On Saturday, October 14, 2023, AAMA – the Association for the Advancement of Mexican Americans – will celebrate its annual Illumine Gala at The Ballroom at Bayou Place from 6:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. The Illumine Gala is AAMA’s largest fundraising event of the year, and supports the legacy nonprofit organization’s year-round programs and services, which include early child care services, two public charter schools in Houston, prevention and counseling services, adult and opportunity youth learning programs, community engagement services, and much more, across the Lone Star State. Each year, more than 10,000 individuals across the state are served by AAMA.

“This is a critical time for our region. Families are struggling to make ends meet, and to make the most of local resources. When they come to AAMA for support, they know they will not only find access to resources – but more than that, also opportunity. And hope,” said Daisy Morales, interim CEO at AAMA. “The Illumine Gala and our other fundraising efforts throughout the year make this possible. We are very fortunate that our Houston region is very generous. Yet, we also know that families now are also needing more support than before.”

The Illumine Gala, this year, is chaired by Board Member Misha McClure and Roderick McClure, as well as Sineria Ordoñez.

AAMA was founded in 1970 here in Houston’s East End, and is a leading nonprofit organization in Texas working with Latino families to achieve financial security, well-being, and self-actualization through its programs and services. During and since the global pandemic AAMA has experienced an increase in the demand for its services. Most recently, the nonprofit organization has expanded its services to meet that demand by increasing its mental health support capabilities, as well as its education and wraparound services for student families.

“I am incredibly proud and excited to rally our community together in support of such a worthy cause and organization in AAMA,” shared Gala Chair Misha McClure. “The Illumine Gala is a great way to give back and to make an impact right here in our community where it is needed most. The work AAMA is doing is impacting lives for the better, and making a true difference in the quality of life for so many in our region.”

McClure is also director of external affairs for Comcast in the Houston region. Her husband and Co-Chair, Roderick is the founder and CEO of Nationwide Remarketing South. Ordoñez is Vice President of National Hispanic Business Development for Comerica Bank.

The celebratory event will take place at The Ballroom at Bayou Place, located at 500 Texas Ave., Houston, TX 77002. The evening is set to begin at 6:30 p.m. with a reception, and will include a silent and live auction, dinner, dancing, and more. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

To register or to sponsor this important fundraising event visit https://www.aama.org/illumine-gala-2023/. For more information, contact (713) 967-6700.