TSC Lotería brings community together for good cause

 February 23 – Unique lotería cards celebrating Texas Southmost College’s (TSC) rich history were the main attraction at TSC Lotería held at the Jacob Brown Auditorium.

Community members showed up early and ready to get their hands on the cards featuring images associated with TSC’s historic past. Even the chips used to play TSC Lotería featured the school’s logo commemorating its 100th anniversary.

“Last year, we knew the 100th celebration was coming up, and we wanted to touch every part of the community,” said Adela Garza, TSC Foundation Secretary and TSC Board of Trustees Chairwoman. “This is where the fun is. I think it’s more than the prizes. I think it’s the camaraderie, getting together with your comadre, and getting together with your family.”

“It took the creativity of all the staff,” said Norma Hinojosa, TSC Foundation Board Chairwoman. We had so much involvement, and that’s what made it so exciting to put this on for the community.”

The TSC Foundation organized the event as part of TSC’s centennial celebrations.

“There is actually a lot of work that goes into organizing any type of lotería, this one even more so,” said Roy De Los Santos, a former TSC Foundation Chairman who served as the event’s master of ceremonies. “The card being played with today is an original design specifically for Texas Southmost College because we are celebrating our centennial. These had to be designed from scratch and sent off to a printer to bring back.”

Winners were easily identified when they alerted fellow participants of their winning cards by saying traditional phrases such as lotería and bingo. Participants could play with up to six cards. Guests could choose from a variety of options, beginning with two cards for $10.

“I had the pleasure of serving on that board for multiple years, where we’ve grown the endowment significantly from $9 million to $13 million today,” De Los Santos said. “These monies are invested, and profits made from interests and dividends that are paid go to fund scholarships for students at Texas Southmost College.”

More than 300 guests took part in TSC Lotería, including Brownsville resident Esther Villafranca Yañez, who was thrilled to win a camping chair. Villafranca showed up to the event with friends from her health club.

“I’m happy because I never win anything,” Villafranca Yañez said. “At my age, I’m very happy to be here.”

The Brownsville resident has close ties to TSC. Villafranca Yañez and her four children attended the school.

While some guests, like Villafranca Yañez, walked away with prizes, everyone in attendance had a chance to walk away with something. Guests were given shirts celebrating the event upon entering the auditorium. Other guests showed up in festive Charro Days-themed attire.

“I can’t think of a better way, right, to celebrate Charro Days, and at the same time open the doors and make sure the community has an opportunity to come and play a game we’ve played our entire lives,” said Edward Camarillo, TSC Board Trustee.

“It’s amazing that we are showcasing in our lotería cards everything TSC has done for the past 100 years,” added Alejandra Aldrete, TSC Board Trustee.

TSC will continue to celebrate its 100^th anniversary with more events throughout the year. On March 28, TSC will host its Historic Run and Half Marathon. Runners of all ages are invited to participate in the 5K race and the half-marathon. Runners can sign up for the event by visiting https://www.tsc.edu/alumni/tsc-historic-run-half-marathon/.