Mission, Texas (December 18, 2024) — Rick Venecia, CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Mission and a proud Mission CISD alumnus, is celebrating a season of generosity and hope with the organization’s remarkable holiday achievements.
A Holiday Season of Generosity
This year, the Boys and Girls Club has received over $5,000 in monetary donations and more than 500 gifts for their annual toy drive, ensuring a joyful holiday for children in the Mission community.
“Growing up, it was just me, my mom, and my sister. My mom was our rock,” said Venecia. “She was an educator here in Mission for over 30 years and taught us that hard work and determination are the keys to achieving your dreams.”
These values have been the cornerstone of his leadership at the Boys and Girls Club, where he strives to inspire the same sense of resilience and community in the children he serves.
Carrying the Spirit of Mission CISD
Venecia, who graduated from Mission High School in 1992, cherishes the strong bonds formed during his time in Mission CISD schools. “I went to Pearson Elementary, Mission Junior High, and Mission High School. The friendships I made during those years have lasted a lifetime. The City of Mission and Mission CISD have created a true family, and that sense of connection is something I’ve carried with me throughout my life.”
The Boys and Girls Club of Mission holds a special place in Venecia’s heart. Not only was it his first job after high school, but he was also one of the Club’s first members in 1987. “Now being the CEO of the place I grew up in is a dream come true,” he said. “Seeing the kids’ smiles every day makes my heart smile.”
In partnership with Mission CISD, the Club continues to provide essential support to the community. Mission CISD supplies 80 meals daily for the children at the Boys and Girls Club, ensuring that every child has access to a nutritious meal.
A Season of Reflection and Resilience
Venecia’s personal journey is one of resilience and gratitude. After surviving a Widowmaker heart attack in 2019 and being diagnosed with congestive heart failure, he found a renewed purpose in his work.
“I realized I’m here for a reason,” he said. “Ten months after my heart attack, I started working at the Club again, knowing that together we can overcome any struggle. Especially during the holidays, we want to give kids the chance to believe in Santa and escape the everyday challenges of life.”
For Venecia, the holidays embody the spirit of giving and community. “Seeing families embrace each other and share love gives me hope,” he said. “Mission CISD taught me the value of community, and I’m grateful for the support they continue to provide to the Boys and Girls Club.”
As the holiday season unfolds, Venecia and the Boys and Girls Club of Mission remind the community of the importance of unity and compassion. “If you see someone struggling, help them out in whatever way you can,” he urged. “That’s the beauty of a place like Mission and Mission CISD—we’re all one big family.”
For more information about the Boys and Girls Club of Mission or how to contribute to their programs, please contact Rick Venecia at (956) 585-3606.