters in our primary
organization called The Links Incorporated. We are a local chapter
and the organization itself is comprised of over two hundred
(12:23):
and ninety nine chapter throughout the United States and also
internationally based. We have over seventeen thousand professional women African
American descent and we've been doing this for many years
since nineteen forty six, and annually we accrue over a
million volunteer hours. So we're an organization based on friendship
(12:45):
and service and we provide this to the community wherever
we're located. We identify a need and then we follow through.
In the Alpasso we were a local version of the
Big Picture and so part of how we go about
doing it we have five facet group they're identify specific group.
(13:05):
We focus on national trends and services, we focus on
international trends and services. We focus on services to youth,
as the term says specific group for youth. We focus
on the arts and bringing that venue or that opportunity
to our community, and we also focus on health and
(13:26):
human services, of which Audrina represents today. Basically, we were
starting here in OPASSED since nineteen seventy seven, so we're
over a forty five years base. We're a small chapter
and we're growing and we help with many things, primarily
on STEM steam, science, technology, engineering, art and the new
(13:48):
edited letter is art. What we do is encourage our
youth to get engaged to their own creative energy and
find things that they think is part of them that
will help them to identify few pursuit. So we don't
wait until you're like in high school or maybe another level.
We start as early as a six year old and
(14:08):
we help them do that enjoyable time, creative time. If
there's a national issue of such as homelessness, human trafficking,
as far as let's say we.
Speaker 4 (14:21):
Want to help with.
Speaker 9 (14:23):
Voting is one of our very powerful method We use
the French facet to come together with community and other
organization to bring that to our community so they can
have that resource We also partner with other organizations to
help bring in more folks to get them engaged in
all the various activities that we do. The Black family
(14:46):
wellness is one of the main impact that we do
on a national basis. So every chapter has this challenge
to bring it to their own community. And today we
get this opportunity to share what we plan to do
and we thank you for that.
Speaker 2 (15:01):
Excellent of course, excellent answer.
Speaker 3 (15:03):
So, Ava Media, this organization is focused on African American women.
I'm going to ask both of you the same question,
But Avia Media, I'm going to start with you. What
unique challenges or difficulties do you see face African American
women and how does this organization help with those challenges.
Speaker 9 (15:23):
We find that as professional women helping to bring this
thoughts and plans to the community, we have the resources,
so most of us are already educated in their own career,
but we want to give back. But as a community,
I see the challenge with African American has to do
with healthcare disparities related to diabetes, heart disease, chronic kidney disease,
(15:50):
also issues with taking care of their family and this
economic time. And also another main thing is that the
mental health related issues that could occur from trying to
be a parent, whether you're single or merit, and just
dealing with what's going on and the society right now.
(16:13):
We also focus on bringing awareness so important to topics
like human trafficking, which is a very predominant problem that's
occurring in communities throughout the United States and even globally,
so we find those as priority ways to help to educate.
We want moms to know what to watch out for,
(16:36):
how to coach their kids, and also to ensure that
the schools that they're going to and wherever they connect,
they're also aware of these awareness signs. So that was
that's a very tough item. And the other thing is
we also want to assist historically black colleges to make
sure to tap into their college students that they're informed
(16:57):
these ways to monitor or is mental health related or
human trafficking or any way we can help them to
be better prepared for what's going on in their community
in their specific pority.
Speaker 4 (17:09):
I hope I answer.
Speaker 2 (17:10):
Question yes, very good.
Speaker 4 (17:11):
Thank you. Gina.
Speaker 3 (17:13):
You are the chair of the Health and Human Services
facet for the al Paso, Texas chapter the Leaks Incorporated.
Speaker 2 (17:19):
What does that entail.
Speaker 11 (17:21):
So our big focus is on health and wellness in
our community. Like Ave link sorry, like Ave was saying,
we definitely want to get resources out to people.
Speaker 7 (17:31):
That's our biggest thing.
Speaker 11 (17:32):
We are at a place where we can help others
in our community, and we know historically African Americans Hispanics,
they don't reach seek the type of care they should
be getting because they're afraid. Right, there's a lot of
fear they're not going to listen to me, they're not
going to treat me well. So we definitely want to
(17:53):
get out there and show them that there are services
that you can have. There's a lot of services in
our community that are helpful and beneficial, but there's a
lot of people that are very scared to seek out
this help. So, especially with our Black Family Wellness Expo,
we want to have different services, doctors of all different
backgrounds so that people can feel comfortable and also learn
(18:16):
that there are these services they can get. Just because
they are a minority doesn't mean that they don't deserve
the same type of health care that everybody else does.
So it's really important for us to get out there
that there are lots of resources for people and we
want to help them see what these resources are and
help them feel comfortable and empowered to use these resources
that are available.
Speaker 3 (18:36):
So before we get into the event, I wanted to
talk a little bit about You mentioned that there's a
fear of minorities going to see healthcare.
Speaker 2 (18:47):
What kind of fears would those be?
Speaker 11 (18:49):
So I'm a medical professional, I'm an inspectitioner, so I
see it a lot.
Speaker 10 (18:53):
In the hospitals.
Speaker 11 (18:55):
We get patients that never sought care because they were
afraid for multiple reasons. Financial is usually the biggest one,
you know, we see it all the time. Patients don't
come to the hospital because they're afraid they're going to
get a bill. Patients can't afford medications, so are they
going to pay rent or are they going to take
their heart blood pressure medications. A lot of people don't
(19:20):
have insurance. There are a lot of services available to people,
but they just don't know, so they just don't go.
So we're getting patients that are coming into the hospital very,
very sick, and we're trying to help take care of
fifty years of being untreated. So then patients they don't
do well, and then there's also that fear. Well, I'm
just going to go to the hospital and die because
(19:42):
they because they get very sick. They're very sick at
this point usually, or they feel like, no, I can't
go to the hospital because they're going.
Speaker 10 (19:49):
To find something wrong with me on purpose, you know.
Speaker 11 (19:52):
Yeah, there's a lot of fear, and I see it
every day and I will ask questions and patients kind
of look at me, and I'll tell them, look, I'm
not here to judg you. I'm here to help you
in any way I can, and I need to know
this information so I can better help you.
Speaker 10 (20:06):
And the good thing is we.
Speaker 11 (20:07):
Have our case managers on social workers that help get
them set up with resources outside of the hospital. But
it's still we still see it every day, and we
want the people in our community to know that there
are services they can use that can help They don't
have to be afraid. They can come to the hospital
and hopefully see people that look like them that can
help them, because there tends to be that fear of
(20:29):
when you don't have somebody that looks like you taking
care of you, there's a lack of trust. So it's
nice to be able to show them that there are
those resources and people that look like them that can
help them get better.
Speaker 3 (20:42):
Definitely. If you are just tuning in again, I have
aved Madia Smart. She is the president for the al
Paso Texas chapter the Links Incorporated, as well as Audrina Boven,
chair of the Health and Human Services facet for the
al Paso Texas chapter the Links Incorporated. So all of
that called do in this great event, the Black Family
(21:03):
Wellness Expo happening March fifteenth. You're talking about resources people
having this fear. Here they can explore and get information
without that fear and take charge of their health, like
you know, everyone should have the right to. So Audrina,
can you tell us a little bit more about this
Black Family Wellness Expo.
Speaker 11 (21:20):
Absolutely, so we're very excited for our Black Family Wellness Expo.
Our local event is actually part of the Links Incorporated
nationwide Black Family Wellness Expos that will be happening all
across the country on March fifteenth. So there will be
hundreds of these expos going on in different cities across
the country.
Speaker 7 (21:39):
So we're really excited to be a part of this
and our.
Speaker 11 (21:43):
Goal we would like to reduce health and economic disparities.
We also want to help save and improve lives for
the people in our community.
Speaker 10 (21:51):
That is the most important.
Speaker 11 (21:53):
Thing because there's not like we were talking about, there's
a lot of fear. They don't know a lot about
the resources they have, So we want to bring that
awareness so we can help the impact on the quality
of people's lives in our community.
Speaker 7 (22:06):
Really excited.
Speaker 11 (22:07):
This expo is for the entire family, kids to adult seniors.
Some of the issues that we will be addressing at
our Black Family Wellness Expo. We will have financial health,
sexual health, mental health awareness and resources. Kidney doctor will
be there to talk about kidney disease, dental health, The
(22:27):
Alzheimer's Association is going to be there. We have information
for caregivers. Caregiver burnout is real. We see it a lot,
so we will have a care companion company that will
help give information on respite care. Respite cares when you're
a caregiver and you want to have a break so
you have somebody else help take care.
Speaker 10 (22:49):
Of your loved one.
Speaker 7 (22:50):
So all different types of resources.
Speaker 10 (22:52):
We're also going to have a farmer's.
Speaker 11 (22:53):
Market that will be there, so we're really excited to
have the farmers market join us. Yeah, we went to
the farmer's market last Saturday. They had lots of fresh
fruit and great things for our community. And that's very
important too, the nutrition aspect of it, making sure that
we have the availability to get those fresh fruits and
veggies and we're not just getting going to the fast
(23:17):
food restaurant. So it's important for people to know where
to go for these things because they happen all over
our city, but just not a lot of people see them.
Speaker 7 (23:24):
So we're really excited to have that.
Speaker 11 (23:27):
We're going to have a mariachi group they'll be going
on first, a band that will be going on, and
then we're going to have a DJ. We're going to
have performances from a local dance studio, pro Toge, so really.
Speaker 10 (23:39):
Excited to see them perform.
Speaker 11 (23:42):
Proaction is going to have a CPR demonstration for us,
because you know, CPR very important.
Speaker 7 (23:49):
We always tell people just.
Speaker 11 (23:51):
Follow what you see on the radio or the TV
if you can just help somebody and start doing compressions
that can significantly help save their lives.
Speaker 7 (23:59):
So a lot of great vendors that will be with us.
Speaker 11 (24:02):
We will also be having a giveaway for a one
hundred dollars Walmart gift card drawing, so we're really excited.
We know that our community a family could definitely use.
Speaker 7 (24:12):
That right now with all.
Speaker 3 (24:13):
The prices, it might buy you a few carton of
eggs right now, but it's still helps exactly.
Speaker 11 (24:17):
So really excited we're going to have prices throughout and
just really wanting to bring this information to our community.
That's our biggest goal, getting that education out there.
Speaker 3 (24:28):
So again, Black Family Wellness Expo at Bassett Place March fifteenth,
that's a Saturday from twelve to four pm, open to
the public, free to the public. Now with the name
Black Family Wellness Expo, is this only for people who
are of African American descent.
Speaker 2 (24:44):
Or is it open to the public. I know that's
going to be someone's question.
Speaker 9 (24:49):
Yes, I just want to add please good to everyone
in the community, people of color.
Speaker 4 (24:56):
We are blended all over.
Speaker 9 (24:57):
So the fact that our organization centrally started by African
American women is why that part stands true. And that's
the need that was addressed and continue to be addressed.
But as a community, we are diverse and we are welcome.
And I hope I didn't interject for my dear sister.
And the other reason too, I think this is so
important is that as a culture, black people are thirty
(25:21):
percent more likely to have heart disease.
Speaker 4 (25:24):
But I'm thinking also with the fact that we are a.
Speaker 9 (25:26):
Blended population, that that also runs over into other cultures.
So we need to make sure everyone has the knowledge
and the opportunity along with the healthy options for food
and vegetable to help them on their journey.
Speaker 2 (25:41):
Okay, I love it.
Speaker 3 (25:42):
And if you've never tasted a fresh fruit or vegetable,
it is so different from buying something in the store.
Speaker 4 (25:48):
So I'm excited to go and.
Speaker 3 (25:49):
Just buy some fresh fruits and vegetables and you know
our dreamapp. Is there anything else that you would like
to tell the listening audience.
Speaker 11 (25:58):
I want to thank you for having us on and
I just really want to get this information out for
the public. Being a nurse practitioner, this is very near
and dear to my heart because I see this every
single day. I see people struggle every single day and
if we can just help a little bit, if we
can give them that resource.
Speaker 10 (26:17):
The parents that need help with.
Speaker 11 (26:18):
Their kiddos, the older adult who's struggling to take care
of their parent with Alzheimer's dementia, to know that you
have resources and there's a place to go to help
alleviate that stress.
Speaker 10 (26:31):
That's the best thing that we can do.
Speaker 11 (26:33):
So I'm so looking forward to our event and I'm
looking forward to having a great turnout from our community.
And if you see us, please feel free to stop
and ask questions. We'll be there talking more about our
organization and talking about our steam. Our Steam program we
do have monthly at a local library, so we'll be
giving information.
Speaker 7 (26:54):
It's free.
Speaker 11 (26:55):
We serve lunch to the kiddos, school age children, so
we will have a table within so that children can
join or Currently we're working on something called doctor Me
where we're actually going over everybody system and teaching students.
So we've had physicians come and help us, respiratory therap
business practitioners, they're the actually the ones coming and teaching
(27:18):
the classes. Because we also want our minority children to
know you.
Speaker 10 (27:22):
Can do anything.
Speaker 11 (27:24):
You can look like us, and you can be a doctor,
you can be a nurse practitioner, because they don't often
see that, so it's so important for us. Representation is
so important. It's important to adults, it's important to children.
So we like to show them that you can do anything.
And that's why like Ave Maria was saying, with our
steam program, we're starting young. We want them to start
(27:46):
young so they know what they want to do when
they get older and they can decide what they want
to do, but also knowing that there are options for them.
Speaker 2 (27:52):
I love that.
Speaker 3 (27:53):
And Ave Madia, is there anything else that you would
like to tell the listening audience.
Speaker 9 (27:57):
I just want to say, as a nurse many years
and my younger version of the nurse with an excelling
Nurse Practitioner title, it's a pleasure to help people to
help themselves because health is our ultimus goal. Because I
think when you're healthy, you can achieve wealth. You can
achieve that because you're feeling good, you're able to take
(28:20):
care of yourself and you're using.
Speaker 2 (28:21):
The resources that provided exactly.
Speaker 9 (28:24):
So thank you again so much, and I'm so proud
of my team member here, my chair and all the
people that will be assisting us to bring this wonderful
opportunity to the community.
Speaker 3 (28:36):
Thank you all are amazing. I'm looking forward to this event.
And again, if you want more information on the al Paso,
Texas chapter, the Links Incorporated you can find them on Instagram.
EP links one nine, seven, seven and There'll be some
links to the event there as well, and ep t
X l I n K S Inc. E p t Xlinksinc.
(28:58):
Dot org for more information. I want to thank you
both for being here with me today and I'm looking
forward to the event.
Speaker 8 (29:03):
Thank you again.
Speaker 3 (29:10):
Welcome back to the Al Paso Public Forum. I am
your host, Amberbanda with iHeart and right now I have
two bikers. They are part of the Rough Riders MC
motorcycle club. I have here Daniel Krotel Jack in the
Box is his road name. We'll explain that a little
bit later. He is the president of rough Riders MC. Daniel,
(29:31):
thank you for being here.
Speaker 4 (29:32):
With me today.
Speaker 8 (29:33):
Well, thank you so much for having me definitely.
Speaker 3 (29:36):
And we are also accompanyed by John Durham aka drop It.
He is the sergeant at arms for rough Riders MC. John,
thank you for being here with me today.
Speaker 8 (29:46):
It's my pleasure. Thank you for having us.
Speaker 3 (29:48):
Of course, so you all are not the first motorcycle
organization I've had on this show, but I always like
to explain road.
Speaker 2 (29:57):
Names to people because you know, they're.
Speaker 3 (29:59):
Jack and the b drop It. I am known by
Amber and I am known by Flex. So I'm going
to ask each of you individually. I start with the
pres Jack in the Box, how did you get your name?
Speaker 2 (30:09):
Why that name?
Speaker 12 (30:10):
Well, when I was when I first started out, I
was known for drinking a lot of red bulls, and
I was very cool, calm and collective. But when the
red bulls came out, you know, I would pop out
of nowhere and I would kind of be all.
Speaker 8 (30:29):
Over the place.
Speaker 12 (30:30):
And so that's, you know, kind of the history you
know behind that name right there, nothing too.
Speaker 8 (30:37):
Crazy about it.
Speaker 12 (30:38):
Just one minute I'm calm, the next it's out of nowhere.
Speaker 3 (30:42):
So some names are given, some names you kind of
get them your own. Mostly they're given Was that given
to you? Or did you name yourself? Jack in the Box?
Speaker 8 (30:48):
That was given to me?
Speaker 2 (30:51):
I love me? Parson was a red bull and John
drop it with two tea's.
Speaker 3 (30:57):
I'm very interested in how you got that name, because
when I think drop it, I think drop it like
it's hot, Drop a little.
Speaker 2 (31:04):
How did you get your name?
Speaker 13 (31:06):
So so typically in our world, you you you get
your road name either by doing something cool, by doing
something crazy, doing something.
Speaker 8 (31:16):
Stupid, or you know a lot of people by.
Speaker 13 (31:19):
By something that they say a lot, like something catchy
that they say a lot, So I usually like to
leave it mysterious because you know, I've been known to say, like,
drop it when people are talking about something all the time.
If there's arguments, you know, my my thing is just
(31:40):
drop it. Also when we're out doing stuff, you.
Speaker 8 (31:44):
Know, I can drop it.
Speaker 13 (31:47):
But in in our lifestyle, you know, we've never there's
always issues that happen where sometimes you might drop it,
so you never know, I like to leave it a
little bit mysterious.
Speaker 2 (32:00):
Yeah, we're just going to leave it at that. It's
a mystery.
Speaker 3 (32:04):
And so I always love to have biker organizations on here.
Of course, people people that listen to me. No, I'm
part of Guardians of the Children. We're a nonprofit a
little bit different from an MC, but we still follow
a lot of the same protocols.
Speaker 2 (32:17):
So you know, we have our names to flex.
Speaker 4 (32:21):
I just like to lift weights people.
Speaker 2 (32:23):
I was like, oh, it's meant amoun people. I just
like to lift weights.
Speaker 3 (32:25):
My first tattoo was, or one of my first was
a whereas it's a dumbbell.
Speaker 2 (32:28):
So in case.
Speaker 3 (32:29):
Anyone was wondering, but right now, what we're going to
talk about rough riders MC more bikers doing.
Speaker 2 (32:34):
Good in the community.
Speaker 3 (32:35):
And like I tell people, I've been a part of
the nonprofit world for a long time, even before I
got into Guardians of the Children in the biker world.
And y'all, if you say you're going to do something,
you're going to do it. That's that's you know, both
amazing and a little bit scary. But in this case
we're talking about good stuff. So before we get into
this event, which is going to be your twenty second
(32:55):
annual Veterans Run for the Waco chapter, can you tell
us a little bit about your other involvement the rough
Riders m see involvement in the community.
Speaker 13 (33:05):
So here in Opaso since we've been here in Opaso
since two thousand and three two thousand and four time frame,
our main focus is Veterans. We are a five oh
one c three nonprofit organization as a club, as a
whole club, and here in Opaso.
Speaker 10 (33:28):
For our chapter.
Speaker 13 (33:30):
So it's not just something that we do and say
we do, but we actually are a nonprofit organization as
a club and as a chapter. So when we say
we do things, these things, we actually do them, we
account for them, and we actually go to these organizations
(33:51):
during the first part of the year, our annual Veterans Run,
we allocate the funds for different organizations that do a
certain things.
Speaker 8 (34:02):
Later on we can talk.
Speaker 13 (34:04):
Well, so this one, we are donating money towards the
Hospice Passo, Okay, because they do things for veterans during
that the last part of their life cycle.
Speaker 2 (34:21):
That's right, like a separate veterans program.
Speaker 13 (34:24):
Yes, yeah, so that is part of what this event
is going to go towards, or the funds from this event.
Speaker 8 (34:32):
So let's get into.
Speaker 2 (34:33):
Let's get into this event. This event. It's March ninth.
Speaker 3 (34:37):
It's the twenty second, twenty second annual Veterans Run for
the Waco chapter. And like you said, all proceeds support
projects for veterans in the l Paso community. So, can
either one of you explain a run? Because here on
the show, we've had five k's, we've had bicycle events,
but this is not a run where you have to
bring out your ten is shoes.
Speaker 2 (34:58):
What does it mean when by have a run?
Speaker 12 (35:01):
Yeah, so it's not a it's not a physical event
where you have to put on your running shoes and
go run five miles. I don't think any of us
would like to do that. I definitely don't want to
do that. But you know, a run is basically a
big gathering, you know, motorcyclists and motorcycle clubs in the community,
(35:24):
and so usually you can do it at one stop
and have everybody meet there, or you can do you know,
a poker run where there's multiple stops to give a
lot of business to you know, a lot of these
places in I'll pass it because that's what we try
to do is we try to help out other businesses
(35:46):
that are kind of not necessarily struggling, but trying to
get them some exposure as well. So you can have
multiple stops where you know, first stop registration, second stop
you pick a card, third and fourth stop you have
a poker.
Speaker 8 (36:01):
Hand and so at the final stop, you know, high
hand winds or low hand winds. So it's just kind
of a fun way to do certain things.
Speaker 3 (36:09):
Yeah, and with these events, you know, it is obviously
predominantly bikers. But do you need a motorcycle to participate
in this run?
Speaker 8 (36:17):
No, not at all, absolutely not.
Speaker 13 (36:20):
Anybody can show up to the registration and register and
then go to the different points that we have things.
The way we're doing it this time, is like a
scavenger hunt. So you go to the different places and
you find the things that we have positioned hidden if
(36:41):
you will to be found. So it's kind of like
a fun way that we're doing it this year so
that you can actually, you know, do things to find things.
Speaker 12 (36:52):
You can in your car. You know, you don't need
to go on your motorcycle. You can go in your car.
You can walk there. I don't recommend it, but but
you get to these stops. By all means, we want
as many people that are able to come out and
support to come out because we.
Speaker 3 (37:09):
Can get because the main thing, again is the money
that you raised during these runs. Whether you go to
one stop, maybe want to go to the first stop
and then just go straight to the final stop because
we'll talk about a little bit about that in a minute,
because the final stop is where all the meat and
potatoes of it. If you just want to go to
one both go straight to the final stop. I've done
that before. The whole point is to raise funds, raise
(37:30):
awareness for these different projects going on for veterans.
Speaker 2 (37:35):
So and I know that a lot you know, not just.
Speaker 3 (37:40):
In the rough riders, but a lot of the bikers
have a veteran background, and I think, you know, I.
Speaker 2 (37:46):
Believe it was born.
Speaker 3 (37:47):
A lot of the mcs were born because they were
military and they raved that camaraderie and that brotherhood coming
out and that purpose. And so again, if you're a veteran,
you support the military, support veterans. This is an event
for you, whether or not you've ever been near a motorcycle.
Speaker 4 (38:03):
And so if one.
Speaker 3 (38:04):
Of you would like to explain, so how many stops
do you have? And then what is going to happen
at the final stop?
Speaker 8 (38:10):
You want me to do?
Speaker 13 (38:11):
So, we do have three thoughts. We have the registration
in about three stops where we have things that are
up around in these stops to be found. You can
take pictures of at our end stop, which is the
Yard down in Montana. Yeah, we will have some biker games, prizes,
(38:34):
raffle the music music.
Speaker 8 (38:37):
My brother here, his band's going to be playing.
Speaker 2 (38:39):
Who's been Are you in a band?
Speaker 8 (38:43):
Yes?
Speaker 2 (38:43):
Oh cool, that's going to be really neat.
Speaker 3 (38:45):
I don't think I've ever been to a run where
one of the members was online. Our own member, Fender
was in a band, but only played once. It doesn't count.
What kind of music are you guys going to play.
Speaker 12 (38:55):
We play you know, everything from eighties, nineties and two thousands,
rock and roll music, nice alternative, just some god music
to get people feeling good and having a good time.
That it's really you know, our goal is just to
bring people together with music, and so we're fortunate enough
to be able to play at you know, this event,
(39:17):
which it's going to be really fun.
Speaker 2 (39:19):
Are you guys going to feed the people?
Speaker 8 (39:21):
Absolutely, yes we will food.
Speaker 2 (39:24):
Will there be alcohol to purchase?
Speaker 8 (39:26):
The art is going to have the inside and outside
bar open for alcohol purchase.
Speaker 2 (39:33):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (39:33):
So I mean again, even if you're not a biker,
they're going to have biker games.
Speaker 4 (39:37):
I'm a biker.
Speaker 3 (39:38):
I've never participated in any of these games, but they're
fun to witness. The bands are always amazing. It's always
a good time to go and hang with your friends.
And again, if you're a biker, you're familiar with this.
If you're not, I encourage you to come out and
look and see what this world is all about. Like
I said, if you're just someone who wants to support
veterans or wants to support the community period, these events
(40:00):
are for you. It's worth coming to look and donate
and partake and have drinks and eat and again right now,
if you're just tuning in, I have Daniel Kraudell. Jack
in the Box is his road name. We explained that earlier.
If you miss it, you're going to have to click
on the podcast link and rehere. He is the president
of Rough Riders MC, as well as John Durham aka
(40:23):
drop It, Sergeant at Arms for the Rough Riders MC.
And again, I'm so surprised that you all are a
five O one C three nonprofit. I didn't think that
you could be both. I learned something new myself today
and you're having an event March ninth, the twenty second
annual Veterans Run for WACO Chapter. All proceed supporting projects
for veterans in the ol Paso community. Now, what kind
(40:45):
of projects will this be helping or what kind of
projects have has this money gone to in the past.
Speaker 13 (40:52):
So in the past, one of our major benefactors that
we were doing giving.
Speaker 8 (40:58):
Our time, our personal.
Speaker 13 (41:01):
Time, and our proceeds from our past Veterans Runs too
was actually the Ambrosio Veterans Home in the Northeast. We
were we would build projects for them. We actually made
a fountain maybe shooting rains for these guys. We made
like planters for them to make their have their own vegetables.
(41:23):
We had a fountain, full table, card table for them to.
Speaker 12 (41:28):
Have some fun basically instead of being all cooped up.
And you know, this year, my brother drop it. He
was able to kind of get in touch with the
Hospice Help Pass and what they what they do is
we've been in talks with them to basically sponsor their
coffee top, so they're going to be they take all
(41:50):
the veterans and you know, they basically just have a
gathering just where they can have some coffee, enjoy some
good conversation, feed them a little bit, and you know,
kind of just take care of them that way. You know,
make sure that they have a social life as well,
because they know there's no worse feeling than feeling like
you're alone, especially when you're going through something significant like that,
(42:13):
and so I think it's very important that you know,
we make sure, hey, you guys are not alone.
Speaker 8 (42:18):
We are here.
Speaker 12 (42:19):
So that's one of our biggest things that my brother
Jope brought to our table.
Speaker 8 (42:23):
And all of us were absolutely on board.
Speaker 3 (42:25):
Yeah, definitely, I've had Hospice on the on the show
before and again hospice. You're talking about veterans on hospice.
So if you want to support these veterans, which is
you know, this is one of the projects that where
this fund these funds are.
Speaker 2 (42:40):
Going to be allocated to.
Speaker 3 (42:41):
If you go, you go to one stop, you go
to all the stops, you go to the final side.
We just want to go stop. Hey, I can't stay,
but here's money. That is where the money is going towards.
And again, I know that you guys are going to
be using this money for the right reasons. I know
that you are going to be helping these veterans. So
anyone out there, I know that you know people are
wary of well if is my money really going to
go there?
Speaker 2 (43:01):
Yes it is, It really is.
Speaker 3 (43:03):
So and you're going to get some fun music with it.
You're going to you know, be able to help the yard.
Who the yard by the way, a lot of bikers
have their events there because they are very open to
helping the community. So you're going to be helping the yard.
You're going to be helping the community in general. And
if you want more information on Facebook, look up WACO
Chapter HUECO Chapter Rough Rider's Motorcycle Club. You can also
(43:29):
go to the l Passo Motorcycle Coalition Facebook page. Their
flyer will be posted there, and of course on Sunny
ninety nine point nine, ninety six point three, k Hay
Country and Power one oh two point one go look
for us on Instagram or Facebook. Their information will be
posted there as well. Daniel, is there anything else that
you would like to tell the listening audience?
Speaker 2 (43:49):
Or if not, can I just ask you, like, what
does this mean to you?
Speaker 3 (43:54):
Like working with the veterans, Why is it so important
to you?
Speaker 12 (43:57):
Well, first, one thing I do want to say to
everybody body listening is there's going to be a lot
of free prizes to come win. So if you like
free stuff, hey, come out, get some raffle tickets and
you know, hopefully you guys can win some fre stuff.
Speaker 8 (44:10):
We have a lot of cool prizes this year and
it's going to be great.
Speaker 12 (44:13):
But the reason, uh, this is so near near and
dear to my heart is I'm a you know, veteran myself,
just like my brother drop it, and I'm still currently
in the military serving an active duty and I you know,
it's really it's really nice to basically feel like I'm
accomplishing something by helping out other veterans that are you know,
(44:33):
maybe not in the best position, or maybe have lost
it away a little bit, or you know, just feeling
like nobody's out there for that. And this is kind
of what we do, is we bring awareness that hey,
there are bets out here. There's a bunch of homeless bets.
The homos shelters are cool. You know, we feed them,
We you know, try to give them everything we can.
And that's why it's so important that we raise this
(44:54):
money so that we can help as many veterans as
we can. And it's very it's very important to me,
especially coming from a military background. You know, we help
as many as we can, especially where the veterans suicide
rate going up every day, and that's that's why this
is very very important.
Speaker 8 (45:15):
You know, we need help to be able to reach
out to these You.
Speaker 3 (45:19):
See it, you're doing it, you're living it. Thank you
for your service. And John, same question, why is this
so important to you and is there anything else that
you would like to tell the listening audience.
Speaker 13 (45:30):
Well, I retired from the army, so this is important
for me because you know, I am a veteran. I
have been there where I needed help one I needed help.
So now I am in a position where I can
be that that help for someone else. That's my driving
force to be able to be that help for someone else.
Speaker 8 (45:52):
You know.
Speaker 7 (45:52):
My chapter.
Speaker 13 (45:53):
Our chapter does two events a year, our annual Veterans Run,
where we pick an organization every year to help, and
in our Turkey Run, where we're always raising money to
give turkeys to some of the local shelters and then
to veterans. This past year we made sure that a
(46:13):
lot of it went towards veterans, but then we also
still helped some of the shelters that we do and
some of those always go back into the motorcycle community
that go you know, you know where they go because
some of them go to the guardians of the children.
But this past year we were able to help some
of the veterans that were in Veterans' Court and some
of the some of the soldiers that were in the
(46:36):
unit that was on the border. And for this coming year,
I've actually been working with Operation Home Front. We're going
to be able to make a bigger impact of this
coming year. I've been working on this for about six months.
Speaker 3 (46:48):
You make sure to contact me when it's time to
talk about that. I'd love to have you guys back
on again. Thank you both for your service, thank you
for what you're doing for the veteran community, what you're
doing with the biker community. I'm very grateful to have
had you on and thank you both for being here.
Speaker 4 (47:03):
With me today.
Speaker 8 (47:04):
Thank you, thank you for having us.
Speaker 1 (47:06):
You've been listening to El Paso Public Forum, a weekly
public affairs presentation of iHeartRadio El Paso. If you, your
organization or event would like to be featured on an
upcoming program, please email to Epforum at iHeartMedia dot com
or call us at nine one five three five one
five four zero zero. Tune in again next week for
(47:26):
another additional of El Paso Public Forum. The preceding program
was recorded at the studios of iHeartRadio El Paso.
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