by Sarah Warburton

In the spirit of “Cultural Pride’, the Fort Bend Hispanic Heritage Forum embraces all Hispanos by instilling pride and respect for the rights of people everywhere. President Joe Vera says, “We’re a Rosenberg-based, county wide, 501(c)(3), non-profit/non-partisan corporation founded in 2005. Everyone on our team–including our treasurer Lupe A. Uresti (a former mayor) and our secretary Janie G. Warstler (a former City Councilwoman)–works hard to help area students receive scholarships. Over the last seven years we’re proud to say we’ve raised $65,000 for over 60 college-bound recipients…and Classic Chevy Sugar Land has made a huge difference to our efforts!”

“Ray Aguilar invited me to meet with the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce…and he raved about Classic Chevy Sugar Land and its owner, Don Kerstetter. When I met with Don to talk about the scholarships, he spoke very frankly about his own experience growing up and the passion and commitment it took for him to get an education. Then he looked me in the eye and asked, “How many scholarships did you award last year?” “We had 35 applicants,” I told him, “but we only had enough money for 20 scholarships.” What about the other 15?” he asked. “Well,” I said, “we weren’t able to give them anything.” Then Don leaned forward and said, “From now on, you go ahead and award scholarships to everyone who deserves one…and we’ll make sure you have enough money to fund them all.”

“With the help of Classic Chevy Sugar Land, last year we awarded 30 scholarships to students from FBISD, Lamar Consolidated ISD, and part of Wharton. Don and his team have been wonderful sponsors of our two major annual events: Cinco de Mayo and Fiesta Patrias, both held in Rosenberg with mariachi music, food, arts and crafts for sale, and family fun!”

“Since we’re a non-profit staffed only by volunteers, we can always use more help from community sponsors like Classic Chevy Sugar Land. Visit us at www.hispanicheritageforum.org or on Facebook for information about sponsoring a scholarship or contributing to our established scholarship fund,  attending or helping with our upcoming events, or applying for a scholarship (the deadline is the 2nd Saturday in May).”

“Around the beginning of October, Don offered me a position in the service department of Classic Chevy Sugar Land. He and David Alexander, the Service Director, wanted to have someone to welcome people, find out their needs, and escort them to an available service adviser. I’m always walking around with a smile and I love getting to know people…so this is the perfect job to get me out of retirement!”

Don Kerstetter, owner of Classic Chevy Sugar Land  says, “Whether Joe’s greeting you in our service department or encouraging young people to pursue their educational dreams…he exemplifies the friendly community spirit of Classic Chevy Sugar Land. Come to see us for sales or service…and enjoy the difference!”

Classic Chevy Sugar Land
13115 Southwest Freeway,
Sugar Land, TX 77478
281-491-9000
www.classicchevysugarland.com